I had the opportunity to speak with Langston Evans of the Madison Metropolitan Schools District the other day about increasing equity in schools. Langston works with the AVID program (Advancement Via Individual Determination) that operates throughout the US. The difference in Madison is that they have partnered with the Boys and Girls Club to increase the coaching and support for students who are thinking of entering college and to those who are in college.
I really liked how he talked about the ways to increased equity are about changing how schools do business. It is about both culture and academics. Without a shift in both, no change will occur.
If you are looking for more information about the program, check out the National AVID website or Madison AVID website.
Corey Haley 