Equity

All students deserve equal opportunity to achieve success. I'm sure no one will disagree with this statement, but the reality is that not all of our students are receiving equal opportunity. Students from non-dominant groups receive less funding per student in our state (Arroyo, 2006), are taught by less experienced teachers, and are held to lower expectations (Gandara and Contreras, 2009). It is unfortunate but true. In Denver Public Schools there are many teachers, administrators, students, and parents who are working very hard to change this, but we need more help. I urge you to seek equity in your community and work to ensure that all students are given equal opportunity. Most of my students are classified into non-dominant groups, and most of my students are finding success not afforded to peers in other schools. But...we still need more help to increase their chance at equal opportunity. We need your help and support. Please go to an underserved school in your comunity tomorrow and build a quality relationship with a student and give them the opportunities they deserve. In case it wasn't repeated enough...we need your help. :) I hope to see you in our schools soon.