HCPSS Hosts Cultural Proficiency Conference

June 29th, 2016

Howard County Superintendent Dr. Renee A. Foose announced this morning the expansion of the new Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) cultural proficiency model—“Student Voice for Inclusion and Equity”—before nearly 300 staff members and high school students attending a first-of-its-kind HCPSS Cultural Proficiency Conference, being held today and tomorrow at Atholton High School.

“Student Voice is one of the most powerful tools we can leverage in building school environments based on mutual understanding and respect,” Dr. Foose said. “This model is an important step forward in translating our vision of excellence with equity into positive action and results.”

The two-day professional learning opportunity brings educators together with students to share and explore techniques for providing an inclusive, equitable schools and learning environments. The theme of the conference is “Student Voice—An Instrument for Inclusion and Equity”

Learn more about Student Voice circles

The new model will become part of the educational environment in every Howard County elementary, middle and high school. Conference attendees are preparing to introduce the model to staff and students in their schools during the 2016–2017 school year. The initiative was explored more deeply in small group discussions throughout the conference covering topics such as partnering with students for school improvement, classroom instruction to amplify student voice, and cultural proficiency curriculum and instruction.

Students from Mount Hebron High School will participate in an “In Their Voices” panel discussion tomorrow about their motivations and actions to elevate student voices, deepen the understanding of student perspectives in their school, and increase students’ role in school leadership.

Participants are sharing highlights from the conference on Twitter using hashtag #HoCoVoice.