Equity and Cultural Competency

At the beginning or the school year, our Media Technology Advisory Committee (MTAC) assessed our Library Media program using WakeForward's self reflection tool. Based on the results, we chose Equity & Cultural Competency as our focus objective for the 2018 - 2019 school year. This objective directly supports our School Improvement Plan's purpose of improving achievement and outcomes for every student by working to eliminate the ability to predict achievement based on socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity.

What is Equity and Cultural Competency and how does it relate to Underwood's Library Media program?

According to WCPSS's initiative, WakeForward, "A strong school library program displays a commitment to inclusiveness and respect for diversity that is embodied in its policies, instruction, programming, materials, and pedagogy. This includes ensuring access, amplifying historically marginalized voices, and promoting literature and informational texts that reflect the lives, experiences, and interests of all students." (from Defining a Strong School Library Program)

Our MTAC has identified the following objectives:

Expected Outcome #1 Over the course of the 18/19 academic year, a collection analysis and equity audit of our collection will be completed. Based on this audit, our collection management plan will be updated and modified as needed to increase representation in specific areas.  

Expected Outcome #2 Over the course of the 18/19 academic year, our media program will integrate strategies learned by attending Beyond Diversity specific Convergence sessions, and specific NCTIES sessions into the student instructional experience while also leveraging the resources that are added as a result of the equity audit of our collection.

Expected Outcome #3 Over the course of the 18/19 academic year, our media program will evaluate accessibility of all resources - to include books, digital resources, and technology devices - for all students and families. Circulation data and media center use data will be utilized to assess equitable access to our resources, both at school and at home.

For more information on Equity & Cultural Competency at Underwood, please see our Library Media Program Portfolio.

If you are interested in supporting this initiative, please consider the following and contact Andrea (atrowell@wcpss.net) to help out…

• Joining Underwood’s MTAC. Our next meeting is Thursday, January 24 at 7:45am.
• Assisting with our upcoming Diversity Audit. We will be walking through and evaluating each title in our library. This commitment has flexible hours during the months of January and February.