There can't be equality until equity is achieved. Self-awareness and understanding of where systemic and institutionalized bias exists is the launch point. The United Way of Washtenaw County is about to kick off another 21-Day Equity Challenge, and its aim is to create recognition and awareness and provide a foundation for change. Naomi Norman is interim superintendent of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the benefits to public education and the people it serves.
WEMU has partnered with the United Way of Washtenaw County to explore the people, organizations, and institutions creating opportunity and equity in our area. And, as part of this ongoing series, you’ll also hear from the people benefiting and growing from the investments being made in the areas of our community where there are gaps in available services. It is a community voice. It is 'Washtenaw United.'
ABOUT NAOMI NORMAN:
Naomi Norman is the Interim Superintendent of Washtenaw ISD, a regional service agency serving the nine public school districts, public school academies and over 46,000 students in Washtenaw County. She also serves as the chair of the Governor’s PreK-12 Literacy Commission. Her career has focused on addressing systemic inequities – first through creating professional learning systems for educators that reach every school building and more recently by focusing on the shifts needed to ensure educational justice for all students, especially for children of color, children in poverty, and children with disabilities.
RESOURCES:
Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD)
WISD Professional Development Opportunities for Educators
UWWC STATEMENT:
UWWC has been partnering with WISD since as early as 2014, bringing their mission and vision to action through continuous improvement of achievement for every student. WISD provides high quality services through their leadership, innovation, and collaboration. Throughout the years, UWWC has invested in projects such as the Parents as Teachers program, Cradle to Career Initiative, Early Head Start programming, Trusted Advisors for Success by 6 Great Start Collaborative, and, most recently, Washtenaw My Brother’s Keeper.
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— David Fair is the WEMU News Director and host of Morning Edition on WEMU. You can contact David at 734.487.3363, on twitter @DavidFairWEMU, or email him atdfair@emich.edu
