Dear District 97 Families,
In District 97, we believe that education is the most valuable tool to dismantle racism and create a more inclusive and equitable society. We consistently work to uphold our Racial and Educational Equity Policy by prioritizing culturally-responsive teaching and ensuring that all students feel welcome and respected in our schools.
To support these goals, our district took the important step of designing and implementing inclusive and anti-racist curriculum and instruction, aligned to the Learning for Justice Social Justice Standards as well as the Illinois Instructional Mandates. Through age-appropriate materials and lessons, this curriculum seeks to reduce bias, support understanding and appreciation of race and ethnicity, religion, ability, class, immigration, gender and sexual identity, bullying and bias, and rights and activism. These Learning for Justice topics contribute to the uniqueness of each student and staff member and provide opportunities for critical analysis of race and bias in the United States and around the world.
At the Elementary Schools, your student(s) will…
Engage in lessons and texts focusing on the four Learning for Justice domains:
- Identity - encouraging students to understand their own identity as well as the identities of others
- Diversity - learning on the five common characteristics of a classroom (listening, respect, humility, voice and trust) based on shared inquiry and dialogue
- Justice - understanding that a just society is a combination of fairness and opportunity for all
- Action - taking “action” to honor and celebrate identity, diversity, and justice
At the Middle Schools, your student(s) will…
- Engage in deep inquiry around the four Learning for Justice domains (Identity, Diversity, Justice and Action) through thoughtfully designed units
- Have voice and choice over texts and topics of interest to enhance understanding of the content
- Be given the opportunity to apply their learning through meaningfully designed and thoughtfully carried out projects
If you have any questions about your child’s curriculum, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their school via Let’s Talk. Thank you for your partnership in this important work that supports students in growing into their role as global citizens in our diverse democracy.
Sincerely,
District 97 Core Instruction Department