The Power of Student Voice

...with Compton Early College High School Students

There is something powerful about student voice, as seemingly the entire world witnessed in the aftermath of the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. In authentic expressions of solidarity and collective action, students around the U.S. (as well as outside the U.S.) protested, walked out, sat in, held assemblies, shared stories, and called for change on March 14. 

In Compton Unified, we asked student leaders on each of our four high school campuses what they wanted to plan for that day. In concert with several other schools, our students organized thoughtful and inspiring assemblies that engaged the school community in dialogue, solidarity and a time of remembrance for the victims in Florida. They also reflected on their own personal experiences of losing friends and loved ones to gun violence. Middle school students followed suit, with assemblies and discussions to engage students in positive and peaceful dialogue.  

I must admit…

The phrase “walk out” can be intimidating, though there was no real talk of walk outs by our own students. As a superintendent, one can become flooded with concerns related to student safety, maintaining order, and minimizing disruptions related to instruction.

But this day was different. It was needed and it was important. So instead, we turned our focus to ensuring everything done that day, from a district perspective, remained steadfast in our commitment to protect both student safety and student voice. That meant honoring their decisions related to however they planned to observe that day. 

The result was a powerful and positive expression of student voice and consciousness that spoke volumes about the bright and compassionate students we have within our district and around the country. Many Compton Unified School District Teachers and administrators also joined in walking, sharing, standing in solidarity and commemorating for seventeen minutes to honor each of persons lost on that tragic day at Stoneman Douglas High School.

I did as well. As did Board Members.

It enabled us to lock arms with the very students we have been entrusted to educate and serve. It enabled us to listen and learn from their collective experiences. We were able to hear first-hand how they have been impacted by tragic events in their lives, and communities, as well as what makes them feel safe in their schools.

I encourage our students, parents, teachers and staff to continue uplifting and encouraging student expression and their involvement in civic issues. We at CUSD endeavor to foster students who are great learners and exceptional citizens that will contribute positively in the world. I believe our support of student voice can happen in both small, every day interactions, as well as huge impactful moments, such as on March 14. 

Here’s to the power of student voice. Give it a safe space and it can change the world.

Why Celebrate Black History Month?

This past Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting, Board Members unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the month of February, 2018 as Black History Month. More importantly, the Board, through the Resolution, called on all schools to commemorate the month by incorporating in instructional activities, the recognition of the contributions of African Americans. 

But why do this EVERY year? Doesn’t Black History Month automatically take place every year in February? Why spend time on a formal resolution stating such?

The key lies in the word “resolved,” which in this context means “to declare.” The celebration and acknowledgement of the valuable contributions of African Americans throughout history, despite the struggles they had to face and the challenges they had to overcome, are absolutely important for us all to mark, to learn from and to DECLARE important to acknowledge.

This declaration prevents us from taking these contributions for granted and allowing them to fade off the pages of history. This declaration causes us to pay attention to black history in a way that will hopefully inspire us all to make our own unique and powerful impact in this world in spite of any challenges we may face.

This point is particularly poignant for Compton Unified School District, which has emerged from past struggles to now being a district where students are graduating and applying to college at historical rates; where students are using robotics to develop innovative solutions to world problems; where 21st CenturySkills are being taught by talented and passionate instructors, and where students have the opportunity to earn their high school and college diploma at the same time.

So yes, we must be resolved, be determined, to celebrate and commemorate Black History month…and we shall! There are activities happening throughout Compton Unified’s school campuses where the contributions of African Americans will be center-stage. I invite you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to celebrate with us and spread the word that Compton Unified School District is a district committed to celebrating the entirety of all cultures represented in the district.

I also invite you to join us in our resolve (language from CUSD Board of Trustees Resolution below) to recognize, honor and never forget:

“WHEREAS, Americans of African descent helped develop our nation in countless ways, those recognized, unrecognized and unrecorded;

WHEREAS, African-American history reflects a determined spirit of perseverance and cultural pride in its struggle to equally share in the opportunities of a nation founded upon the principles of freedom and liberty for all people;

WHEREAS, in 1976, Black History month was established as a month-long celebration to reflect on the history, teachings, and achievements of African-Americans;

WHEREAS, the history and contributions of African-American citizens have consistently been overlooked, misinterpreted, and undervalued in the curriculum of public education institutions prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and

WHEREAS, the History-Social Science Framework for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve states that the history curriculum of community, state, region, nation, and world must reflect the experiences of men and women of different racial, religious, and ethnic groups and must be integrated at every level; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Compton Unified School District’s Board of Trustees proclaims the month of February 2018 as African-American History Month and encourages all Compton Unified schools to commemorate this occasion with appropriate instructional activities.”