Questions from the field: the Elephant in the Room

Recently I presented a workshop at three different locations across the state of Pennsylvania.  I was introducing the NEIR model© and the idea of equitable learning environments© as defined by the STEM Equity Initiative and our work in the field.

For the first two days, I tried to engage my audience and encouraged them to ask questions. Sadly, few people felt comfortable enough in the one-day workshop to ask questions.

By day three I decided to set up a large stuffed elephant, give everyone a Post-It note and ask them to post any question they had. I received 29 notes in a room of about 80 people. I was able to answer two questions before time ran out.

I realized in looking at the questions that each one would take significant time to answer. Further, the questions represented the need the individual had for information and understanding related to race, gender, and equity broadly that the individual may have been uncomfortable asking.

The solution it seemed to me was in using the STEM Equity Initiative blog to answer the questions asked of the elephant in the room. (By the way, Agnes is the name of my stuffed elephant.) This may mean one question per week or multiple similar (or simpler) questions addressed each week.

I also welcome comments and suggestions to open the discussion. I do not claim to have all the answers. I only offer my perspective based on years of listening, reading, and learning about the barriers experienced by students and educators in schools and classrooms. My hope is that you, dear reader, will contribute to the discussion as we try to improve educational access and equity in STEM and CTE for all students.

OCTOBER 22, 2019