The current events have ignited and set forth an urgent call to action for SMMUSD staff and educators to implement an anti-racist curriculum. SMMUSD goals are grounded on educating socially-just and culturally-responsive individuals.

As the district staff begins to develop a resource of lessons and activities for in-class use, parents and families may choose to address and engage in difficult and challenging conversations related to the current events related to the killing of George Floyd and the protests that followed. In support of families, we have compiled some resources that families may choose to access in order to support discussions related to racism, systemic oppression and the Black Lives Matter movement.

What is anti-racism?
Anti-racism includes beliefs, actions, movements, and policies adopted or developed to oppose racism.

Superintendent's Message: Commitment to Anti-Racism, July 23, 2020
Mensaje del Superintendente: Compromiso con el antirracismo, 23 de julio de 2020

BACKGROUND

The SMMUSD has adopted a three-pronged approach towards Excellence through Equity. This approach consists of:

1. Creating a culture of shared accountability through a systems approach;
   
   
2. Teaching cross-cultural and socio-emotional skills; and, 
   
   
3. Engaging in constant self-reflection around issues of equity.

This three-pronged approach informs the overarching goals articulated in the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and school-site-level School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSAs). The goals are as follows:

Goal 1: All graduates are socially just and ready for college and careers.

Goal 2: English Learners will become proficient in English while engaging in a rigorous, culturally and linguistically responsive, standards-aligned core curriculum.

Goal 3: All students and families engage in safe, well-maintained schools that are culturally responsive and conducive to 21st century learning.

The Excellence through Equity work is informed by the Dr. Pedro Noguera Report: The Current State of Equity and Opportunities to Learn in SMMUSD: Findings and Recommendations.

SMMUSD initiatives that have supported anti-racist practices include:

• Matrix of Bias
  
  
• Restorative Justice Training
  
  
• Social Justice Standards implementation