Author: West Wind

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Join us in celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day! Today, our nation acknowledges the great triumphs, beauty, and resiliency of Indigenous people while also recognizing the systemic harm and marginalization that Indigenous people have faced over the past few centuries. We hope you take today to educate yourself on Indigenous organizations, authors, leaders, and issues. Follow the links below to donate to amazing organizations for Indigenous people, led by Indigenous people. 

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West Wind Education Policy and the Creative Corridor Center for Equity Announce the Iowa Conference on Diversity Trainings

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West Wind Education Policy and the Creative Corridor Center for Equity (C3E) will host the virtual Iowa Conference on Diversity Trainings on July 14, 2021, from 12:30-4:30 pm. The conference will engage participants in discussions of ways to provide trainings and lead systemic change initiatives, in light of the new state law that addresses the scope of diversity trainings.

The conference is not designed to provide legal advice but rather is an opportunity for colleagues from PK-12 education, higher education, human and social services, public health and health care, philanthropy, nonprofits, government agencies — truly anyone who sponsors, delivers, or researches diversity trainings — to share insights, strategize, and collaborate to keep equity at the center of our work.

Continue reading “West Wind Education Policy and the Creative Corridor Center for Equity Announce the Iowa Conference on Diversity Trainings”

19 Essential Books to Understand Race and Equity in Schools

Reading Time: 3 minutes

By Isaiah McGee

Many educators have been asking what they can read to better understand race, racism, and its impact on schools and the classroom. I compiled a list of 19 essential books that can help educators not only better understand the elusive, pervasive, and persistent impact of race on schools, but also provide them with skills to challenge and mitigate its influence and provide marginalized students, especially Black students, the best learning environment and experience.
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In Solidarity

In Solidarity

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West Wind Education Policy is committed to disrupting historic and persistent inequities. We are deeply disturbed by the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others, as well as the ongoing violence toward the bodies and spirit of people of color.

We join the protests against the institutional, ideological, internalized, and interpersonal systems of oppression that have made this a centuries-long struggle here in the United States.

(For information about the Four I’s of Oppression, see https://bit.ly/3cynRQt and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WWyVRo4Uas.)

Thank you, Abigail!

Thank you, Abigail!

Reading Time: 2 minutes

After a few busy months, University of Iowa Graduate Student Abigail (Abi) Lippert’s time at West Wind has drawn to a close. Abigail worked on a multitude of projects during her semester of practicum at West Wind, and we’re excited to see where she goes next.

Originally from Mediapolis, Iowa, Abigail came to Iowa City to pursue her undergraduate degree. Her initial goal was to become a doctor, but she found herself drawn to psychology and social work as she explored how she could best impact the social injustices she saw around her. “Once I got into psychology, I started learning a lot about supporting students and individuals who have different abilities,” she said.  Continue reading “Thank you, Abigail!”

Our Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Our Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

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The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way we work, think, and educate. 

Throughout this time, West Wind has been busy supporting our partners and clients to keep our work focused on equity and safety. Like many crises, this pandemic has further shown the great racial disparities in the U.S. with regard to living conditions, patterns of employment, work circumstances, underlying health conditions, and access to responsive health care. We will continue to prioritize safety and equity. We are honored to spend time talking with, supporting, and learning from our colleagues as we all navigate through the response to the pandemic.   

To read more about the issues we are working on around equity and responses to the pandemic, please visit our blog at the Educational Equity Resources Portal titled Racial Equity, COVID-19, and Our Schools.  

In the coming months, we will share several of our guidance documents free of charge; jump into our Educational Equity Resources Portal and filter.

Senior Policy Analyst, Deb Hansen, Retires

Senior Policy Analyst, Deb Hansen, Retires

Reading Time: 3 minutes
Enjoy your well-earned retirement, Deb!
Enjoy your well-earned retirement, Deb!

This month the team at West Wind Education Policy is proudly celebrating the career of our own Deb Hansen. It has been an honor for all of us to share the capstone years of her career. During the past four years, Deb has lent her wisdom and experience to West Wind: she has been an expert adviser on an array of education policy issues; a guide to new employees entering the field; and a knowledgeable, passionate, and considerate colleague to all of us.

Her dedication and quest to understand new developments, grow her own knowledge, and challenge her own ideas have changed the way we work at West Wind. Deb understands and appreciates how hard deep inquiry can be and she approaches projects carefully and with consideration. Yet, even in the face of difficult change, she never lowers her standards. Her poise, determination, and empathy make her an invaluable colleague and a great friend to have in your corner. Continue reading “Senior Policy Analyst, Deb Hansen, Retires”

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