IPS, replicate schools that close the gap

While I can’t speak for every parent who helped draft the “Parent Vision for a More Just and Equitable IPS” with me, I can tell you that I continue to show up at IPS board meetings because I would like to be hopeful. I want to believe there is a future IPS that is filled with high-quality schools that are proving our kids are capable of being challenged, of not only meeting the standards—but exceeding them. An IPS where all our schools close the opportunity gaps.

I know IPS is planning some big changes and I appreciate those changes includes replication. I want to make sure that by replication, the district plans to grow schools and programs that close the opportunity gap. I don’t believe the choice of which schools to replicate should be based on popularity.

The data parents like me have been requesting is about making sure schools that are replicated are data-proven and working for all kids –including Black and Brown children and low-income children.

The IPS plan does not yet address this. Join me in asking IPS leaders to update their Rebuilding Stronger plan. The measure to replicate schools should not be based on the demand for a school. It should be based on schools of all types that are data-proven to close the opportunity gap.

If the time comes when one of my kids struggles, I want them to be given what they need—the supports to help them. If kids are doing well academically, they grow up to have more options –they grow up to be successful.

I’m passionate about this because our children’s education today is about their futures tomorrow –all our futures tomorrow. Please join me. Ask IPS leaders to grow schools that work, schools of all types that align with their goals to close the opportunity gap, even if they don’t already exist in the district.

One of my children attends IPS and I want to be able to send my son there when he is of age, but I also want to know I can send him to a school that closes the opportunity gap. To me, that is the best way to show we care about these kids and their futures.

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