Equitable Schools Design Challenge

 Give students the opportunity to redesign their schools to be more equitable. We will show you how!

“Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets,” writes scholar and author Dr. W. Edwards Deming. When we apply that logic to our schools, we see an education system that was successfully designed to produce inequitable outcomes. This is not a surprise to most educators or students, but it is a challenge that must be tackled.

In Construct’s Equitable Schools Design Challenge…

Students

  • Work in teams while thinking critically and creatively

  • Investigate the problem from a systems lens

  • Connect with real people working on the issue of DEI

  • Create new ways to improve the school experience for marginalized communities

Teachers

  • Learn how to use design thinking as a problem solving framework

  • Create a unique, student-centered, real world learning experience 

  • Grow your understanding of design and project based learning

  • Celebrate student learning, creativity, voice, and agency

In Every Design Challenge We Provide:

For Teachers:

- Pre-Challenge Training (how to run an Equity Centered Design Challenge)

- Handbook with: Design Toolkit, Facilitator Guide, and Slide Decks

- Pacing Calendar and Coaching Sessions at each step of the Design Challenge

For All Participants:

- Kick off event with Thought Leaders

- Industry mentors to inspire student innovation process

- Student Pitch Event with prizes, awards, and recognition of new creations

Meet Your Design Challenge Facilitators

ERIN BRAY is an ardent change-maker, committed to shifting education towards equitable and joyous deeper learning experiences for all. A veteran public high school teacher and liberatory designer, Erin brings a unique bag of tricks to support teachers as they cultivate their equity-centered design skills.

 

MICHELLE GAITHER is a passionate advocate for student-led learning. Her career in education focuses on centering students who are furthest from the opportunities of our system. In addition to her work with Construct, Michelle also consults with educators and organizations on trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approaches when working with youth.

“The Equitable Schools Design Challenge was a great opportunity for our students especially during COVID.”

—MOLLY OUCHE, Principal of Parkrose High school

Equitable Schools Design Teams Have Surfaced:

 

How might we improve the experience for Black students at our school?

Black Student Union

David Douglas High School (2019)

How might we create an environment where BIPOC students feel heard?

Black Student Union Club

Sunset High School (2021)

How might we help Black students build trust with their white teachers?

Black Student Union

Faubion School K-8 (2021)

 

How might we create a culture where students feel safe to report things related to racial injustice/discrimination?

SAFE Club

Parkrose High School (2021)

How might we create a school culture that supports and values neuro-diverse students?

Avid Class

Lincoln High School (2021)

How might we improve the student experience for LGBTQIA+ youth on our campus?

GSA Club

Centennial High School (2021)

 

Check out some spotlight solutions here!