Sammie Cohen

MUED480

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices and Policies Reflection

The students of Charlottesville High School come from a wide variety of backgrounds

and walks of life. The school is diligent in their pursuit to create and promote opportunities for

all of their students to succeed in academics and critical skill development. These include various

programs, practices, and policies which aim to empower students in their identities and interests.

In addition to a social-emotional learning program all the students of the school take, students

have many options for electives, technical career programs, and a wide variety of levels for them

to enroll in for their core classes.

In talking with the special education coordinator, I learned about a variety of services that

the school provides for students with special needs. In addition to accommodations carried out

by teachers based on students’ 504 plans, the special education team executes services such as

speech therapy, counseling, study and organizational skills, and more. Though this is required by

law, in my discussion with the coordinator, the team is very diligent and passionate in ensuring

that students’ needs are met. Additionally, there is a staff member who helps students who are

struggling with grades in improving their academic and career performance and providing a safe,

encouraging space for them. I feel that my cooperating teacher also aims to accomplish this by

checking in with students individually. He is also very aware of students’ personal backgrounds

and situations allowing him to teach and rehearse to best help all the students succeed.

Overall both schools I have been placed at have shown a dedication to allow all students

to reach their full potential. However, there are still students in every school who struggle and

don’t always seem to get the help they need. As I continue learning and growing, I hope to gain

more experiences with diverse and equitable education so that I might be able to carry out

practices and provide resources and opportunities which allow my students to succeed as much

as possible. I also hope to work with dedicated, knowledgeable special education and

administrative teams like the ones at Charlottesville High School in the future so that this goal

can be made a reality.