The second meeting of the Berks County Equity Committee (BCEC) took place on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, with 26 members from the BCIU, the 18 school districts, and the career and technology centers attending virtually. Dr. Christina Foehl, Assistant Director of the BCIU Office of Professional Development and Curriculum, led the discussion focusing on ‘Awareness and Understanding’ as they relate to each person’s cultural competency and implicit bias.
Dr. Foehl shared that cultural competency is not a finish line,
but a continuum of growth and acknowledgement as we reflect on our own experiences within our family dynamics and principles. Everyone comes to the table with their own history which affects their lens of the world. Participants met in break out groups to share personal reflections.
Resources and tools shared as takeaway tips included links to an Implicit Association Test and an Anti-Bias Education Glossary.
Dr. Khalid Mumin and Dr. Jill Hackman, co-chairs of the BCEC, closed the meeting thanking all for their continued efforts supporting the Berks County education community’s equity journey.
The next meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, January 12, 2021.