At a Glance:
The Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (ECAT) school community has taken significant strides to integrate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) into all aspects of its conversations and operations. With a clear commitment to ensuring equitable access to high-quality career and technical education (CTE) for all students, the staff and leadership team have spearheaded transformative initiatives that promote an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Description:
Historically, across the nation and within Pennsylvania, there are often significant disparities between the demographics of the overall student population and the demographic characteristics of students who are enrolled and persist in Career Technical Education programs. CTE educators are working to address these disparities so that students from all backgrounds are able to enroll in and experience success in relevant, high quality CTE programs.
The Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (ECAT) is dedicated to providing equitable access to CTE, preparing all students for success in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. ECAT has made Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) principles a cornerstone of its mission, embedding them into every aspect of its programs and culture. Recognizing the importance of cultivating an inclusive, respecful enrironment where students have equittable access, experiences, and outcomes, ECAT’s staff and leadership have implemented a bold, data-informed approach to foster a learning environment where all students, staff, and community members feel valued and supported.
Comprehensive Equity Audit and Action Plan Development
In partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium (MAEC), EASTERN conducted a comprehensive Equity Audit to examine EASTERN from an equity lens.. The audit revealed critical insights into inequities that informed the establishment of an Equity Committee composed of diverse stakeholders. This committee worked collaboratively to develop an Equity Action Plan aimed at creating an inclusive environment through professional development, culturally responsive teaching, mentorship programs, and targeted initiatives to address barriers to equity.
Key steps in this process included analyzing data from climate and culture surveys, , and Key Indicator data disaggregated by Subgroup. This analysis allowed the equity committee to examine students’ experiences and achievements and identify areas in which there was disproportionality in experience or outcomes based on key demographics like race/ethnicity, gender, special education status, economic status. To deepen their understanding, the Equity Committee conducted ongoing student focus groups, engaging students directly in meaningful conversations that shaped actionable steps to improve outcomes and experiences of students..
Equity-Driven Practices and Stakeholder Engagement
The Equity Committee meets monthly to enact the Equity Action Plan, ensuring continuous improvement by leveraging performance and climate data disaggregated by subgroups to identify disproportionality in achievement and experiences. To gain deeper insights, the committee has explored the unique student experience through interviews and the creation of instructional videos, designed to help staff better understand how demographic factors influence students’ experiences and how they can provide more effective support.
The committee has also prioritized incorporating DEIB initiatives into hiring and onboarding processes. New employees are selected for their cultural proficiency or their willingness to develop such skills. Additionally, an equity-focused induction module has been implemented, training new hires on the distinctions between equity and equality, the impacts of biases in the classroom, and strategies to foster an inclusive school culture.
Empowering Student Voice and Promoting Inclusion
Student involvement is a key component of ECAT’s equity initiatives. Opportunities for engagement include a student focus group, which amplifies student voices and provides valuable insights into their experiences. A student recognition calendar has been introduced to celebrate students and honor heritage months, highlighting historically underrepresented populations. Additionally, the Core Values program fosters the development of essential soft skills and workplace attributes, recognizing students who exemplify these qualities.
Through these initiatives, ECAT is cultivating a supportive, inclusive environment where every individual—students, staff, and community members—can thrive and contribute to a vibrant, equitable learning community.
Additionally, ECAT has benefited from collaborative efforts with the Center for Education Equity (CEE) to advance equity within Career and Technical Education (CTE). Key initiatives include:
- Equity Data Inquiry Sessions: Conducted as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Education CTE Technical Assistance Program to enhance equity in decision-making.
- Professional Learning with PACTA: Sessions for Career and Technical Education Center (CTC) directors through the Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Administrators.
By addressing systemic inequities and fostering a culture of inclusion, ECAT ensures its students are not only prepared for the workforce but empowered to succeed in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
Contact
Dr. Cathleen Plesnarski,
Executive Director, Eastern Center for Arts and Technology
cplesnarski@eastech.org
Website: https://www.eastech.org/