TJPTSA DIVERSITY COMMITTEE MEETING

1. TJPTSA DIVERSITY COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 2010

2. Agenda • Meeting Format • Introductions (Panel and Committee Members) • Diversity Committee • Background • Discussion

3. Panel Members • Tanisha Holland (TJ Director of Admissions) • Judy Howard (Former TJ Director of Admissions) • Louise Epstein (TJ PTSA President) • Dr. Emma Violand-Sanchez (Arlington County School Board) • Mary Ann Bosley (TJ Assistant Principal) • Melissa Schoeplein (TJ Teacher) • Luis Bourgeois (TJ Student) • Alexandria Sutton (TJ Student)

4. TJ PTSA Diversity Committee • Supports efforts to ensure that talented students of all backgrounds apply to TJHSST. • Supports the activities of student organizations that promote self-esteem among students of all backgrounds. • Encourages students who belong to socioeconomic, geographic or racial groups that are underrepresented at TJ to apply for admission. • Conducts a test preparation course for potential applicants to TJHSST who may benefit from the course in light of their socioeconomic, geographic or racial backgrounds. • Conducts outreach to parents and students.

5. Blue Ribbon Commission - 2004 • 2004 Belief: A positive school climate fosters the development of personal and collaborative excellence, a respect for individual and cultural diversity, and a strong moral and ethical base for self and society.

6. Blue Ribbon Commission (2004) Findings • The recruitment and admissions process does not achieve a diverse applicant pool (1% African American - 2% Hispanic) • Flaws in admissions process reduce chances of admissions for African American and Hispanic students • The results of outreach and communications are not effective • The admissions process is significantly inferior to that of other highly selective high schools • TJHSST admissions process does not meet the school’s stated goals.

7. Blue Ribbon Commission Recommendations • Change in selection process • Use student test scores and GPA as two separate elements in the admission process • Distribute the test preparation booklet free of charge  • Ensure that the initial consideration of applications is made by highly skilled people  • Increase semifinalist pool to 1,400 to 1,500 

8. Blue Ribbon Commission Recommendations (continued) • Maintain procedures for finalists but expand size of committee and group results in: • Admit • Deny • Reconsider • In assessing “reconsider” additional consideration of diversity of students (gender, race and ethnicity) already selected could be brought to bear ?

9. Blue Ribbon Commission Recommendations (continued) • Expand on the Diversity Committee outreach efforts by organizing and recruiting a special recruitment team ? • Focus recruitments efforts on elementary and middle schools  • Include minority representatives in all areas of recruitment ? • Update the school’s recruitment materials • Translate into Spanish recruiting publications and websites ?

10. Blue Ribbon Commission Recommendations (continued) 10. Develop an Advisory Committee composed of leaders in business and higher education drawn from minority populations to advise on outreach efforts? • Increase the role that middle school math and science teachers play in the recruitment processUpdate the school’s recruitment materials ? • Developing a mentoring program for parents of minority students ?

11. Blue Ribbon Commission Recommendations (continued) • There are budgetary implications to recommendations • Without additional resources no substantial change • Increase long-term funding to support initiatives

12. What Has Happened Since 2004?

13. Change in Beliefs? • A positive school climate fosters the development of personal and collaborative excellence, a respect for individual and cultural diversity, and a strong moral and ethical base for self and society (2004) • Global interdependence compels us to understand the languages, systems and diverse cultures of people throughout the world (2010)

14. Discussion • Is there a problem? What is the problem? • Is it important to have diversity? Why? • Does TJ have a diverse student body? • What is the larger goal of diversity efforts at TJ? • Even without affirmative action, how can TJ increase the percentages of Black and Hispanic students who are admitted? • What should the Diversity Committee do? • What should others do?

15. TJHSST Mission Statement Mission Statement • The mission of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is to provide students a challenging learning environment focused on math, science, and technology, to inspire joy at the prospect of discovery, and to foster a culture of innovation based on ethical behavior and the shared interests of humanity. Beliefs • At Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, we believe: • Critical thinking and problem solving skills are vital in addressing the complex societal and ethical issues of our time. • Students learn best in a community where academic disciplines are integrated, fostering an appreciation of how they interact and form a whole. • Global interdependence compels us to understand the languages, systems and diverse cultures of people throughout the world. • Literature, music and the arts are essential, timeless aspects of human existence. • The methods of science provide discipline to our search for structure in the world. • Research stems from a combination of fundamental knowledge, individual creativity and curiosity. • Effective communication is often the only difference between a good idea and a successful initiative. • Collaborative learning, athletics, and extracurricular activities develop leadership and interpersonal skills. • Responsibility and integrity are core principles in the pursuit of excellence. • Learning never ends.