A new member joins the Ecologistics sponsored organization family
The Central Coast Coalition for Inclusive Schools (CCC4IS) was accepted for fiscal sponsorship by the Ecologistics board in December 2018. CCC4IS’ mission is to support the development of safe and affirming school communities and to transform educational cultures by empowering youth, families, professionals, and organizations.
CCC4IS was formed as a result of collaboration between the Growing Together Initiative of The Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County and Cal Poly’s School of Education. One of CCC4IS’ goals is to support schools in implementing California’s FAIR Education Act (Fair, Accurate,Inclusive, and Respectful Education, SB 48, Leno, 2011). The FAIR Act requires California public schools to accurately and equitably portray the cultural and racial diversity of American society; specifically, people who identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer), people with disabilities, and people of races and ethnicities that are commonly marginalized.
Kristen Kent, a high school teacher who has taught in several area schools between Paso Robles and Santa Maria, chairs CCC4IS. “In 2013, it became clear that many local school communities needed guidance and support to effectively implement theFAIR Act”, Kristen explains. CCC4IS advocates for student safety and well-being by writing letters, providing community presence, and collaborating with students, parents, and educators. CCC4IS also supports efforts for teachers to develop FAIR Act curriculum, provides training for the SLO County Office of Education and local school district administrators. “We recently formed a subcommittee to work with the San Luis Coastal Unified School District on a five-year Equity and Inclusivity Plan. The CCC4IS elements of the District’s Equity Plan incorporate professional development for educators,learning opportunities for families, and lessons for students all regarding respectful treatment of people who identify as LGBTQ, people with disabilities,and people of many races and ethnicities”, says Kristen
CCC4IS has the support of numerous affiliated organizations including ACLU of Southern California, Anti-Defamation League, CAPSLO, Cal Poly Disability Resource Center, Cal Poly Women’s and Gender Studies Department, Five Cities Diversity Coalition, GALA, and Tranz Central Coast. You can find more information about CCC4IS here.
