Strengthened by a high-quality education that is equity-minded, socially just, and critically anti-racist, graduates of The Skylight School for Justice will be fully prepared for success and leadership in challenging high school programs and beyond.
The Skylight School for Justice will create a supportive and understanding learning environment in which students will develop a love of learning and see themselves as advocates for identity, diversity, justice, and action. Students will be fearless, inquisitive, and lifelong learners who have the human, academic, and technological skills to be productive and successful citizens.
The Skylight School for Justice will improve pupil learning by providing all students access to an engaging, well-rounded, high-quality educational program rooted in social justice, with concurrent appreciation for the environment and sustainability. The Skylight School for Justice will also improve pupil learning by providing a program that is compelling for economically disadvantaged, immigrant, and ELL student populations. The social justice emphasis of the curriculum will provide a safe learning environment that respects all types of diverse learners.
Providing an at- or above- grade-level education.
If students are below grade level, they will be given scaffolding support and/or push-in or pull-out interventions as needed. Students at will receive an education that meets or exceeds grade level expectations.
Developing a complex understanding of racism and grasping the impact of intersectionality.
Because discrimination operates in institutionalized and historicized ways as well, students and teachers will understand those forms of racism and will have the language to describe them as well. To confront racism in a free and open discussion, students and teachers will develop assertiveness, listening skills, group problem-solving skills, and effective strategies for conflict resolution.
Valuing the Power of Expression and Advocacy.
Every young person needs to know that their voice and ideas matter, and that voice can be shared through many different forms of literacies – English, Spanish, Technology, and Performing and Visual Arts. All students deserve to attend a school where they are socialized to stand for their beliefs and truths.
Barbara Jordan Being Handed a Bouquet of Flowers at the Tuskegee Institute
September 1976 (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth843063/m1/1/?q=alabama: accessed March 28, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas Southern University.