The Ethnic Studies and Social Equity Working Group bill, H.3, became a law, Act 1, on March 29th, 2019. This is a historic bill with the potential to transform our educational system.  The bill established an Advisory Working Group to review state education standards and recommend updates and additional standards to the State Board that recognize fully the history, contributions and perspectives of ethnic groups and social groups.

The bill is only as strong and impactful as our movement. We can think of the standards as seeds. In 2021 the standards will drop. However, they will only flourish if the ground is ready. We are working with students, teachers, parents, and community members throughout Vermont to ready the ground and do the work of school transformation in parallel with the work of the Advisory Working Group.

Thank you for the support of all the people who believe in this work! Together we move towards a more just society in Vermont. And to learn more, check out our Act 1 FAQ Document!

Advisory Working Group

The Ethnic and Social Equity Standards Advisory Working Group was created by Act 1 of 2019 to review state education standards and recommend  updates and additional standards to the State Board that recognize fully the history, contributions and perspectives of ethnic groups and social groups.  The Advisory Working Group is composed community members that represent various social and ethnic groups and state stakeholders. The group holds public meetings on a monthly basis.

Click here to learn more about the Advisory Working Group and to attend future meetings

Working Group Members

Mark Hage, Vice Chair

Maxwell Barrows

Celilo Bauman-Swain

Infinite Culcleasure

Asma Elhuni

Mara Iverson

Barbra Marden

Bruce Pandya

Cynthia Reyes

Miakoda Schultz

Vera Sheehan

(The above individuals were appointed by the EdJ Coalition)

Amanda Garces, Chair
Vermont Human Rights Commission Designee

Chelsea Myers
Director of Professional Development and Communications, VSA
Vermont Superintendents Association Designee

Natasha Eckart Baning
Paraeducator, Paine Mountain School District
Vermont-National Education Association Designee

Xusana Davis
Racial Equity Executive Director
State of Vermont

Bonnie Johnson-Aten
Vermont Principals Association Designee

Heather Thomas Lynn
Vermont School Board Association Designee

Jade Hazard
Director of Curriculum, Lamoille North SU/SD
Vermont Curriculum Leaders Association Designee

Amber Wylie
Vermont Independent Schools Association Designee

Heather Bouchey
Deputy Secretary of Education
Agency of Education Designee