March 29, 2024

Tacoma Public Schools with Tanisha Jumper

48 minutes

Does Tacoma have good schools?

This podcast interview from “Move to Tacoma,” hosted by Tacoma Real Estate Agent Marguerite Martin, features Tanisha Jumper, the Chief Communications Officer for Tacoma Public Schools. The conversation delves into the nuances of public school funding, the vibrancy and diversity of Tacoma Public Schools, and a focus on the transformative work being undertaken within Tacoma Public Schools.

Tanisha’s Background

Marguerite and Tanisha start off talking about how Tanisha grew up in Steilacoom, attending Steilacoom Schools. After living and working in Ohio she returned to live in the house she grew up in with her kids, who are attending the same schools she did- even with some of the same teachers. She shares what she loves about living in Steilacoom and the Pacific Northwest.

Current Status of Tacoma Public Schools

Are Tacoma Public Schools Good Schools? Tanisha says emphatically YES. She explains the importance of bond measures to fund school infrastructure projects, given that state funding primarily covers educational activities, not facilities maintenance or improvements. Tacoma just passed their bond, which means there’s funding for new schools and to improve schools across the district. The passing of the bond shows the community support for Tacoma Schools. This funding is essential for maintaining and improving school environments for kids.

The conversation covers a lot of ground about Tacoma schools including:

The passing of a substantial bond measure to replace eight schools, enhancing learning environments with modern facilities and equipment.

The district’s emphasis on diversity, innovative programs, and the high graduation rate at TPS that surpasses state averages.

The introduction of specialized High Schools and programs that cater to students’ varied interests and talents. They are:

SAMI (Science and Math Institute) in North Tacoma in Point Defiance Park

IDEA (Industrial Design Engineering and Art) on the Eastside of Tacoma

SOTA (School of the Arts) in Downtown Tacoma

FOSS ( International Baccalaureate® (IB) in Central Tacoma

Efforts to ensure equity in education, including initiatives to provide every student with a laptop and access to a broad curriculum regardless of their school.

A detailed look at the challenges and opportunities within the district, including addressing the needs of students facing housing insecurity and mental health challenges.

Tanisha underscores the district’s commitment to meeting students’ needs, promoting inclusivity, and preparing them for future success through various partnerships and programs.

With all the national controversy around what schools teach about American history and LGBTQ issues, what is TPS’s approach to curriculum?

Tacoma Public Schools’ (TPS) approach to LGBTQ+ students and teaching America’s full history highlights the district’s commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive education. Here’s a summary of the key points:

Whole Child Approach: TPS emphasizes the Whole Child Initiative. WCI has received national and international recognition for supporting students’ mental health. It creates welcoming, supportive school environments. This approach ensures that all students, including LGBTQ+ students, are accepted and supported for who they are.

Clubs and Supportive Environment: The district hosts a variety of clubs for students. This includes the Black Student Unions, API (Asian Pacific Islander) clubs, trans clubs, and ally clubs across its high schools. These clubs reflect TPS’s commitment to creating spaces where students’ identities, cultural backgrounds, and historical backgrounds are acknowledged and celebrated.

Curriculum Standards and Transparency: The curriculum in Tacoma Public Schools aligns with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) standards for Washington State. This ensures that there is no restriction on teaching about America’s history of racism or LGBTQ+ rights. Tanisha emphasizes that the district is transparent about its curriculum. The curriculum taught in Tacoma Schools is designed to reflect historical accuracy and inclusivity.

Educational Innovation and Relevance: TPS teachers employ innovative methods to make learning relevant and engaging. Including addressing how historical and current biases have impacted communities of color and the LGBTQ+ community. This includes exploring the ethical dimensions of science and history, ensuring that students understand the complexities of these subjects in relation to diversity and equity.

Support for LGBTQ+ Students: TPS is committed to supporting LGBTQ+ students by allowing them to express their identities safely. They do this by incorporating discussions about gender and sexuality in a respectful and educational manner. The district fosters an environment where students can explore their identities without fear of discrimination or exclusion.

Open Dialogue and Community Engagement: The district encourages open dialogue about its curriculum and initiatives. TPS is willing to discuss its approach to inclusivity and comprehensive education with the community. This openness is part of TPS’s broader strategy to engage with and respond to the needs of its diverse student population.

The post Tacoma Public Schools with Tanisha Jumper appeared first on Move to Tacoma.

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By Marguerite Martin

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