What does it take to make sure every child has a place to belong and thrive at a Catholic school?
In this episode of The Fulcrum Point, we’re exploring Side x Side, a new initiative in the Archdiocese of Seattle focused on expanding access and support for diverse learners across Western Washington. From funding and teacher training to classroom practices and partnerships with families, we’re looking at how inclusion and academic excellence are not competing goals, but rather, two critical priorities of Catholic education that enhance each other.
You’ll hear from Susan Ocoma, Senior Programs Director for the Fulcrum Foundation, about Fulcrum’s investment in Side x Side and the grants, professional development, and leadership support needed to launch and sustain the initiative.
We’re also checking in with Justyna King, Assistant Superintendent of Academic Excellence and Accreditation for the Office for Catholic Schools, about the staffing, systems, and classroom resources needed to put Side x Side into practice.
Finally, you’ll hear from Jessica Patterson, principal of St. Madeleine Sophie PreK–8 School in Bellevue, where this episode was recorded. We’ll explore the school’s approach to responsive education, the importance of helping families keep their children together in one school, and the possibilities for schools to share their experience and resources with each other to help diverse learning programs succeed.