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Mini ThreadDCPS delayed reopening, true collaboration, and definitions of power. In undergrad, I extensively studied definitions of power. I use those lessons & apply them with my elementary students. Those same ideas align well with the DCPS reopening conversation. 1/6
The first definition of power is perhaps the most widely used. Power is a mechanism of influence and control. It represents the individual and upholds a hierarchy. If power is a means of control, its quantity is limited and distributed between the powerful and powerless. 2/6
The second definition of power is less widely used. Power represents agency, and the capacity of people to exercise their freedom. It represents the collective and doesn't need a hierarchy. Power under this definition is unlimited and grows with a community's agency. 3/6
If you have power yet there are those around you who don't, does that power have meaning? How can we exist in a world where we center the individual needs and not the collective? What is the impact of one group or individual making decisions over the community? 4/6
. @dcpublicschools, @MayorBowser, & @DCPSChancellor have another opportunity to meaningfully engage with the community when planning a safe reopening. Although let's be clear, that opportunity was always there and the community has stayed ready. 5/6
They also get to choose how they'll define and imagine power. Will they continue to act in a way that enforces a system of control and inequality? Or will they make genuine efforts to uplift the collective so the reopening plan focuses on the needs and agency of all people? 6/6
