Quantum Ten Equity Framework: Transforming Silos Into A System

In the middle of the night, I was awakened by an idea. As I got up, I asked myself, “Was I dreaming?” and thought, “Man, I should write that down.” I rolled over in the morning and saw a yellow sticky note with 10 little circles and a quadrant in the middle. Quantum Ten (Q10) was born.

I wish that I had saved the image of when Q10 was first born but I never imagined that it would grow to be so vibrant and robust. Now, as I plan for the Quantum Ten Digital Conference, I am confident that Q10 will impact schools and districts as leaders, teachers, and staff recognizes that evidence-based elements should not be introduced in silos, but rather, multi-tiered systems need to connect evidence-based practices into a single unit.

Our most underserved student groups have been marginalized in schools for centuries in systems that were designed to impose assimilation into American culture, perpetuating marginalization. Many school districts, to address these inequities, adopt evidence-based frameworks like Universal Design for Learning (UDL), social-emotional learning, and PBIS but these frameworks are often seen as different initiatives, or worse, competing initiatives.

The Elements of the Q10

Why Quantum? Quantum derives from Latin, meaning “how great”. It’s a term used in physics and references the smallest amount of energy. It also refers to the most basic building blocks and cannot be broken into smaller parts. Pre-COVID, I was out at a restaurant and met a lovely couple while waiting on the patio. The gentleman was an engineer. We discussed innovation and creating energy. And before I knew it, we were talking about quantum physics and the power of the fusion of quanta. Later that night, I did a little research and realized that the conversation about quantum physics, powerful energy, and basic building blocks connected my thoughts to the elements in Q10. Fused together, there is a powerful unit for schools to equip leaders, teachers, and staff with all of the tools necessary to serve our diverse student population in multi-tiered systems.

The Quantum in Q10 refers to an amalgamation of theories, practices, and frameworks and aims to empower educators toward creating equity for all. In essence, the Q10 is designed to create a multi-tiered system that positively and greatly impacts and addresses the diverse needs of all students. Below are the elements of the Q10. The star indicates that the element is endorsed by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Click each element to learn more:

The Q10 is grounded by the Core Four (Core) guiding principles. The Core is the center of the Q10 and is the foundation for building the capacity of the educators in preparation to be well equipped for working with our students who are in need of highly qualified teachers that have mastered instructional practices incorporating all elements.

The Core of the Q10 are:

High-Quality Instruction
Family and Community Engagement
Adaptive Leadership
Student-Centered Culture

The Core ensures that schools keep students at the center of all learning and parents and the community is engaged in school and district initiatives and activities. Likewise, the Core includes adaptive leaders who provide professional learning and create opportunities for collaboration in sustaining systems so teachers can provide quality, research-based instruction while making data-driven decisions. The Quantum Ten works in tandem to create an improved system towards equitable outcomes for all students with an emphasis on closing chasms for historically marginalized student groups.

Q10 is essential for creating equitable and sustainable multi-tiered systems (MTSS) where chasms are eliminated and access and opportunity are available to every student. In order to achieve goals, schools and districts should consider introducing the Q10, evidence-based best practices in tandem as they build MTSS. We must recognize that the approaches we often introduce in fragments serve students who experience challenges mostly within the scope of the specified framework. All elements of the Q10 should be evident in school systems in order to provide individual students what they need when they need it.

As you explore and emerge into the Quantum Ten Equity Framework, get prepared for the Q10 Digital Conference and a scholarly article to follow. I am excited to present to you all Quantum Ten Equity Framework. When implemented with fidelity in multi-tiered systems, Q10 transforms districts and schools to support all students.

Quantum Ten Equity Framework: Transforming Silos Into A System

The Elements of the Q10

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