Chapter Nine: Equitable Access

Definition

Equity is ensuring that all underserved students have what they need academically, socially, and emotionally.

In Evergreen School District, our underserved populations have historically included English Language Learners, migrant students, students of color (such as African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander), students with disabilities, socioeconomically disadvantaged youth, homeless, foster youth, immigrants/refugees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students.

Working towards equity involves the following actions:

• Making a concerted effort to disrupt instructional oppression
• Ensuring equally high outcomes for all participants in our educational system; removing the predictability of success or failures that currently correlates with various social or cultural factors
• Interrupting inequitable practices, examining biases, and creating inclusive culturally responsive school environments for adults and children

The Four Agreements of Courageous Conversations

• Stay Engaged
• Experience Discomfort
• Speak Your Truth
• Expect and Accept Non-closure

Introduction

We will begin with a clear vision and ask ourselves this question: What will equity and excellence look like in the context of our schools?

Excellence through equity will be achieved through the courageous actions of us educators. We are taking decisive steps to make this happen.  We have met obstacles, but we constantly work collaboratively to circumvent the barriers so that we can move forward.  We will examine data enabling us to assess the challenges.  Following the English Learner Master Plan and our strategic work around the Profile of a Learner will enable us to move students towards academic excellence.  The vision becomes real when it is clearly communicated, compelling, shared and creates a sense of discomfort with the status quo.  We will accept nothing less than achievement of our goals as a clear sign of success and that we believe all students can be successful.

Examples of Equity

• All students should receive designated ELD instruction.
• Schools receive funding to support ELD instruction based on the unduplicated students.
• Instructional coaches are at Title I schools to support instruction.

Examples of Equity and Equality in the Classroom

• Equity
  • Teachers practice cultural responsiveness in their classroom by using techniques such as call and response, intentional focus on highlighting students’ cultural capital, and enacting student-centered learning.
  • Instruction addresses the standards but is differentiated to meet students’ individual needs.
• Equality
  • Teacher uses the same techniques for all students.
  • Recognize different cultures, but do nothing to celebrate the differences.
  • All students receive the same materials/assignments.

Key Ideas for Educational Equity

• Closing the Academic  Achievement Gap
• Equitable Access and Inclusion

• Building Cultural and Linguistic Competence and Responsiveness

• Equitable Resources

• Student, Staff, and Family Support

• Equitable Treatment and Opportunity to Learn
• Accountability