Objective 7

Student success is more likely to occur when children are actively engaged in the learning and feel connected within their environment. They tend to feel more ownership – and take more responsibility for their learning, when they feel valued and truly want to be in our schools. The environments we create – how they look, sound, and feel, must represent and respect diverse cultures if we want students and their families to feel connected to our work. In addition, we believe diverse, inclusive learning environments will benefit all within our schools and the community.

1. We will be intentional in efforts to create a culture of inclusiveness and celebration in all buildings and across the district. Efforts to partner with community organizations will be embraced, whenever possible and appropriate, to promote inclusiveness at the community level.
2. We will conduct regular equity/cultural audits of classrooms and buildings at all levels, facilitated by a diverse team that includes parents and/or members of the community. Equity walks will be conducted in all buildings, including district offices, with recommendations and subsequent changes made public, as appropriate. Student voice should be included in equity/cultural audits to ensure their perspective is genuinely valued as part of the process.
3. We will develop goals and action plans to enhance environmental diversity and visibility in each school/setting. Efforts will ensure that resources used and displayed in classrooms represent and respect diverse cultures.
4. We will conduct regular analysis of discipline data and disproportionality, developing subsequent yearly goals and action plans at each school/setting.
5. We will conduct surveys and/or interviews with teachers, students, and parents to measure and understand classroom/school climate (i.e. feelings of inclusion, engagement, connectedness, ownership in learning).