The Grafton Public Schools recognizes the critical importance of equity. The Center for Public Education defines equity as “when all students receive the resources they need so they graduate prepared for success after high school.” This simple statement has proven remarkably challenging in terms of actual implementation across the nation. The Grafton Public Schools is committed to the ongoing journey towards the maximization of equity for everyone within our community. The journey involves active participation on the part of students, staff, and parents and has no defined end.

Maximizing equity for all requires the continual assessment of policies, practices, and behaviors. Scott (2006) states that “achieving educational equity involves changes to nearly all aspects of school system operation, including academic expectations, access to learning opportunities, high-quality instruction, resource allocation, and accountability.”

The following areas of action define the core areas of focus:

Climate and Culture

• Promote a climate of care and respect for all students and staff regardless of background or experience.

• Continue building shared commitment and ownership of equity work

Community Outreach

• Provide opportunities for learning and dialogue within the community around anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Communicate regularly with the community regarding what is done, sharing resources, and providing opportunities for further growth and development

Curriculum

• Systematically assess curriculum and instructional materials through an equity lens to ensure that the curriculum is historically accurate and culturally inclusive.

• Implement culturally responsive instructional practices focused on individual student experience and need.

Data and Accountability

• Gather baseline data in each of these areas via a district-wide equity audit.

• Develop a mechanism for ongoing data collection and assessment to measure progress towards stated goals.

• Utilize data to routinely identify, address, and monitor inequities

Hiring and Supporting Educators

• Hire faculty from a diverse pool of candidates committed to these goals.

• Facilitate professional development opportunities for all educators in support of their individual goals as well as the support of the district’s focus on fostering a community free from bias and discrimination.

• Enhance and refocus the evaluation process to maximize the development of equitable practices that better enable staff to support all students and families.

Policies and Procedures

• Eliminate bias from district practices and policies and include multiple perspectives in all decision-making.

Structures of Support for Special Student Populations

• Regularly assess and revise staffing structures, staff development, and resource supports for special student populations that includes a wide-ranging special education program and English Language Learner program.

• Utilize data to identify which supports, approaches, and resources are most effective in maximizing student growth and then replicate those most impactful practices across the school district.