The Equity Committee focuses on five key areas:
Climate consciousness: Monitoring and understanding school climate by continuing to use the Panorama School Climate Survey for students and staff; elevating the use of focus groups and affinity groups (for people with similar lived experiences); and revising the Code of Conduct through an equity lens to reflect the disciplinary philosophy of restorative practices over suspension when possible.
Communication: Communicating regularly and effectively about equity. This includes strengthening community partnerships to reach all families; publishing a bilingual school calendar (to be posted online when the status of school events is determined); and providing ongoing support for families through online resources.
Culturally Responsive Curriculum: Continuing to develop a representative and responsive curriculum that meets the needs of students and supports teachers' use of anti-bias, anti-racist and anti-oppressive pedagogy. Culturally responsive education advances equity and social justice by centering and valuing students' cultures and identities; using rigorous and relevant curriculum; employing anti-oppressive teaching; building strong relationships among students, family and staff; and supporting students in developing the knowledge, skills and vision to transform the world.
Data: Ensure that local data collection systems communicate with one another to enhance the district's ability to identify disparities; regularly evaluate various forms of student data; and address the narratives behind the data. The district will make quarterly presentations on its findings to the Board of Education.
Racial Literacy Professional Development: Provide professional development for all staff members on developing an equity lens to identify and address the impact of race and bias throughout the district. The district will also offer social-emotional learning training on developing trauma-sensitive schools and using restorative circles to build and heal relationships. Social-emotional learning incorporates discussions on race.