Code: ADA
Adopted: 10/16/2018

Northwest Regional Education Service District is committed to equity and the success of each and every student. This commitment means we focus on attaining student outcomes that are not predicted by race, ethnicity, family economic status, mobility, language, country of origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, or zip code.

Equity in education ensures inclusion and centers on so cial justice. Equity is not used interchangeably with principles of equality. Equity goes beyond equality where students are not simply given the same thing, but instead receive what they need to succeed. Thus, fostering an environment in which each and every student has an opportunity to access and succeed in a high-quality educational experience.

Education is a core determinant factor in a student’s health, well-being, economic stability, civic involvement, and contribution to society. The creation of a more equitable and just society hinges on actualizing the principles of educational equity. In order to break the predictive link between student demographics and student achievement, the ESD will apply the principle of equity to all policies,  programs, operations, and practices.

• To achieve educational equity for our students the ESD is committed to:

• Being an antiracist and multicultural organization;

• Using data, disaggregated by race, ethnicity, language, special education, gender, sexual orientation socioeconomic background, and mobility to inform decision-making;

• Creating and fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, families, and staff;

• Providing systemic and sustainable professional development and support in equity for personnel at all organizational levels through culturally sustaining practices and equitable delivery of services.

• Engaging members of our communities who are racially and culturally representative of our student demographics on decision-making and advisory bodies, and honoring their contributions of voice and perspective;

• Ensuring Special Education for students with disabilities (i.e. Autism Spectrum Disorder, Communication Disorder, Deaf, Blindness, Developmental Delay, Emotional Disturbance, Hearing and/or Vision Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Orthopedic Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, or Other Health Impairment ) is culturally sustaining and considers race and language;

• Recruiting, employing, and retaining personnel at all organizational levels that reflect the diversity of the students in districts served by the ESD. In alignment with the Educators Equity Act (ORS 342.433 to 342.449).

• Ensuring the ESD Strategic Plan embraces principles of educational equity with measurable outcomes to attain the goal of preparing every student for college and career readiness, and to achieve their dignity and potential.

The superintendent shall develop procedures to implement this policy, and will report on the strategic plan as to the progress of actions in support of this policy.

END OF POLICY

Legal Reference(s): N/A