Policy 3430 – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the District

Overview

Equity is a focus of New York’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Plan. Research shows that all students benefit when schools create, support, and sustain an environment where all students feel  that they are welcome, they belong, and they are supported, regardless of geographic location or demographic composition.

This policy positions the district as one that will continuously work to identify and eliminate actions, practices, and policies that intentionally or unintentionally promote biases, exclusion, or marginalization.

Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

For purposes of this policy:

  1. “Diversity” – a representation of our uniqueness, cultural and lived experience that make up our community.
  2. “Equity” – equal access to opportunities for all, with the understanding that fair is not always equal and barriers are removed.
  3. “Inclusion” – the practice of valuing differences in order to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment.

These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive. Rather, they are meant to be foundational and provide clarity to the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Teaching and Learning

The District will strive to advance inclusive and culturally responsive teaching and learning through, but not limited to, the following means: curricula in all content areas; books and instructional materials; pedagogical practices and professional learning opportunities; classroom procedures; student support systems for all developmental pathways; full and equitable opportunities to learn for all students; and multiple assessment measures. As part of this effort, the District will seek to implement the recommendations of the NYS Education Department’s Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework that embeds the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating student-centered learning environments that:

  1. Affirm cultural identities;
  2. Foster positive academic outcomes;
  3. Develop students’ abilities to connect across lines of difference;
  4. Elevate historically marginalized voices;
  5. Empower students as agents of social change; and
  6. Contribute to individual student engagement, learning, growth, and achievement through the cultivation of critical thinking.
  7. The District develops curricula that encourages critical thinking and incorporates  diverse perspectives, materials, and texts so that students are taught topics from multiple perspectives.

Family and Community Engagement

The District will strive to foster family and community engagement practices that are based on mutual trust, confidence, and respect. As part of this effort, the District will seek to:

  1. Encourage participation from all stakeholders in community building conversations.
  2. Reduce language barriers through various means, including, but not limited to, providing translated communications when appropriate.
  3. Leverage partners such as the county government and local community organizations in developing programs and activities for the District.

Workforce Diversity

The District will work to create a workforce that is not only diverse and inclusive, but one that recognizes and values the differences among people. As part of this effort, the District will seek to:

  1. Mindfully consider recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce in all areas and at all levels, thereby neutralizing stereotypes and preparing students for an increasingly global society.
  2. Provide staff with opportunities for professional learning opportunities on cultural proficiency and awareness.

Diverse Schools and Learning Opportunities

The District will work to promote classrooms in which students have equal access and opportunities to learn and realize their full potential. As part of this effort, the District will seek to:

  1. Take steps to raise a productive awareness of socio-economic and racial diversity within the district.
  2. Eliminate the use of terms and phrases within District schools that perpetuate negative stereotypes and minimize student opportunities.
  3. Create coursework, programs, and activities that are accessible to all students, regardless of their ability status, native language, income level, or any other basis.

Student Supports, Discipline, and Wellness

The District will strive to focus on the well-being of the “whole child.” As part of this effort, the District will seek to:

  1. Employ programs and practices that constructively and appropriately enhance all students’ self-identity, self-confidence, and self-esteem.
  2. Maintain non-discriminatory discipline policies and practices.
  3. Consider and address the full range of student developmental pathways.

Training

The District will include appropriate DEI training. Although specific objectives will vary from training to training, in general, trainings will be designed to:

  1. Increase awareness of the content of this policy and/or various DEI issues; and
  2. Promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all District community members.

Notification

The District will share information about this policy via the District website and/or District-wide communications, as appropriate.

Adopted: 10/13/22