ANWSD Equity Policy Implementation Framework Addison Northwest School District’s equity policy [C29] affirms our unwavering commitment to the success of every student, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, family economics, class, geography, ability, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or initial proficiencies. The Addison Northwest School Board holds itself and all District and school-site decision-makers, faculty, and support staff accountable for building a District-wide commitment to equity. The District will incorporate principles of equity within all policies, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations. Here are some critical beliefs that guide the ANWSD board’s efforts through policy to promote equity in the ANWSD school district:
➢ We believe that a student’s success is not predicted nor predetermined by characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, family economics, class, geography, ability, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or initial proficiencies. [policy C29] ➢ We believe every student must have access to high-quality culturally responsive curriculum, programs, teachers and administrators, extracurricular activities, and support services to meet their needs. [C29] ➢ We believe that equity goes beyond formal equality where all students are treated the same. Achieving equity may require an unequal distribution of resources and services. [C29] ➢ We believe in using data to identify disparities and track progress to make informed decisions about resource allocation, and in monitoring investments in instructional resources and staff professional development. [C29] ➢ We believe that the voice, culture, and perspectives of students, staff, families, and communities reflect student demographics and support and enhance student success. [policies A23 and C29] ➢ We believe there is an important connection between educator professional development and improved student achievement and assure that faculty and staff members acquire and maintain the knowledge and skills needed to contribute effectively to equitable outcomes for our learners. [policy B21] ➢ We believe that using equity as a guiding principle in all board policies, practices, and decision-making is fundamental to achieving success. [C29] ➢ We believe that equity involves acknowledging and disrupting inequitable practices, acknowledging biases, employing practices that reflect the reality that all students will learn, and creating inclusive multicultural school environments for adults and children. [C29] ➢ We believe that students' social and emotional well-being is closely tied to their academic success, and addressing the social and emotional needs of students is a critical part of an equity-focused approach. [C9]
These beliefs should be the foundation upon which our school board builds its policies and practices to create a more equitable educational environment for all students. It's important to note that promoting equity in education is an ongoing process that requires commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders.