A new policy on racial equity was adopted this summer in an effort to strengthen the district’s socio-economic and educational parity for its students.
The purpose of this policy is to adhere to the Racial, Socio-Economic, Educational Equity Resolution that was adopted by the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees on Dec. 14, 2017. The resolution details steps the district is taking to establish guidelines to eradicate inequity.
“We believe that we can create equitable access to educational opportunities and close gaps in academic performance for students, and that this can be done by holistically and collectively addressing the challenges of high-poverty schools while also working to promote more socioeconomically and racially diverse schools throughout the district,” the resolution read, in part.
The district’s first ever Racial Equity Office was also formed, following the resolution, and is charged with managing, implementing and developing projects that align with the Racial, Socio-Economic, and Educational Equity resolution.
The office recently hosted its inaugural meeting with the School Leadership department, which included executive directors, principals, instructional coaches and academic facilitators.
The goal of their meeting included the following:
- Provide opportunities for school leaders to offer input regarding goals of the Racial Equity Office
- Begin the collaborative process of establishing alliances with campus leaders
- Prepare for the 2018-2019 school year with respect to gaining input regarding programs and understanding resource allocation
- Establish an ongoing workshop for input from campus leaders
