Dr. Dubiel, Systemic Educational Equity, LLC, consultant reviewed the final equity audit report
with the Board of Education.
The purpose of an equity audit is to identify areas of strength and needed improvement with particular attention to traditionally marginalized groups. It is a fact finding process that aids in the development of tangible recommendations to mitigate inequities.
- The equity audit findings are not exhaustive.
- The equity audit is a 9-12 month process
- Phase 1: USD created a District Equity Leadership Team (DELT) to give guidance on the quantitative and qualitative direction
- Phase 2: Looking at the quantitative data e.g. demographics, academic programmings, services, academic progress, languages spoken
- Phase 3: Conduct stakeholder focus groups - qualitative data
- Focus groups were divided into three groups: students, staff and families. In total, there were 27 focus groups between these three groups with 103 participants.
- Anonymous surveys were given to staff, students and families. A total of 1,837 surveys were completed.
- Phase 4: Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
- Phase 5: Findings based on data and organized into the accountability framework, Five Strands of Systemic Equity©
Systems Findings
- Implement measurable, accountable and transparent equity-driven goals and widely communicate to stakeholders.
- Develop strategies to hire and retain specialized staff and continue efforts to diversify staff.
Teaching and Learning Findings
- Develop a curriculum map for each grade level that includes alignment to learning standards, a scope and sequence, instructional supports and rigor for varying levels of learners, embeds cultural and linguistic pedagogy and practices, and autonomy for equitable resources.
- Enhance the dual language and special education programs by fostering collaboration on instructional approaches between them, and then develop regular ‘best practices’ to share with the monolingual and general education classrooms.
- Examine the root causes of lower academic performance among Black/African American students.
Student Voice, Climate and Culture findings
- Establish a student equity advisory committee.
- Heighten positive, meaningful connection opportunities with Black/African American and Free/Reduced Lunch students.
Professional Learning Findings
- Provide mandatory learning opportunities for teachers on the varying pedagogical needs of students that contribute to educational equity.
Family and Community as Agency Findings
- Establish a community equity advisory committee or integrate equity and belonging awareness in current parent/guardian collaboration opportunities.
These are not exhaustive findings. Watch the presentation for more in depth information on these findings.
USD is now moving forward with an Equity Action Plan (EAP). The District Equity Leadership Team will look at the equity findings and determine what should be adopted and also look at what is missing. The DELT will then develop SMART goals.
View the full presentation
View the Equity Audit report
