Equity

Cultural Diversity, Underserved Populations and Equity

Rationale:
The Administration of the Rainier School District acknowledges that culturally diverse and underserved populations within public school’s systems must receive equitable treatment, at that these factors should not be a predictor of overall student outcomes. The Rainier School District will address the gaps that continue to exist because of history, current, or institutional practices that do not take into account the value of the diversity of our student body and community. It is a benefit to the entire Rainier Community when an emphasis is placed on the success of each and every child. The School District has a collective responsibility, and should be accountable, to ensure that children of every race, national origin, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, and ability, reach their full potential.

The Beliefs and Commitments of the Rainier School District continue to be:

We Believe:

• Learning is vital and necessary for ALL.
• Staff, family and community working together contribute to the success of each student.
• Education creates an informed citizen that is informed of his/her strengths.
• Learning requires a safe and caring environment.

Therefore, we are committed to:

• Providing a diverse and respectful learning environment.
• Ensuring a collaborative atmosphere where students actively participate and take ownership for their learning.
• Setting high expectations for ALL.
• Providing a creative and motivating environment where students are able to take risks and explore their potential.

The Rainier School District aspires to provide respectful and relevant learning environments that include diversity, as well as create schools where students, families, community members, and employees feel welcome and supported. Culturally diverse factors including race, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and ability should not be a predictor of student success.

District Response:
The district will prioritize eliminating barriers created by disparity and disproportionality through the following actions:

Professional Growth:

• Provide ongoing professional development opportunities on cultural awareness and literacy.
• Implement and train staff on the use of the equity decision making tool.

Equity in District and Systems Operations:

• Continue the development and implementation of the equity decision making tool.
• Collect, analyze and use disaggregated data (where legally allowable and appropriate), with impact on cultural diversity as a focus.
• Identify institutional barriers and transform policies and practices that lead to over-representation of students from underserved populations, including, but not limited to discipline and special education.
• Identify institutional barriers and transform policies and practices that lead to under-representation of students from underserved populations, including, but not limited to Highly Capable, accelerated learning, and advanced courses at the Middle School level for High School Credit.
• Recognize and empower the families of underserved students to become partners for student success.
• Conduct annual reviews of institutional practices and goal setting for equity and addressing gaps in cultural diversity and underserved populations.

Cross Reference School District Policies:
3205    Sexual Harassments of Students Prohibited
3205P    Procedure
3207    Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying
3210    Nondiscrimination
3210P    Procedure
3211    Gender-Inclusive Schools
3211P    Procedure

Cultural Diversity, Underserved Populations and Equity (Spanish).pdf