Equity and equality, though closely related, are not the same. Equity involves opportunity to access, elimination of barriers to achieve, distribution of resources, protection of specific groups, and recognition and acceptance of differences. The Department of Equity and Integration collaborates with school staff, parents, students and community resources to support educational equity through the following initiatives:
Student Initiatives
Classroom Partnerships
Opportunities exist across the district for Classroom Partnerships that bring together students and teachers in integrated learning environments. The goal of the partnerships is to create collaborative learning environments that promote cooperation, increased cultural awareness, and respect for diversity.
High Achievers Program
A mentoring and support program for junior high and high school students to increase the enrollment and success of under-represented students in HP, AP, and IB classes. Mentoring and support are provided by student learning advocates in collaboration with teachers, counselors, administrators and parents.
Weekly classes focus on helping students develop effective study skills, test-taking skills, self-advocacy, and confidence to identify and overcome individual barriers to success. Classroom teachers provide tutoring and summer academic support.
Integration At Work
- Intra-District Desegregation Plan
The goals of District 279's Intra-District Desegregation Plan support voluntary choice and integration and culturally inclusive learning environments for all students through the district's magnet schools, professional development goals, staff diversity, and cultural resources.
- Inter-District Desegregation Plan
District 279 is a member of the Northwest Suburban Integration School District (NWSISD). NWSISD is a non-profit organization funded by state integration revenue allocations to satisfy the Minnesota Desegregation Rule.
NWSISD is a collaboration of seven school districts: Anoka-Hennepin, Brooklyn Center, Buffalo, Elk River, Fridley, Osseo, and Rockford. NWSISD supports school choice and integration and multicultural education and enrichment activities throughout the member districts.
- Community Collaboration Council
The Minnesota Department of Education requires school districts to develop and submit a plan that provides options to help integrate racially identifiable schools. The district is required to organize a Community Collaboration Council that is representative of the diversity of the district to assist in the development of an integration plan. The Council should include parents, school administrators and teachers, district administrators, and students. Contact Sharon Peters-Harden at (763) 391-7248 for membership information.
The council will meet on a regular basis to identify educationally justifiable options and to establish goals and objectives for these options. The council will identify options that create increased opportunities for interracial contact to enhance learning.
Professional Development
Professional development opportunities are offered to strengthen the capacity of all staff to work with students and families from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Follow the link for a list of available professional development opportunities.
Family/Community Outreach Initiatives
DEI staff provide student support, family outreach and education, and collaboration with district and community resources to assist all students and families with equal access to our schools and services.
- Student Learning Advocates
- Bi-lingual Cultural Liaisons
Resources
Sharon Peters-Harden, Coordinator (763) 391-7248
Kathy Pyka, Secretary (763) 391-7249
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