Inclusiveness and Equity

As our world becomes more global and our communities more diverse, it is incumbent on District 90 to prepare all our students for the multicultural world that awaits them. The social science research is clear: diverse and inclusive classrooms, faculty, and workplaces benefit all children both academically and social-emotionally.

District 90 is undertaking a coordinated and complementary approach to the issues of diversity, inclusiveness, and educational equity. Both the Inclusiveness Advisory Board (IAB) and the Board of Education’s Equity Committee are tasked with making the District intentionally inclusive and educationally equitable. However, both groups have distinct responsibilities. The IAB has been charged with developing a better understanding about issues of diversity and inclusiveness within the District 90 school community, as a whole. While the Board of Education’s Equity Committee will be investigating educational equity as it relates to the student performance gap across a variety of diversity dimensions. Based on the work of both groups, the District will be considering additional initiatives to improve inclusiveness and equity in areas such as professional development, community outreach, and instructional practices.

The following information about the Inclusiveness Advisory Board and the Board of Education’s Equity Committee illustrates some of these efforts and provides information about additional resources that can help everyone become intentionally inclusive.

District 90's Vision for Equity

To ensure that every student feels empowered to achieve to his or her full potential, we commit to provide equitable opportunities for all learners, grow an inclusive school community, and demonstrate we value diversity.

Gender Equity and Inclusiveness

As part of our efforts to promote inclusiveness and equity for all students, about 14 months ago the Board of Education created the Ad Hoc Gender Inclusiveness Committee to support the equal opportunity and inclusion for transgender and gender expansive students. The policy of the Board of Education has been revised to reflect this effort, along with the Administrative Procedures that support the policy. Please click the links to view the Board Policy 7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities and the Administrative Procedure 7:10 Accommodating Transgender and Gender Expansive Students. 

The Purpose of the Inclusiveness Advisory Board (IAB) and the Board of Education Equity Committee

IAB Members

Equity Committee Members

IAB Schedule of Meetings (2017-18)

District 90 Advisory Board Ground Rules

Click here to review the IAB Ground Rules

IAB and Accomplishments 2016

Click here to review the 2016 Accomplishments of the IAB

Definitions

Addressing the issues of diversity, inclusion and equity requires a common understanding of the terms and issues. Diversity and inclusiveness have many definitions depending on the organization, industry, objectives, and their values. The definitions below represent the manner in which District 90 intends to develop a common language to address the subjects. Click here to view District 90's definitions for diversity, inclusivity, and equity.

Inclusiveness Survey

The results of District 90’s recent Inclusiveness Survey are below. The survey was commissioned by the District’s Inclusiveness Advisory Board (IAB), comprised of a group of parents, faculty and staff, administrators, Board of Education members, and community members. The IAB has been working to better understand issues of equity and diversity within the District 90 school community and to ascertain how the District’s policies, practices, and procedures affect individuals’ experiences and the current school climate. To view the survey results, click on the links below. 

2017 Student Inclusiveness Survey                       2015 Student Inclusiveness Survey 

2017 Parent Inclusiveness Survey                         2015 Parent Inclusiveness Survey

2017 Staff Inclusiveness Survey                            2015 Staff Inclusiveness Survey

More information and resources about Diversity, Inclusiveness, and Educational Equity:

• RISE BMOC Webinar: Advancing Culturally Responsive Evaluations for Boys and Men of Color -- Friday, March 17, 2017, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (eastern) 
• One Book, One Oak Park: Gifts and Challenges of Our Diversity
• Thursday, February 16, 2017, 7:00 p.m. -- 9:00 p.m.
• Facing History Facing Ourselves, Teaching for Safe and Inclusive Classrooms, Thursday, March 9, 2017,  8:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m.
• District 90 IAB and Equity Committee Update November 3, 2015 (PowerPoint)
• Teaching for Diversity: A Guide to Greater Understanding, by Ricardo Garcia
• The Asian Advantage, by Nicholas Kristof, The New York Times,
• Misteaching History on Racial Segregation by Richard Rothstein
• The Weakening Definition of Diversity, The Atlantic
• Diversity Resources, Materials, & Activities for Children
• Cultural Competence Primer for Educators, by Jean Moule
• Teaching Tolerance: A Project of the Southern Poverty Law Center (a blog)
• NEA Diversity Toolkit 
• Preparing for Cultural Diversity: Resources for Teachers
• Teaching Children About Diversity
• National PTA’s Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit