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

Laura Hardwicke

Kathleen Fleming

Barbara Stoldt

Stacey Williams

Ed Condon*

*Key Contacts

IAB Schedule of Meetings (2019-20)

January 15, 2020
March 18, 2020
May 13, 2020

Equity Committee Meetings (2016-17)

October 17, 2017
April 19, 2017
January 24, 2017
October 25, 2016

IAB Events and Activities

District 90's Inclusiveness Survey (see below for results)
District 90 and ADL Hold Anti-bias Workshop

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.