office of equity and inclusion
Educational Equity Defined —The transformed ways in which systems and individuals habitually operate to ensure that every learner – in whatever learning environment is found – has the greatest opportunity to learn, enhanced by the resources and supports necessary to achieve competence, excellence, independence, responsibility, and self-sufficiency for school and for life.
Equity Initiatives
MODELS (Modeling Organizational Diversity through Equity and Leadership Strategies) — This 5-year initiative is being developed through collaboration among internal and external partners, to address racial equity and healing within the school system. Its purpose is to identify institutional processes, policies, practices, as well as cultural representations and interpersonal dynamics that create an inequitable environment and undermine student achievement and quality instruction.
The first meeting of internal and external partners was held on November 15, 2010. After this meeting, a smaller leadership group was formed,
MODELS Design Team, and serves as the planning group for the initiative. The team meets monthly.
Lastinger/MODELS Connection –MODELS principals have partnered with Lastinger school principals around the district’s equity work. This group is currently working collaboratively to develop capacity and gain traction with regard to the district’s equity work. We receive support and guidance from the National Equity Project, who coach people to become the leaders who deliver on the promise of a quality education for every child. This will build capacity for moving the work forward.
Equity Policy – The district is committed to ensuring that equity and inclusion are essential principles of our school system and are integrated into all policies, programs, operations, and practices.
To ensure this commitment, the district is developing an Equity Policy and is working with an outside consultant to develop metrics and goals to be included in the district’s Strategic Plan.
Diversity Facilitator Training — In 2008, “Diversity Facilitators” were designated at each school and for each division in the district. Diversity Facilitators were selected based upon certain criteria deemed necessary to effectively move this work forward, including self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, knowledge of concepts related to diversity/equity and the ability to demonstrate a positive and caring attitude. Two sessions conducted annually for Diversity Facilitators. All sessions offer learning and skill-building in the area of equity and cultural and social and emotional intelligence. They also cover information regarding the standard of behavior expected of all DCPS employees, review of process for completing on-line courses, and access to diversity resources (including PowerPoint presentations, handouts and district website). In addition, participants are given opportunities to develop their cultural competence/resilience, learn about the dimensions of diversity and improve communication skills. It should be noted that there has been a 48% increase in participation in facilitator training since 2008-09.
Bring Your “A” Game — The Equity Office is working with leadership from Project Breakthrough to coordinate training associated with the DVD. The DVD and educator discussion guide was created to generate discussion regarding the plight of Black men and boys. It underscores the importance of educational achievement and high school graduation. The training was administered to all 7th grade social studies teachers in 2010. It was rolled out to high school instructors in the spring of 2011.
Contact:
Josephine Jackson, J.D.
Executive Director
Office of Equity and Inclusion
Duval County Public Schools
1701 Prudential Drive, 4th Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32207-8182
Phone: (904) 390-2181
Fax: (904) 390-2536
Email
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