DEI Training includes the following 6 strategies: Differentiation & Vertical Alignment, Inclusivity, Open Discussion, Opportunities for Reflection, Connection to a bigger strategic plan, and Prioritization
Harte, A. "6 Strategies for Successful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training." Edutopia, (2022).
The authors discuss the need to use UDL and CRT in instruction. They argue that pre service and inservice teachers are culturally situated within cultural and linguistic groups. It is important for pre- and in-service teachers to understand this cross-pollination when using the UDL Guidelines as an implementation tool in their classrooms to proactively identify and address potential barriers to student learning while sustaining their students' cultural and linguistic identities.
Takemae, N., Nicoll-Senft, J., & Tyler, R. M. (2022). Addressing Issues of Equity Using the Cross-Pollination of Universal Design for Learning and Culturally Responsive Teaching. PDS Partners: Bridging Research to Practice, 17(1), 9–15.
School districts aim to create equitable learning environments that reflect the diversity of their students, staff, and community, including those with disabilities. This research brief examines two processes that frequently lead to disproportionality—special education identification and disciplinary referrals for special education students. These processes have significant academic and behavioral impacts on students, and understanding them is crucial for school districts working to eliminate disproportionality.
To achieve more equitable outcomes, special education identification processes should avoid racially, culturally, or sexually discriminatory methods. If an analysis of classification data and risk ratios indicates disproportionality, districts should establish a stakeholder group to perform a root cause analysis, develop an improvement plan, and create a blueprint for implementation and evaluation. To address disciplinary disproportionality, the U.S. ED's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) advises districts to:
Establish clear priorities.
Confront explicit bias.
Eliminate practices leading to inequitable outcomes.
Implement evidence-based interventions.
Additionally, OSEP recommends that policies include seven key elements:
Specific Commitment to Equity
Family Partnerships in Policy Development
Focus on Implementing Positive, Proactive Behavior Support Practices
Clear Objective Discipline Procedures
Removal or Reduction of Exclusionary Practices
Graduated Discipline Systems with Instructional Alternatives to Exclusion
Procedures with Accountability for Equitable Student Outcomes
Citation: Hanover Research. 2018. “Best Practices in Addressing Disproportionality for Students with Disabilities.” https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bxs72tmqck7zkcw79iov4/Best-Practices-Georgia.pdf?rlkey=ciz1ja0u09x53u4wqyj6dx3lz&st=n0cp1wtj&dl=0 (accessed, June 14, 2024).
The author has discovered a multitude of equity initiatives to address equity gaps within the system of education.
Javius, E.L. "Educational Equity is About More Than Closing Gaps." Leadership, (2017).
The authors posit that in order to transform education schools need to take a student centered approach streesing student voice, agency and co-creating decision making.
Elevating Student Voice, Agency, and Co-Creation. (2022). In WestEd. WestEd.
The Equity Blueprint for Action focuses on improving educational outcomes for three student groups: African American, American Indian, and Latinx. This document highlights community- and research informed practices common among the three communities, as well as actions and recommendations specific to each community.
San Diego County Office of Education, (2021).
Join hundreds of educators, parents, students, policymakers, advocates, and community members to advance educational equity for California’s students at the 2023 Equity Conference.
San Diego County Office of Education, (2022).
This new book explores how school leaders can foster equity by building a culture where teachers and students see their purpose and experience success within the school community.
Whitaker, M. "Equity in Schools Begins With Changing Mindsets." Edutopia, (2022).
This article describes the lack of an equity lens in the history of early childhood program quality rating systems. The authors address the flaws in quality rating systems (QRS) as they relate to equity for marginalized communities and offer suggestions for improvement of QRS toward a more equitable system of measuring quality in early childhood programs.
Meek, Shantel, Iheoma U. Iruka, Xigrid Soto-Boykin, Darielle Blevins, Brittany Alexander, Mario Cardona, and Dina Castro. 2022. Equity is Quality, Quality is Equity: Operationalizing Equity in Quality Rating and Improvement Systems. https://childandfamilysuccess.asu.edu/sites/default/files/2022-06/QRIS-report-062122.pdf (Accessed September 16, 2022).
Black people experience much higher rates of prenatal and postpartum depressive symptoms compared to all other racial/ethnic groups in California and compared to national rates.These disparities stem from past and present racism and discrimination in the health care system and their day-to-day experiences that results in poor quality of care for Black communities.
Children Now, (2021).
