Creating School Diversity
Throughout the state of Washington, educators are deeply concerned with the challenge of building a culturally responsive learning environment in their schools. The Puyallup School District, through a consistent and systematic approach, has become a leader in this regard.
The Office of Diversity Affairs (ODA) continues to uphold the precept that as the dynamics of the district change, so must the systems and facilities that are available to develop its human capital. Over the past 10 years, the district has evolved in the areas of socioeconomic need, ethnic and cultural need, special education need, and group dynamics that had an impact on student achievement. In response to these changes, the ODA, along with talented staff and incredible volunteers, are continuing to implement effective programs with notable results.
The Principles of the Office of Diversity Affairs
The principles of the ODA are grounded in part by its mission statement: “Building a culturally responsive learning community.” To honor and ensure its mission, the ODA maintains a dynamic system of accountability and responsiveness to all groups within the district and its surrounding community. This is reinforced by supporting a number of critical foundations within the department.
One of these foundations is the establishment of committees such as the Diversity Committees, School Site Level Equity and Resolution Council, and Site Level ODA representatives within each building. Other districtwide committees include the Ethnic Minority Parent Community Council and the Peer Support Network Committee. These teams ensure continual communication within the district while providing timely response and support for annual projects.
Another key area of responsibility is the monitoring of multicultural-infused curriculum. The Puyallup School District promotes the inclusion of the 21st century culturally based novels, as well as Respecting Ethnic And Cultural Heritage (REACH) Read Aloud within its K-12 classrooms. The ODA helps to guide this process, as well as act as a resource, for teachers and administrators.
A third component of the department is to assist the Human Resources Department in the recruitment and retention of quality educators.
Finally, the department maintains vital community outreach programs and partnerships with private and public organizations that support student achievement. All four grounding structures are fundamental to the district’s marked progress in closing the achievement gap through culturally responsive initiatives.
After seven years of existence, the ODA remains committed to strategically refining its functions as a resource for proactive intervention, presenters of information about culture and race, and training and development of culturally responsive staff and community members; an ombudsperson for families, staff, community, and diverse stakeholders; a facilitator for committee meetings and disputes resolutions; and a monitor for accountability.
I consider the Office of Diversity Affairs’ greatest success has been the increased awareness of diversity that has been fostered throughout the district. I believe we are uncovering the blinders that have held us back from serving all of our families equally. As a direct response to the concerns of our stakeholders, systems and policies related to athletics, extracurricular activities, special education, and harassment, as well as curricular biases, are more closely scrutinized. Such practices, along with the continued commitment of educators and community support, make the Puyallup School District a catalyst for change in the state of Washington and around the nation. TOC
Related Links
Incorporating Cultural Diversity in the Classroom
Job Search on Teachers of Color
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