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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Board of Education Update

2020-2021

January 21, 2021

Overview

• 2020-21 Superintendent Initiative

• Request for Proposal (RFP) Process

• Collaborative Input Model

• Colorado Education Initiative (CEI)

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2020-21 Superintendent Initiative

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Develop and begin implementing a model for DEI in ASD20 that is appropriately resourced using the Collaborative Input Model.

RFP – DEI Consulting Firm

• PROPOSAL: DEI Consulting Firm (Equity Audit and Task Force)

• DEI RFP Selection Committee (15 members via application)

• 7 Proposals, 4 Presentations

• Committee ranked ‘best value’ (technical and price)

• Reference checks

• Award to Colorado Education Initiative (CEI)

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Collaborative Input Model

Issues Statement:

• Superintendent tasked Asst. Superintendent for HR– Evaluate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion– Produce a Report of Findings and Recommendations

• Increasing concern has been expressed in recent months by students, parents, and patrons regarding restricted educational opportunities based on race and/or skin color, disproportionate discipline statistics, exclusion of marginalized populations, expressions of hate and racism, and the absence of a culturally diverse staff in Academy District 20.

• Such expression is concerning and has no place in our school district.

Collaborative Input Model (cont.)

Charge/Goal Statement:

Task force will:

• Provide informed recommendations

• Examine our policies, practices, attitudes, and behaviors

• Evaluate qualitative and quantitative data, and review research around best practice regarding DEI

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Collaborative Input Model (cont.)

Membership:

• Varied stakeholders across multiple roles, including students, staff, parents, and community

• Anticipated 35-40 Task Force members

Communications• BOE

• Superintendent

• Cabinet

• Lead Team

• Stakeholder Mtgs.

• All Staff

• All D20 Community

• Local Community/Media

• Web Presence

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Colorado Education Initiative (CEI)

Dr. Alex Carter, VP of Implementation

Dr. Landon Mascareñaz, VP of Community Partnerships

Two Goals:

• Equity Audit

• Task Force

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Introduction & Overview

Moving from Audit to Action

ACADEMY DISTRICT 20

Agenda

(1) Brief Introductions(2) Context and Organizational Background(3) Equity Stance(4) Project Design(5) Task Force Build-Out(6) Next steps

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Context and Organizational Background

Colorado Education Initiative

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Colorado Education Initiative

Any system, however intentional or functional, is producing the outcomes of its design.

- Designing Freedom

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Colorado Education & EquityThe reality in Colorado is clear: Even before the COVID crisis, we knew many students and families who are furthest from opportunity were struggling. The impact of the pandemic is that they are being left even further behind.

We cannot let this crisis or legacy systems create more inequities: As educators across Colorado, we must work together to create more equity-seeking systems.

History of Equity-Seeking System Redesign: The Colorado Education Initiative (CEI) works statewide and regionally to ensure the redesign of systems to promote equity.

Great Systems Redesign for Equity: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is one of six “design commitments” that we believe must be included in any redesign efforts.

Essential Questions for Leaders:

What is the current state of equity in your system? 

Where are you at on your equity journey?

What would be possible if you took on this challenge?

Our support is focused on helping Academy District 20 become an Equity Seeking Organization

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Audit Approach& Timeline

Phase 1: DEI Audit Preparation  & Data Collection

JAN 2021 

Phase 2: Launch & Facilitate District‐Wide DEI 

Task Force

FEB ‐MAY 2021

Phase 3: Reporting & 

Recommendations

APR – MAY 2021

Project Timeline

Phase 4:  DEI Strategies in Action! JUNE 2021 ‐ BEYOND

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Building the Equity Task Force

Essential Stakeholders

• Critical community and staff members

• Selected by Superintendent and Leadership

Interested Stakeholders

• Community and staff who are likely very excited about the project

• Selected by an open application and an aligned rubric

Potential Stakeholders

• Parents and students who may not be aware of process but who represent important perspectives

• Selected by random queries designed by district – akin to a jury selection

Questions? Comments?

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CEI is excited to Partner with Academy 20 DEI Work and Strategy…and more

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