Public schools in Fairfax County have a a new equity policy. The school board voted unanimously to adopt the policy.
The goal of the policy is to define and guide work done across schools and the administration “to ensure alignment with our values, vision, and commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and opportunities for all.”
It’s an extension of the 2017 One Fairfax Policy, the school system said, and is designed to help remove barriers for marginalized students.
“The Equity Policy expands upon and lifts up the vital work FCPS has been doing to ensure all students have access to opportunities and the supports they need to succeed,” Fairfax County School Board Chair and Member-at-Large Rachna Sizemore Heizer said in a news release.
“This Equity Policy will build on the foundation of the One Fairfax policy, raise up all students, and create a more equitable future for all in alignment with the student-centered approach of our 2023-30 strategic plan.”
Here are the core components of the adopted policy, according to FCPS:
- Beliefs which reflect FCPS’ commitment to the thoughtful examination and analysis of evidence and data to understand and demonstrate the state of inequities within our system. The policy charges FCPS with reimagining and developing systems while actively exploring, assessing, and addressing any policies, practices, and beliefs that perpetuate these inequities.
- Priorities which center students’ strengths and needs and elevate urgency for those students who have been underserved. This policy applies to all FCPS policies, programs, and practices and prioritizes actions in areas including facilities, family & community partnerships, school environment, school funding, student agency, teaching and learning, and our workforce.
- Accountability and Measurements to ensure FCPS’ policies, programs, practices, and facilities align with our beliefs. The Equity Policy will address and respond to negative patterns and disproportionality by developing procedures to evaluate systems, measure progress, allow for course correction, and promote continuous improvement.
- The Equity Dashboard will be revised accordingly, updated regularly, and utilized to provide annual reports to the School Board on progress and practices for each priority outlined by this Equity Policy.
Watch the school board meeting where the board adopted the policy this week.
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