Equity

Definition of Educational Equity

The educational policies, practices, and programs necessary to (a) eliminate educational barriers based on gender, race/ethnicity, national origin, color, disability, age, or other protected group status; and (b) provide equal educational opportunities and ensure historically under-served or under-represented populations meet the same rigorous standards for academic performance expected of all children/students and youth.

Includes a comprehensive equity approach that incorporates strategies that are planned, systemic, and focus on the core of the teaching and learning process (curriculum, instruction, and school environment/culture). Educational equity activities promote the real possibility of equality of educational results for each student and between diverse groups of students.

Mission Statement

The Sweetwater Union High School District is committed to academic excellence and personal success for all students and staff. Central to this commitment is educational equity which is dependent upon two main factors. The first is fairness, which implies that factors specific to one’s personal conditions should not interfere with the potential of academic and/or employment success. The second important factor is access (inclusion and opportunity), which refers to a comprehensive standard that applies to everyone in our district and is intentionally designed for meaningful participation. The two factors are closely related and dependent on each other for achieving our goal of academic and personal success for every student and staff.

Our district recognizes the importance of providing instruction with the rigor, relevance, and engagement which fosters the potential for each student. We know that equity and school climate are critical for healthy learning environments. Together, they underscore the quality and character of school life that fosters full access to:

1. Appropriately supported and high expectations for learning and achievement;
2. Emotionally and physically safe and healthy learning environments;
3. Caring relationships with peers and adults; and
4. Participation that meaningfully enhances academic, social-emotional, civic, and moral development.

The Sweetwater Union High School District acknowledges that an equitable school climate positively responds to the wide range of cultural norms, goals, values, interpersonal relationships, learning styles, leadership practices, and organizational structures within the district and broader community.

Vision

Office of Equity, Culture, Support Services
We engage district teams and staff in thoughtful explorations of structural and institutional bias and their impact on student and staff learning and opportunities.  Our office also provides professional learning experiences that support district teams and staff in developing the skill, knowledge, and capacity to eliminate educational disparities and achieve systemic equity and excellence.