Equity and Inclusion

Four elementary students stand together for a posed photo.

The Equity and Inclusion Department is dedicated to educating, developing, and inspiring District 196 students for lifelong success. They support equity as a core competency through practices, structures, beliefs, resources, and staffing. The department provides leadership and direction on equity focused professional development, policy changes, and implementation strategies. They also oversee the Achievement and Integration Plan for District 196.

Equity and INclusion Department Newsletter - Fall Edition 2023

Achievement and Integration Plan

District 196 prioritizes educational equity by providing inclusive and accessible learning opportunities for all students. Professional development for staff focuses on cultural proficiency and anti-racism to ensure equitable curriculum, practices, and environments. The Achievement and Integration Plan ensures compliance with Minnesota Desegregation/Integration Rules. The plan’s purpose is to:

Pursue racial and economic integration,
Increase student achievement,
Create equitable educational opportunities, and
Reduce academic disparities based on students’ diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.

The Minnesota Department of Education has classified District 196 as a “racially isolated district” that has three “racially identifiable schools” - Echo Park Elementary School of Leadership, Engineering and Technology, Cedar Park Elementary STEM School, and Oak Ridge Elementary School of Leadership, Environmental and Health Sciences. To comply with state regulations, the district partnered with surrounding districts to provide summer programming opportunities. The plan supports integration, achievement, teacher equity, post-secondary options, engagement & inclusion and school choice through magnet schools. It was developed by the Community Collaboration Council and will be overseen by the Equity and Inclusion Department.

ACHIEVEMENT AND INTEGRATION PLAN 2023-26

ACHIEVEMENT AND INTEGRATION PLAN 2023-26 PRESENTATION

Cultural Family Advocates

The Cultural Family Advocates serve as a bridge between school, culturally and ethnically diverse students and families to increase awareness and participation for academic and social growth, while keeping their own sense of cultural identity.

Cultural Family Advocates

Equity Advisory Council

The Equity Advisory Council analyzes student data, reviews programming & services, and recommends changes to the Superintendent's Cabinet to ensure equity and inclusion. Their goal is to eliminate predictability of student achievement based upon race, gender, special education status or eligibility for educational benefits.

Grow Your Own - Adult Pathway Program

The Grow Your Own Program is designed to support adults who identify as American Indian and/or people of color in completing a teaching degree and obtaining an initial teaching license. The program supports the District 196 Achievement and Integration Plan and World’s Best Workforce goals to increase teachers of color serving in the district. To learn more about the program, contact Yen Huynh-Vue at 651-423-7941 or Yen.HuynhVue@district196.org.

Teachers of Color Mentorship Program September 2023

The Teachers of Color Mentorship Program provides new teachers of color with a mentor teacher of color who supports their teaching and equity journey in the first few years in District 196. Other supports include meetings/workshops and newsletters to network with other teachers of color, expand resiliency, and deepen pedagogical skills. The program supports the District 196 Achievement and Integration Plan to increase teachers of color who reflect the population they serve. For more information, contact Yen Huynh-Vue at 651-423-7941 or Yen.HuynhVue@district196.org.