Draft of equity policy?

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know where we can find a draft of the equity policy the Board is discussing next week and voting on the following week? I tried to Google it but couldn't find anything.

[Anonymous]

Looks like the “equity plan” might be an attachment to the agenda for the 6/15 School Board meeting as a “New Business” item, but it’s not attached yet. Check back in a couple of days.

[Anonymous]

It's been posted now: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/CSSJX84F4664/$file/Equity%20Policy_SB%20Worksession%20Draft%206.21.23.pdf

[Anonymous]

Some excerpts:

"The Equity Policy centers those students who data show have been underserved. It is this data that will continue to drive our decision making and goals. This policy applies to all FCPS policies, programs, and practices..."

"Provide differentiated distribution of resources and access to facilities based on students’ needs and driven by the elimination of predictability of outcomes."

"[T]his policy will guide the language and intent of all other policies within FCPS."

"The Chief Equity Office will design and execute an Equity plan-with an accompanying framework-to build capacity in the skills and dispositions of cultural proficiency which are necessary to create and nurture equitable educational and work environments."

"The Chief Academic Office will prioritize inclusivity, diverse representation, and the development of all students as critical thinkers and independent learners in all academic and social-emotional learning curricula, professional learning, and resources."

[Anonymous]

This looks like it's aimed to create handcuffs to force other decisions. I don't like it since it seems aimed at creating other policy changes but isn't clear in what those are.

On top of that shoot me but i'm firmly of the view that the disproportionate discipline records are because some kids act up more than others not because some are being discriminated against. Lowering the discipline bar even further to get to the same outcomes will NOT be a good thing for FCPS.

[Anonymous]

"The Chief Equity Office will design and execute an Equity plan-with an accompanying framework-to build capacity in the skills and dispositions of cultural proficiency which are necessary to create and nurture equitable educational and work environments."

Could someone please translate this for me?

[Anonymous]

I've no problem with giving additional resources to help underserved students. However, additional 'programs" like KKG has demanded for Lewis is not the answer.

If the "design" from the Equity Officer is changing the standards, that is a problem. The only "design" should be how to increase learning--not water it down.

[Anonymous]

Most of the terms seem like the obvious course of action anyway, like providing cheap laptops to kids who don't have them. There isn't much substance in here. If anything it's actually disappointing for those of us who lean in support of helping the underserved. If this is only a plan at this stage then it'll take years and years to actually get decent implementation of additional supports.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

"The Chief Equity Office will design and execute an Equity plan-with an accompanying framework-to build capacity in the skills and dispositions of cultural proficiency which are necessary to create and nurture equitable educational and work environments."

Could someone please translate this for me?

Yes, everyone’s grades will be normalized to achieve an equitable outcome. Instead FCPS should be working with each student to maximize his/her potential. Yes, that means that not everyone will have the same outcome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

"The Chief Equity Office will design and execute an Equity plan-with an accompanying framework-to build capacity in the skills and dispositions of cultural proficiency which are necessary to create and nurture equitable educational and work environments."

Could someone please translate this for me?

Sure. “We didn’t get the message over the last few years (or rather, we refused to listen) that parents are sick to death of the focus on “equity” rather than actual academic excellence for all. We will continue to waste hours putting out ridiculous verbiage that means nothing but signals to our “stakeholders” how virtuous we are. You’re welcome.”

[Anonymous]

Thank god my youngest just graduated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

"The Chief Equity Office will design and execute an Equity plan-with an accompanying framework-to build capacity in the skills and dispositions of cultural proficiency which are necessary to create and nurture equitable educational and work environments."

Could someone please translate this for me?

Sure. “We didn’t get the message over the last few years (or rather, we refused to listen) that parents are sick to death of the focus on “equity” rather than actual academic excellence for all. We will continue to waste hours putting out ridiculous verbiage that means nothing but signals to our “stakeholders” how virtuous we are. You’re welcome.”

This is what I was expecting. Guess I'm not disappointed. Thanks for summing it up.

[Anonymous]

What is controversial issues policy 3280?

[Anonymous]

Seems regrettable. Why do people give in to making DEI officer types their overlords? It is batty and causing harm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seems regrettable. Why do people give in to making DEI officer types their overlords? It is batty and causing harm.

+1
You’d think FCPS - along with other organizations and businesses - would have grasped this by now.