The Racial Equity Analysis Tool in the Edmonds School District Teresa Osborn – University of Washington, MSW Candidate, 2015

Today 1)History and purpose of the Racial Equity Analysis Tool (REAT) 1)Adapting the tool for the Edmonds School District 1)Process and Outcomes 2)Lessons Learned 3)Questions for Discussion

History and Purpose: The Seattle Public Schools Why was the REAT developed? Seattle Public Schools - under investigation by the US Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights for discriminating against black students by disciplining them more frequently and more harshly than similarly situated white students (initiated May 2012; story broke in March 2013).

History and Purpose Bernardo Ruiz Director of School-Family Partnerships, Equity & Race Relations, and Native American Education Office of the Superintendent Seattle Public Schools Facilitating the REAT effort…

History and Purpose: What is the REAT? ●Adapted from the City of Seattle & Seattle Public Schools Race and Social Justice Initiative (see handouts) “The Racial Equity Analysis Toolkit provides a set of guiding questions to determine if existing and proposed policies, budgetary decisions, programs, professional development and instructional practices are likely to close the opportunity gap for specific racial groups in Seattle Public Schools.”

Adapting the REAT for the Edmonds School District Edmonds School District launched a new department in Autumn 2013: The Diversity, Equity, and Outreach Department

Adapting the REAT for the Edmonds School District The Diversity, Equity, and Outreach Department My practicum site; lots of energy, but unsure on path forward Attended Bernardo’s workshop and chose the REAT for my research project

Adapting the REAT for the Edmonds School District The challenge: Significant increase in diversity in a short period of time Growing diverse student body, but educators, practices and policies are still geared toward majority white students.

Adapting the REAT for the Edmonds School District The ESD Mission: To ADVOCATE for all students by providing a learning environment which EMPOWERS students, staff and the community to MAXIMIZE their personal, creative and academic potential in order to BECOME lifelong learners and responsible world citizens. PROBLEM: Disparity between mission and data. How can we effect change to reclaim the mission?

Process and Outcomes 1. Gathered focus group to listen to parents of color and community members dedicated to equity Rebuilding trust with people harmed by the system

Process and Outcomes 1. Gathered focus group to listen to parents of color and community members dedicated to equity Rebuilding trust with people harmed by the system 2. Consulted with Assistant Superintendent 3. Analyzed feedback 4. Adapted the REAT to reflect input (see handout) 5. What’s coming next: Equity teams pilot REAT

The Revised Racial Equity Analysis Tool

Lessons Learned Drill down: Get to know the school and district Take the time to gather data and identify stakeholders Demographics for discipline, special ed., academic outcomes, compare student/staff demographics Identify stakeholders – parents and students from diverse backgrounds, teachers and school staff, community members

Lessons Learned Take it slow: Not a single application tool, but a mechanism for sustainable, long-term culture change Goal is to encourage reflection on racial and ethnic equity before implementing procedures, policies and practice.

Questions for Discussion Would something like the racial equity analysis tool be helpful for your school or district? What would you need to get started? What roadblocks would you face? Who would you need to get on board? Who are the stakeholders and allies?