Diversity and Inclusion Study
Superintendent Dawn Tarzian appointed a Diversity and Inclusion Committee in the fall of 2008 to help identify diversity-related challenges and opportunities in 509J and develop an action plan to address key areas of district work related to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students, families and staff. The plan also was to foster school cultures that embrace diversity and inclusion and ensure that all students have access to quality educational programs.
The committee’s assignment was linked to recommendations related to diversity, equity and safe learning environments found in the Corvallis Community Vision for Education. This document represents the feedback of more than 1,300 community members about what kind of education Corvallis should offer its students. It was approved by the Corvallis School Board in the fall of 2007.
Diversity and Inclusion Assessment Report
The
Diversity and Inclusion Committee
spent more than a year reviewing the results of surveys taken by students,
staff and parents and studying student achievement data, behavior data,
demographics and other relevant data. The committee also conducted climate
inventories at each school and at the district office and hosted a number of
focus groups. After evaluating their findings and considering input gathered at
a June 17, 2009 community forum, the committee prepared an
Executive Summary of the Diversity and Inclusion Assessment Report.
This report was released to the public in January 2010.
Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee released a
diversity action plan in June 2010 to address the concerns and
issues raised during the 18-month diversity and
inclusion study. The plan was developed according to
the
superintendent's parameters for the action planning
process.
A new Diversity Action Planning Advisory Council has been appointed to support the implementation of the diversity action plan and advise the superintendent on plan progress. The council, working with district staff, will help prioritize elements of the plan and help identify specific actions and timelines according to those priorities. The committee has indicated that one of its first priorities will be to help the district explore bulling and harassment curriculums.
Meeting Summary Notes:
1-26-11
Research Articles:
The Diversity and Inclusion Study Process
The following is a step by step description of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee's work leading up to its executive summary report and action plan:
Compilation of Research
As part of the action planning process, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee
researched various components of the plan, based upon an issue that was
important to them. The resulting
compilation of research documents submitted to the committee does not
represent any consensus of thinking by the whole committee, but the research did
help to inform what would be included in the plan.
Surveys and Data Collection
More than 6,200 students, parents and staff completed an online diversity survey
during the spring and fall of 2008. The results of these surveys were reviewed
along with existing data including student demographics, standardized test
scores, enrollment in Talented and Gifted and Advanced Placement programs,
drop-out figures, behavior incidents and more.
Copies of Diversity Surveys
Climate Inventories
Members of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee visited each of the district's
13 schools and the district office to look at how well each one is creating a
safe, welcoming environment for students and their families. They took pictures
outside each building and in office areas, hallways and other gathering spots in
the schools. They also developed a list and PowerPoint presentation of "best practices."
Summary of Best Practices
Photos of Best Practices
Focus Groups
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee conducted 14 focus groups in 2009 to seek
the input of students, staff, parents and community members. One focus group was
made up of the parents of students with disabilities and one focus group each
was conducted in Spanish and in Korean. The following links offer a list of the
themes that emerged from each group:
Themes from Parent Focus Groups
Themes from Staff Focus Groups
Themes from Student Focus Groups
Opportunities and Challenges
Parent Information Network
In response to some of the feedback from surveys and focus groups, more
information was gathered about what communication barriers exist between parents
and schools and what resources were needed to improve communication, especially
with regards to families whose first language is not English.
Parent Information -- Challenges and Opportunities
Diversity and Inclusion Community Forum
On June 17, 2009, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee presented its key
findings at this point in the process during a community forum held at the
district office. Participants rotated through four stations where committee
members reported the central themes discovered by the four sub-committees --
Data Collection, Climate
Inventories, Focus Groups and Parent Information Network.
At each station, forum participants were asked to offer suggestions for further study. At the conclusion of the meeting, participants also were asked to submit ideas for developing a diversity action plan.
03-29-10
01-19-10
12-14-09
06-04-09
03-16-09
Kevin Bogatin, kevin.bogatin@corvallis.k12.or.us
or 1555 SW 35 St., Corvallis, OR 97333
