Background

Our Walla Walla Public Schools community defines equity as:

fair, just and inclusive educational access and experience for all students.

This definition commits us to identifying and addressing barriers and unhealthy cultures so that student belonging, participation and achievement is maximized. Focusing our equity lens on access allows us to ensure our students’ educational experiences are fully realized, with careful and deliberate consideration to individual dignity, needs and circumstances.

Walla Walla Public Schools equity commitments

•Standing up to injustice with school environments that are inclusive, respectful and tolerant, and confronting behaviors or actions by students, staff or guests that may be in conflict with these beliefs

•Ensuring a faculty and School Board that is both trained and implements anti-racist, culturally competent instructional environments and experiences

•Teaching respect and acceptance through socially just learning curricula for students

•Intentionally broadening our equity outreach by creating a culture where all stakeholders have a seat, a voice and a responsibility for change

•Prioritizing the diversity of our workforce through recruitment, retention and “growing our own” strategies

•Intentionally addressing equity when making program, curriculum and resourcing decisions

•Guaranteeing dignified and equitable family engagement that ensures resources, communication and outreach is provided in languages, materials and manners that maximize the school-to-home relationship

•Removing all barriers that overtly or covertly inhibit student belonging, participation and prosperity in their academic, athletic/activity and beyond-high-school plans