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7 Ensure Access and Inclusion

so that every child, regardless of race, color, national origin, home language, gender, economic circumstance or disability, attends a good school, has opportunities to learn and appropriate support for success.

Imagine > But Currently > What must be done > What we can do together

Imagine

Imagine schools…

Where policies and practices advance full access and opportunities for all students.
That view all language as a national treasure and expression of culture that must be embraced within a curriculum, rather than a “problem” to be solved, fixed or eliminated.
That foster multilingualism as a means to increase one’s access to and success in a global community.
Where boys and girls advance without restriction in core areas such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Imagine communities…

In which every student has equitable access to good schools, quality instruction and excellent education.
That recognize that our differences are our strength as a nation and that value the contribution of all members of society in the learning process.
That realize that multiple languages are keys to success in a global society.
That expect full access and shared planning, decision-making and inclusion in every aspect of the school’s functions.

Imagine states…

That uphold both the letter and the spirit of the law.
That are held accountable for enforcing non-discrimination and unobstructed access for all students.

But Currently…

In many instances, minority families and children still are denied full access and inclusion to quality schools and programs. This is evidenced by high dropout rates across the nation, under-representation of minorities and linguistically diverse learners in gifted and talented programs, and their over-inclusion in special education programs and disciplinary actions in schools. These same populations do not access the same programs for post-secondary education, including college and university attendance and involvement in professional schools.

Furthermore, low-income and linguistically diverse parents continue to lack access to information and decision-making and representation in the business and operation of schools that impact their children’s success. Schools continue to fail to communicate to communities and parents in linguistically and culturally appropriate ways that deny or diminish access.

And finally, the sociocultural context of most schools’ operating experiences do not properly account for nor accommodate the diversity of the communities being served.

What must be done…

Schools must respect the history, culture, knowledge and wisdom of communities they serve and incorporate this into their curriculum. Structures must be created to generate greater inclusivity so that the schools and communities use a variety of methods to communicate with each other effectively. In order to accomplish this, schools must employ practices and policies that value and promote diversity. Schools, coupled with communities, need to examine practices and policies that foster inclusivity for all students. Schools must ensure that they monitor practices and policies in order to fully adhere to the letter and spirit of the law regarding non-discrimination and increased access and inclusion for diverse students and their parents.

What we can do together…

Hold schools accountable to respect, implement and enforce all laws regarding non-discrimination.
Partner and collaborate with local civil rights groups and organizations to support greater access and inclusion across groups.
Conduct local community-school audits to ensure the highest level of access and inclusion of diverse families.
Recommend appropriate changes in policy and practices to break down local barriers to access and success for all students.
Host and participate in local dialogues and meetings that value diversity and promote working across groups to create access and inclusion for all children and families.
Examine your personal biases and practices and those of your family and children that are preventing access, inclusion or valuing of differences.
Embrace a belief about valuing the importance of others that disallows the exclusion of others for any reason.
Demand that your schools adopt and use curricula that is equitable, inclusive and non-biased.
Encourage teachers and administrators to pursue diversity training and implement practices that reflect that training.