Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
What is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)?
Diversity
Diversity is the presence of differences that might include race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, (dis)ability, age, religious commitment, or political perspective. These are populations that have been and remain underrepresented among groups and marginalized in the broader society.
Equity
Equity is promoting justice, impartiality and fairness within procedures, processes, and distribution of resources by the institutions or systems. Effectively addressing equity issues requires an understanding of the root causes of outcome disparities within our society.
Inclusion
Inclusion is an outcome to ensure those that are diverse actually feel and are welcomed. Inclusion outcomes are met when individuals, the institution, and our programs are truly inviting to all. This includes the degree to which diverse individuals are able to participate fully in the decision-making processes and development opportunities within the organization or group.
There are many paths to success, and each child is capable of succeeding on one or more
pathways. Appropriate supports must be made available so personal and social circumstances do not prohibit a student from reaching their greatest aspiration. The school system and our partners can help each student find the right path to success.
How is Equity Defined at Ames CSD?
Every member of the Ames Schools community across individual characteristics, identities, and circumstances, is provided with intentional access to high-quality experiences and opportunities in our schools that contribute to proportionate outcomes for all students.
Student-Friendly Version: Everyone gets what they need to be successful.
What does access to mean?
Access to means people part of the Ames Community School District will have entrance into, involvement with, and full benefit of opportunities and resources accessible to the district.
What are high-quality experiences?
High-quality experiences means Ames CSD staff will engage in professional development, reflective practices, and culturally sustaining teaching practices and provide the best possible experiences that encourages participation.
What are proportionate achievement outcomes?
Proportionate achievement outcomes means that the academic outcome percentage points will be close to or match that of the population percentage.
Example of Disproportionate Outcomes:
| All Students Who Qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch | Percentage of All Students Who Qualify | AP Enrolled Students Who Qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch | Percentage of AP Enrolled Students Who Qualify |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200/1000 | 20% | 15/200 | 7.5% |
Example of Proportionate Outcomes:
| All Students Who Qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch | Percentage of All Students Who Qualify | AP Enrolled Students Who Qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch | Percentage of AP Enrolled Students Who Qualify |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200/1000 | 20% | 36/200 | 18% |