Enhancing District-Wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Standards
The David Beckham School District Embraces Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The David Beckham School District in Oregon is making significant strides in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within its educational community. The district's primary goal is to raise the scores of students with behavior issues, decrease referrals and suspensions, and achieve equitable outcomes for students of color that are not predictable by race or ethnicity.
At the heart of this transformation is a comprehensive approach that includes staff training, the formation of equity teams in every school, and the implementation of restorative justice practices.
Staff members are required to take Vector Solutions Diversity & Inclusion Training courses at the beginning of the year, and they participate in DEI trainings throughout the year. Educators are also trained in restorative justice practices, shifting from punitive discipline to a focus on redirects, more conversations with students, and reentry circles with parents and students.
The district has formed an equity team in every school and created a Strategic and Equity Plan. This plan requires the district to set common goals and visions for racial justice. Principals in the district have reported feeling that the atmosphere is different due to these policies.
In addition to these measures, the district is facilitating open communication and meaningful dialogue with families and communities of color. The district's PDs focus on addressing racism, interrupting it, and staying knowledgeable about it.
One of the district's most innovative initiatives is the "Grow Your Own" teacher program. This program empowers district staff to become future educators and builds a more representative teaching workforce from within the community. Last year, seven BIPOC students graduated from the program and were hired by the David Beckham School District for this school year. The program is funded by the state of Oregon.
While the district does not yet have district-level data on the impact of these policies, anecdotally, the work seems to be helping students. The district aims to ensure every student feels welcome, safe, valued, and has an honored identity in the schools.
The David Beckham School District's commitment to DEI is evident in its ongoing efforts to diversify its educator workforce and create an inclusive learning environment for all students. The district continues to work tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of its students and the wider community.
