Dallas ISD Racial Equity Office Quarterly Column October 2019

October 2019

Racial Equity at Dallas ISD: Innovation Changes the Landscape of Public Education for Underserved

A year and a half ago, with support from the superintendent and the Trustees the Dallas ISD’s Racial Equity Office was established to identify and remove obstacles to creating a level playing field for all students to succeed.  The department is already making a positive impact with an intentional, focused and measurable approach. During its first year, the office worked to identify inequities in the district, not only in student achievement, but in student access to things such as technology, specialized programming and well-maintained facilities.   As it celebrates its first year and a half, the office has led the way in the implementation of three major initiatives that are reshaping the landscape of quality education for Dallas’ children.

Expanded Free Pre-K
Decades of studies have shown the positive impact early learning has on a child’s education.  Yet, the cost of quality early learning programs prohibits many children from participating. Executives with the Racial Equity Office worked with the district’s Early Learning department to develop the pre-K scholarship policy to address structural racial inequities.  The new pre-K scholarships bring the long-lasting benefits of prekindergarten to more families.  The State of Texas has six eligibility requirements for families to qualify for free pre-K. The district’s new scholarship policy opens three additional ways families can qualify for free pre-K in Dallas ISD.

“It’s to the advantage of our district and students to have as many students participate in our pre-K program as possible,” said Leslie Williams, Racial Equity Office deputy chief. “We know the data shows that when our students participate in pre-K programs, they go on to significantly greater success in the following years.”

Opening Dialogues through Introduction of Inclusive History Electives

America has often been likened to a patchwork quilt with bits and pieces coming from many sources.  Unfortunately, American history courses often do not include the stories and contributions of persons of color.  To address the need for a more inclusive curriculum, the Racial Equity Office gathered a team of local and national scholars to work on drafting an ethnic studies curriculum.  The result is an innovative African American Studies course that was introduced on 23 campuses this school year.  The course is being offered as an elective and provides students the opportunity to learn about mathematics, art, sociology, music and literacy through historical and cultural lenses.  Two years ago, Dallas ISD incorporated a course on Mexican American studies. The African American Studies curriculum is currently under review by the State Board of Education for adoption and implementation state-wide.  “Now students from all over the state will benefit from the work that has been accomplished,” Williams said.

One-to-One Technology
As part of the district’s long-range technology plan, all ninth through 12th-grade high school students are receiving Chrome books for use at school and at home.  But what about the students who live in technology deserts where Wi-Fi access is limited?  Having a Chromebook alone doesn’t provide these students with equitable access to online resources.  Thanks to a generous donation from Sprint’s 1Million Project Foundation, 5,747 students at Lincoln, Madison, Roosevelt, South Oak Cliff, Pinkston, and Wilmer-Hutchins high schools received free hotspots along with their Chromebooks.  This is a game-changer for these students, providing equitable access to online resources not just at school, but also at home.

The work being done by the Dallas ISD Racial Equity Office has far-reaching impact.  But despite these major innovations, the work has just begun.  “The plan is for the Racial Equity Office in Dallas ISD to set the standard for the country,” Williams said. “We plan to have school districts from all over this country to benefit from out collaborations with district departments and industry partners.”  We invite you to connect with the Dallas ISD Racial Equity Office by following us on our website at Dallasisd.org/racialequity and on social media.