Definition
Educators are responsible for ensuring that every child and family has the opportunities they need to be successful in the educational experience, including ensuring that children are treated equitably and have access to high-quality learning opportunities. Educators must differentiate their services and supports based on the unique needs of each child and family, including disability, culture, language, and socioeconomic status.
What does it look like in practice?
a. “The school does take into account the historical context of where families may have strived or struggled, their current realities, and the desired future outcomes for their children.”16
b. The school provides training to staff on communicating with families who are not native English speakers and/or require translation or interpretation services.
c. The school considers and addresses families’ cultural and language needs when developing and disseminating important information to families.
d. The school ensures that representation on advisory bodies and committees reflects the composition of the student body, including families that are living in poverty, have limited English proficiency, have disabilities, or have a student with a disability.
e. Educators understand the unique characteristics and strengths that families bring to the school so that families can use those strengths to support improved outcomes for students.
f. Educators understand how culture and background influence people’s interactions and can impact how they are or are not engaged with the school.