Equity improves access
The Racial Equity Office works to improve principal engagement in two ways through the Theory of Action. REO aims to improve programmatic equity by identifying key indicators to remove system differences and create equitable access to programs. In addition, REO collaboratively promotes programs that support equitable leadership and operations. Specific programming includes:
Anti-Defamation League (ADL): No Place for Hate
No Place for Hate (NPFH) is a program that enables schools to challenge all forms of bias, bullying, and discrimination, by creating more inclusive environments. During Fall 2019, nine Dallas ISD high schools and nine middle schools registered to become NPFH sites. All participating schools attained a No Place for Hate Designation from the ADL in May 2020. To achieve this status, schools designed and implemented at least two schoolwide activities on bias and social justice. In conjunction with the Dallas ISD Social Studies department, forty-nine additional Dallas ISD middle and high schools have been selected as prospective NPFH sites for the 2020-2021 school year.
Magnet Mentor Program
The Magnet Schools Application Initiative is a collaborative effort of the Department of Magnet Programs and the REO to increase the number of qualified in-district African American students applying to and accepted by the district’s Magnet Schools. Thirty schools have Magnet Mentors. Each mentor is assigned five students and helps those students throughout the completion of the application process.
African American Success Initiative (AASI) Student Advocates
The REO is supporting both male and female mentoring programs aimed at African American students, serving ALL district schools, during the 2020-21 school year. In addition to individual and group mentoring sessions for students, these programs offer a broad range of wraparound services at their partner schools.
Student activities include lunch period clubs, virtual field trips, virtual career fairs, virtual college visits, financial literacy activities, and community service projects. Support provided by the REO includes resources for schools to acquire materials and supplies, host and participate in program events, and funding for mentor training and responsibilities.
Campuses interested in these supports should visit the Racial Equity Office website at www.dallasisd.org/racialequity to learn more about programmatic equity and equitable leadership programming.
For additional information, contact Ariss Rider, director of Community, Schools and Partnerships at ahollis@dallasisd.org.
