Equity and Student Success
Background
Equity work in Bozeman Public Schools is rooted in the District's core purpose:
"Bozeman Public Schools exist to provide an outstanding education that inspires and ensures high achievement so every student can succeed and make a difference in a rapidly changing world community."
The word 'every' is a bold statement that aligns with Article X, section 1 of the Montana Constitution:
“It is the goal of the people to establish a system of education which will develop the full educational potential of each person.”
Bozeman Public Schools defines equity as simply giving each student what they need to be successful.
Community Conversations
During the Fall of 2021 Bozeman Public Schools engaged the community in a series of eight facilitated consensus listening sessions on the topic of equity. Key takeaways from the eight sessions include:
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The community has many and varied opinions and definitions regarding the term ‘equity’.
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The community has broad agreement in the District striving to meet the individual needs of all students.
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The community embraces the District choosing language that will decrease polarization.
Each individual listening session has a summary report below. There is also an integrated report that pulls together the comments and feedback from all eight sessions into one document. The comments are grouped into collective statements based on similar comments from the individuals who participated in each session.
Integrated Report - Click HERE
August 26, Session 1 - Click HERE
August 26, Session 2 - Click HERE
August 27, Session 1 - Click HERE
August 27, Session 2 - Click HERE
August 28, Session 1 - Click HERE
August 28, Session 2 - Click HERE
September 15, Session - Click HERE
September 16, Zoom Session - Click HEREStudent Success Policy #3610/P
In December of 2021 the BSD7 board of Trustees revised Student Success Policy #3610 and the associated decision making filter, #3610P. The policy is foundational to the work being done in the District to ensure high levels of learning for all students. The policy includes the following bold commitments on behalf of students and student learning:
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Providing all students with access to resources, opportunities, supports and interventions to maximize the success of each student.
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Assuring that all BSD7 staff members, with deliberate effort, continue to examine and eliminate beliefs, policies, practices, and teaching that may perpetuate disparities in achievement.
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Raising the achievement of each student while eliminating any identified or perceived opportunity or achievement gaps.
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Filtering programs, initiatives, and budget supports to maximize student success.
To read the full policy click below:
Equity Advisory Committee
Purpose:
The purpose of the Equity Advisory Committee is to provide support and guidance related to the Student Success policy and procedures established in policy 3610 and 3610P. The BSD7 Equity Advisory Committee will act in an advisory capacity to the Board of Trustees and Superintendent by providing support, guidance, and information about issues related to equity, diversity and inclusion in our schools and programs and by recommending changes to policy, procedure and practices within the district to make the Bozeman Public Schools a more welcoming, inclusive organization. The main charges of the Task Force are to help operationalize the commitments in policy #3610.
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Providing all students with access to resources, opportunities, supports and interventions to maximize the success of each student.
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Assuring that all BSD7 staff members, with deliberate effort, continue to examine and eliminate beliefs, policies, practices, and teaching that may perpetuate disparities in achievement.
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Raising the achievement of each student while eliminating any identified or perceived opportunity or achievement gaps.
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Filtering programs, initiatives, and budget supports to maximize student success.
Looks-Like:
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One-two Trustees will serve on this advisory committee appointed by the Board Chair.
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For the 2022-2023 school year, advisory committee meetings will be held every other month as needed with the school district administration calling the meetings and coordinating the materials and research necessary for the work of the committee.
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Committee members will prepare for and attend the established committee meetings.
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This committee is advisory to the Board and Administration of the district in making recommendations for students, staff and programs related to closing the achievement gap and equity.
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Committee may recommend to the Board the formation of workgroups intended to be ad hoc with specific duties that will sunset upon the accomplishment of established duties.
For more information on the Equity Advisory Committee click HERE.