Our Equity Framework
Commitment Statement
The Arizona Department of Education is committed to ensuring that all Arizona students are provided the opportunity to succeed and reach their full academic potential. The department is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in its policies, procedures, practices, and programs.
Defining Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Educational equity means that all students are provided with the resources they need to produce comparably positive academic and social outcomes regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, language, religion, nationality, immigration status, cognitive or physical ability, family background or structure, income, or zip code.
Workplace equity, diversity and inclusion in the Arizona Department of Education means that all staff, regardless of position, role, work experience and work style are valued for their expertise, treated with respect, receive opportunities and support to excel, and have equitable outcomes regarding the development and advancement of their careers.
Includes all the ways in which people differ, encompassing the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another; in reference to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, language, religion, nationality, immigration status, cognitive or physical ability, family background or structure, income, zip code. This definition also includes diversity of ideas, perspectives, and values. Individuals may affiliate with multiple identities.
Is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group is welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces difference and offers respect in words and actions for all people.
An inclusive group is by nature diverse; however, a diverse group isn’t always inclusive.
Six Goals of Education Equity
The six goals of equity identify the elements to be addressed in policies, procedures, practices, and programs to eliminate inequities and ensure equity.
Comparable positive results on all measures for student and staff populations, which provide evidence that inequities are identified and resolved.
Admission and engagement, without obstruction, for all students and staff to participate equitably in all services or opportunities with positive outcomes.
Interactions between individuals and groups are accepted, valued, respected, safe and secure without fear of threat, humiliation, danger or disregard.
Necessary and appropriate supports are provided to attain positive equitable outcomes for all students and staff.
Resources are allocated equitably to ensure positive equitable outcomes for all students and staff.
Stakeholders work collaboratively to ensure positive equitable outcomes for all students and staff.