WSSDA is committed to increasing equity and access for ALL students in Washington state. This page can direct you to tools, resources, and trainings to aid school boards as they exercise their local authority in building a public education system that supports the growth and achievement of each and every student in their district.

WSSDA’s Equity Statement

“Equity is foundational to the work of WSSDA. Educational equity can only exist when a student’s level of opportunity and achievement cannot be predicted based on race, characteristics, or circumstances. Therefore, we must identify and eliminate any discriminatory practices and prejudices within our state’s public education system.“

Washington State Equity and Race Policies

WSSDA has compiled a list of school districts across the state of Washington whose school boards have adopted equity policies. They vary in title and content, but most focus on equity for each and every student regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, family income, homelessness, language, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification and other demographics.

Racial equity policies explicitly address eliminating racial barriers, discrimination and bias to increase achievement and graduation rates for students of color. They also address the historic inequities students of color and other marginalized students have faced and how those barriers will be eliminated within their school district.

Equity Tools

• Puget Sound ESD Racial Equity Tool
• Equity Lens Bookmark
• Sample Resolution for Indigenous Peoples’ Day
• Sample Memorandum of Understanding
• Sample district equity website
• Building an inclusive school community

Equity Publications

• Ten Ways School Boards Can Champion Equity Policy
• OCED Ten Steps to Equity in Education
• National Equity Project
• Creating Excellent and Equitable Schools
• Racing to Equity – Edmonds School District

Equity Information for Student Groups

Staff Contact

Heather Curl
Director of Leadership Development
360-890-5781

Christine Najarro
Event & Branch Support Specialist
360-252-3005