- Orange County School District
- Equity Efforts in Orange County Schools
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Click here to watch the recorded session for: Let's Discuss The N Word. We plan to be back at the end of April for our next virtual community panel event.
Zoom link for panel events: https://orange-k12-nc-us.zoom.us/s/95610321987
If you are having trouble, try this link or view the troubleshooting steps below.Please refresh this page for updates or announcements about panel events, particularly if you are having trouble logging in. For questions or troubleshooting, please contact Kumar.Sathy@orange.k12.nc.us
Previous Panels (recordings)
The N Word (click here to watch)
Let's Discuss Neurodiversity (click here to watch)
How to Talk about Race (click here to watch)
Inclusive Education & Care for LGBTQ+ Students (click here to watch)
The Office of Equity & Inclusion
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"We see our schools as centers for culturally diverse learning where all students are educated to their fullest potential and as centers of our community around which we come together in support of the education of all students.
The concept of educational equity goes beyond formal equality to fostering a barrier-free environment where all students, regardless of their race, class, or other personal characteristics, have the opportunity to benefit equally in order to succeed and thrive.
Equity is critical to the success of our schools, our students, and our community."
(OCS Board Policy 1030, February 2019)
Dr. Jessica V. Dreher (she/her/hers)
Director of Student Engagement and Support Services
Jessica.Dreher@orange.k12.nc.us (919) 732-8126Mr. Kumar R. Sathy (he/him/his) [click to hear pronunciation]
District Equity Facilitator
Kumar.Sathy@orange.k12.nc.us (919) 732-8126
We use the REIA Toolkit (Racial Equity Impact Assessment) to guide our work, aid in the decision-making process, and to prevent racial discrimination and inequities. Learn more about the toolkit and the 10 sample questions here: https://www.raceforward.org/sites/default/files/RacialJusticeImpactAssessment_v5.pdf
When harmful, oppressive words and/or actions occur in our schools, we use the Address, Repair, Create document to properly support students. Staff members are encouraged to review the document and use it to address and repair harm, while also creating structures of support for students going forward. The document was created with input from students, administrators, educators, staff members, and with community input from the Equity Task Force. The first responsibility is to provide support.
We also use an edited version of these 27 Equitable Practices to elevate culturally responsive teaching practices.
Equity Task Force Landing Page
If you are interested in joining the Equity Task Force, please contact Dr. Jessica Dreher, Director of Student Engagement and Support Services.
Upcoming 2023-24 Equity Task Force (Hybrid In-Person & Zoom) Meeting Dates: April 15, 2024 | May 13, 2024
2021-2022 OCS Equity Plan (Working Document)
2020-2021 OCS Equity Plan | Español
Gender Support Guidelines (1710)
2022-2025 AIG (Academically/Intellectually Gifted) Plan | Spring 2023 AIG Demographics (Spanish on page 2)
Student Engagement & Student Support Services
If you're an OCS staff member, please click here to view our grant-funded Equity Library and checkout form.
Organizational Chart
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Organizational Chart for OCS Office of Equity, Student Engagement, and Support Services
The full OCS Organizational Chart can be found here.
Heritage Month Resources
Access And Equity For Students With Learning Disabilities
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Equitable and inclusive teaching involves thoughtful planning for accommodations, allowing all students, including those with learning disabilities, to fully participate and feel a sense of belonging in classroom instruction.
For more information about exceptional children's services in Orange County Schools, please visit the Exceptional Children's Services website by clicking here.
Additional Links & Resources:
Handbook on Parents' Rights (rev. 2016) | English | Spanish: This handbook is designed to support families with the understanding of the rights and responsibilities specific to the special education process. Acronyms and terms often used in special education and resources can be found in the appendices. If, at any time, you suspect your student may have a disability and is in need of special education and/or related services, you may request an evaluation, in writing, to your student’s school principal, teacher, or Orange County Schools EC Department.
What is an IEP (Individualized Education Plan)?
What is MTSS? For more information about MTSS, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, please visit the Exceptional Children's Services website by clicking here.
Organizations that Assist North Carolina's Parents of Children with Disabilities:
Exceptional Children's Assistance Center:
1-800-962-6817 or 704-892-1321
The ECAC "helps parents navigate the special education system, know their rights, and use their voice. [They] provide information, support, training and resources to assist families caring for children with special needs from birth to age 26. [They] also support young adults with disabilities in becoming self-advocates and leaders and the educators and professionals who serve them."
Family Support Network of North Carolina
1-800-852-0042
The Family Support Network has a free statement information and referral service, parent-to-parent programs, and workshops for parents of children with disabilities. You can call for specific disability information and for listings for all of the different disability support groups.
BOARD'S ACTION IN EQUITY
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Link to Policy 1030 - Equity In Orange County Schools
BOARD'S RESOLUTION: EQUITY IN EDUCATION (Adopted September 14, 2020)
ACTION ITEMS to fulfill Equity in Education Board Resolution | Spanish (Last updated 3-5-21)
Board Resolution: Equity in Education | Spanish (Adopted September 14, 2020)
Board Resolution: Juneteenth | Spanish (Adopted June 7, 2021)
Board Resolution: Honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day 2021 and the Native Peoples of North Carolina | Spanish (Adopted October 11, 2021)
Board Resolution: To Address Harm Caused to Students by Incidents of Hostile and Racist Behavior | Spanish (Adopted October 11, 2021)