Policy Resources

Below are resources to support boards who are interested in establishing an equity policy and/or reviewing their existing policies/practices through an equity lens.

Some boards are adding an equity policy to their policy manuals to demonstrate their commitment to equity and define ways in which their districts will embed equity. Before a district moves to establish an equity policy, they should first work to utilizes an equity lens as they evaluate their current policy and practices. This, along with the use of the Leading for Equity Framework, will help the district determine the type of policy they want to establish in their community.

Equity Lens

An Equity Lens is a set of questions districts will ask themselves to assess how a particular policy or practice might impact various groups. This will help the district determine if a policy, practice or program supports the district’s equity efforts by ensuring such items do not disproportionally benefit or harm any particular group of students. Below are some examples of equity lenses but each district may modify or add to these when creating their own lens. MABE Equity Lens 2018 PPS Equity Lens Bookmark National Equity Project Lens of Systemic Oppression NWRESD Equity Lens Poster

Equity Policy

Equity policy lets your community know-the role equity will have in your district. It makes explicit that equity should be embedded in district operations. Some policies are very detailed, while others provide broader guidelines. Either way, policy sets a clear expectation around equity that the board will be accountable for. Below are some examples of what some districts have adopted: North Clackamas Equity Policy Portland Public Schools Racial Equity Policy Cincinnati Public Schools Equity and Excellence Policy Baltimore Schools Equity Policy

Additional Information

ASBA Equity

Download a sample of the ASBA Equity Workbook here.

Request On-Site Training
Learn more about training opportunities for ASBA member boards by emailing Julie Bacon, Leadership Development, or calling 602.254.1100 or 800.238.4701.

ASBA’s Commitment to Equity
ASBA provides district leaders with leadership strategies and promising practices for closing the opportunity and achievement gaps for all students regardless of family income, zip code, race/ethnicity, cultural background, learning disability, gender and other personal factors that impact the one million students attending our public schools.

Equity Resources

Resource Bank