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SCSD Educational Equity Advisory Team (SEEAT)

History of Seat

SCSD Educational Equity Advisory Team

Board of Ed liaisons: Heidi Cambareri, Amanda Kandel

Background

Somers School District values diversity, equity, and inclusion across all schools. Collectively we are committed to the establishment of a learning environment where faculty, staff, parents and students build knowledge and abilities that embrace the identified district value of learning from and collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds in a spirit of mutual respect, self-reflection, flexible thinking and open dialogue in personal, work and community contexts. As a district, we strive to provide equitable access to education to benefit all children.

Purpose

The District has established an SCSD Educational Equity Advisory Team to be a resource and a springboard to aid the district in better fulfilling the values of the district. We are committed to a fully inclusive educational experience for all students grounded in respect for others and their variety of perspectives. We desire to embrace the multitude of aspects of our students’ identities, including but not limited to, physical/mental ability, religious beliefs, race, sexual orientation, gender, language, and socioeconomic status.

SCSD Pledge

We are dedicated to the development and maintenance of a climate in all schools that is grounded in diversity, equity and inclusivity. The SCSD Educational Equity Advisory Team will provide input to the superintendent and related committees (e.g. building-based No Place for Hate Committees) for the healthy social, emotional, and intellectual development of ALL children, by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion to support each child in realizing his or her potential.

Mission

The SCSD Educational Equity Advisory Team provides the opportunity for stakeholder voices to be included in the district's pursuit of ensuring a positive educational experience and environment for all.

Vision and Values

The Team will provide input for ensuring a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment through:

  • Learning experiences that welcome and affirm all students.
  • Organizational structures that reflect the value of educational equity.
  • Learning that enhances the knowledge and skills of our faculty, staff, students, and families to be better meet the needs of our learning community.

SEEAT recognizes the inherent value of every child. To that end, we Value:

  • Collaborating across the schools and community
  • Guiding the review of learning experiences, organizational structures and learning opportunities to support learning for all
  • Elevating the voices of our children:

Culture Defined

The District follows the definition of culture as described as follows , “We define culture broadly to include all shared characteristics of human description, including age, gender, geography, ancestry, language, history, sexual orientation, faith and physical ability, as well as occupation and affiliations.” (Lindsey, Randall B. et al. Cultural Proficiency: A Manual for School Leaders. Corwin Press, Thousand Oaks, CA, 2009. pp 11-12)

Education Equity Defined

The District aligns with the definition of educational equity as described by the Center for Public Education, “Equity is achieved when all students receive the resources they need so they graduate prepared for success after high school.” (Center for Public Education, “Educational Equity; what does it mean? How do we know when we reach it?” January 2016