EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We believe that each student has the potential to achieve, and it is our responsibility to provide all students the opportunity and support needed to meet their highest capability in a safe and welcoming environment. We acknowledge that systemic and institutional inequities and bias exist, creating barriers for student achievement and well-being. We are committed to raising the achievement of all learners regardless of race, status, varied ability, mental health, English language fluency, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, trauma impact, and geography. Our culture should promote the identification and removal of barriers causing predictability and disproportionality of the highest and lowest achieving groups (EL-16)
Equity and Cultural Competency
The Issaquah School District believes in building and sustaining a culture of kindness. Doing everything we can to support ALL students to thrive is at the core of our mission. In order to thrive, students need to be treated with respect and kindness by adults and other students. They need to have a positive sense of belonging and the belief that they have the power to be successful. Our responsibility is to educate students as informed citizens, to teach them to respect other perspectives, and to show kindness to others.
As our community evolves and demographics change, we are charged with reshaping our practices to best meet the needs of our students and families we serve. As we work toward accomplishing our mission, we pledge as a school district to question, grow, and evolve in our understanding of diversity and what it means to be culturally competent.
Equity is about treating all children as the individuals that they are, not treating all children the same. That’s why we are deeply committed to ensuring that all students receive what they personally need to develop to their full potential and succeed, and to narrowing the achievement/opportunity gap between our highest and lowest performing students.
Our Mission and Work
We are dedicated to identifying and removing bias and systemic and institutional barriers that create marginalization and disproportionality in student achievement and their well-being. Learn about our mission.
VOICE
VOICE (Volunteers of Issaquah Changing Education) is an in-school mentoring program that pairs caring adult or high school volunteers with ISD students for one-on-one, supportive relationships. We provide mentors for students K-12 at all 26 Issaquah schools.
Equity Department and Equity Building Leaders
The Equity department is lead by dedicated staff from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, each school in Issaquah has an equity building leader to help guide the work at each building. Meet the Team.
Cultural and Family Partnerships
The Family Partnership Team exists to support students’ success by supporting families that are culturally and linguistically diverse. Learn More.
Staff Professional Development
In order to develop knowledge, awareness, skills and advocacy for racial literacy, cultural competency, and allyship, we provide staff professional development and resources. Learn more here.
Religion and Culture
Our calendar provides insight into the diversity of our school community. We have highlighted the many religious and cultural observances celebrated within our community. Check it out.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion news
Check out our district equity, diversity and inclusion events and initiatives. There is a lot taking place. See what’s happening.
Community Resources
Visit our Community Resources page for helpful information for our culturally diverse families and community members.