Educational Equity
School board members are responsible for the “equitable and quality education of every student in the school district” and must act accordingly in their collective work as a board of education to foster excellence for every student.
The Illinois Association of School Boards recognizes that everyone benefits when all students have access to the educational resources and rigor they need, in all times and circumstances.
In light of its mission and vision, IASB undertakes equity work to provide its members with resources to develop their competence and confidence in support of educational equity.
Illinois Association of School Boards Definition of Educational Equity
“Educational equity means that every student has access to the educational resources and rigor they need at the right moment in their education, and students’ needs are not going unmet due to race, ethnicity, dominant language, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, family background, and/or family income.”
(Adapted in 2018 from the Council of Chief State School Officers and Kedda Williams/Opportunity Institute)
The resources below can assist school districts on their equity journeys.
IASB In-District Workshop: Doing Right By All Students
The Doing Right By All Students workshop supports school board members in leading with care, integrity, and a shared commitment to all learners. The workshop explores educational equity using data-driven decision-making and meaningful engagement with community stakeholders to strengthen trust. Participants will leave with a vision to guide their equity work moving forward.
Additional Reading
- Illinois School Board Journal
- Teach Illinois/Strong Teachers, Strong; Classrooms: Policy Solutions To Alleviate Teacher Shortages In Illinois; Illinois State Board of Education, September 2018.
- Restoring the Soul to Education: Equity Closes the Achievement Gap, (book) 2019
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources List (Updated September 2024)
- ICSA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee