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Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices
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CLSP Washington Model for Bias in Curriculum ToolClick below to access the district-approved tool to evaluate bias in curriculum:
Washington Model for Bias in Curriculum Tool
About CLSP
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MISSION
We are committed to fostering an inclusive educational environment where every student, family and staff member feels genuinely valued, respected, and empowered to achieve both academic excellence and meaningful personal growth. Through the implementation of culturally and linguistically sustaining practices embedded in the district systems and services, we actively honor and celebrate the rich diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that our students, families, and staff bring to our learning community.
Our mission extends beyond traditional educational outcomes to encompass the whole person, ensuring that each individual's cultural identity, language, and unique strengths are not only recognized but leveraged as assets in the learning process. We believe that when all community members feel seen, heard, and valued, they are better positioned to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to our collective success.
VISION
Our school district's students, families, and staff experience a strong sense of belonging and excellence. Through thoughtfully designed, inclusive practices and academically rigorous programs that meet diverse learning needs, we cultivate well-informed, critically thinking, and actively engaged citizens who are equipped and motivated to create positive change in their communities and beyond. We envision a future where every student has access to high-quality learning opportunities and where our community serves as a model for inclusive excellence that other districts can learn from and replicate.
CORE VALUES
Collaboration and Partnership:
Meaningful change happens through authentic collaboration and strategic partnerships. We actively engage with school communities, district partners, staff members, families, and community organizations to identify systemic inequities and develop comprehensive solutions that create lasting, positive transformation. Our collaborative approach ensures that diverse perspectives inform our decision-making processes and that all collaborators have a voice in shaping the educational experiences we provide.
We recognize that true partnership requires mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a commitment to working together toward common goals. By building strong relationships and maintaining open lines of communication, we create an environment where innovative solutions can emerge and where everyone feels invested in our collective success.
Continuous Learning and Improvement:
We embrace a growth mindset and commit to ongoing learning, critical reflection, and continuous improvement in our daily professional practice and CLSP initiatives. We understand that identifying and addressing inequities is not a destination but a continuous journey that requires dedication, humility, and adaptability.
Our commitment to continuous learning means we stay current with research-based practices, seek feedback from our community, and remain open to new ideas and approaches. We regularly examine our policies, practices, and outcomes to ensure they align with our values and serve all students effectively. When we identify areas for improvement, we respond with urgency and commitment.
Inclusivity:
We are committed to ensuring that all voices, perspectives, and experiences are not only heard but genuinely valued and meaningfully included in our decision-making processes. We actively work to remove barriers that prevent full participation and create multiple pathways for community engagement.
Our inclusive practices extend beyond representation to encompass authentic participation, where diverse viewpoints shape our policies, programs, and practices. We recognize that inclusivity requires intentional effort and ongoing attention, and we are committed to creating spaces where everyone can contribute their unique strengths and perspectives to our shared educational mission.
Diversity:
We celebrate and actively embrace the rich diversity of backgrounds, experiences, cultures, languages, and perspectives within our district community. We understand that diversity is not just about representation but also about creating an environment where differences are valued as strengths and where all individuals can see themselves reflected in our curriculum, leadership, and community.
Transparency:
We maintain transparency in our processes, policies, and actions, ensuring that our community has accessible information and a clear understanding of how decisions are made and implemented. We believe that transparency builds trust and enables meaningful community engagement and accountability. Our commitment to transparency includes regular communication about our progress, challenges, and areas for growth, and we recognize that transparency is essential for building and maintaining the trust necessary for effective educational partnerships.
Empowerment:
We are dedicated to empowering students, families, staff, and school communities to advocate for themselves, participate in decision-making processes, and access the resources and opportunities needed to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. We believe that empowerment comes through education, skill-building, and the creation of systems that support and amplify community voices.
Our empowerment efforts include providing leadership development opportunities, creating accessible pathways for participation, and ensuring that all community members have the tools and knowledge they need to effectively advocate for themselves and their children. We work to build capacity within our communities so that advocacy and engagement become sustainable and self-reinforcing practices.
HOW DOES CLSP IMPACT OUR DISTRICT?
Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices (CLSP) are at the very core of our district's mission, vision, and values, impacting every facet of our educational community.
By actively honoring and celebrating the diverse backgrounds, experiences, cultures, and languages within our district, CLSP creates an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. This inclusive foundation is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness for all.
Our approach recognizes and leverages each individual's cultural background, language, and unique strengths as assets in the learning process. This means our academically rigorous programs are thoughtfully selected to meet diverse learning needs, cultivating well-informed, critically thinking, and actively engaged citizens.
Through the continuous implementation of CLSP, embedded in our systems and services, we are building a community where all voices are not only heard but genuinely valued and meaningfully included in decision-making. This commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, improvement, and transparency allows us to identify and address inequities, ensuring high-quality learning opportunities for every student.
CLSP isn't just an initiative; it's the fundamental framework that empowers our students, families, and staff to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to our collective success, equipping them to create positive change in their communities and beyond.