MPS equity, diversity, inclusion and consulting training

Minneapolis Public Schools selected National Equity Project to assist in developing a long-term equity, diversity and inclusion strategy.

The organization will provide leadership in the development, design and delivery of comprehensive consulting and evaluation services in the areas of equity, diversity and inclusion. Key elements of the work include leadership development, training, plan development and a listening campaign that will seek out potentially silenced voices to contribute to a dialogue about the impact and influence of race, class, and culture on disparate educational outcomes.

The National Equity Project has a track record of success with a wide variety of partner schools, districts, and nonprofits who are working to improve outcomes for students. In the past ten years, the National Equity Project has supported over 100 schools, 15 district offices and 15 nonprofit organizations to improve their capacity and effectiveness to serve diverse students and families.

The MPS strategic plan calls for the identification and correction of practices and policies that perpetuate the achievement gap and institutional racism in all forms.

“Commitment to equity and diversity is one of our core values and is essential to our goal of keeping children first and shaping them to be college-ready,” said Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson. “This commitment to inclusion of the diverse families that we serve must permeate every level of our organization.”

MPS has a more diverse, more mobile, more complex body of students than most school districts in Minnesota. The student body is 68 percent students of color. Sixty-six percent of students qualify to receive free or reduced price meals. English Language Learner services are provided to 23 percent of MPS students and nearly 20 percent of students receive special education services.

“We consider this diversity to be one of our greatest strengths,” added Superintendent Johnson. “Our urban educational experience gives young people a competitive edge in a multi-ethnic global economy.”