At its regular meeting on Thursday, August 22, 2024, the Allentown School District Board of Directors reviewed a recent Equity Audit conducted by The Howard Group.
On October 12, 2023, the School Board of Directors was requested to approve The Howard Group to complete an Equity and Inclusivity Audit for the Allentown School District. In accordance with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) Resolution Agreement, the Equity and Inclusivity Audit was an action step to address the OCR Compliance Review. The audit was conducted during the time period of January 2024 through April 2024. Efforts of this work include an equity audit of policies, structures, practices, and culture regarding the current efforts, workplace climate, and learning climate of Allentown School District teachers and students, as well as stakeholder perspectives and experiences.
“We are thankful to the Howard Group for their work and commitment to bringing equity to the forefront in the Allentown School District,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks, Superintendent & Chief Executive Officer. “The District has already taken steps to address the findings in this audit, by launching our new Strategic Plan, which brings a unified mission, vision, and core values to the District. Our commitment to equity and access is rooted in the tenets of our District’s equity policy and is integrated into our newly identified priorities. The Equity Commitment outlined in each priority area underscores its importance and will guide our work as we implement the recommendations made within the audit.”
The report highlighted the need for stable leadership and noted that frequent turnover in the Superintendent’s position has contributed to the perception of a disconnect between initiatives and efforts within the District. The results of the equity audit demonstrate a need for the Allentown District to develop and implement support systems that reflect the needs of educators and students. To address the equity gaps and foster a more inclusive environment, the District will ensure that its work is clearly aligned to address the recommendations in the report.
Ensuring equity within the Allentown School District requires a multifaceted approach, emphasizing inclusive policies, targeted support programs, and a continuous evaluation of progress. Commitment to these actions will ensure sustained improvement and a truly inclusive culture.
Dr. Tyrone Howard is a professor of education in the School of Education and Information Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. Professor Howard is a member of the National Academy of Education and has been listed by Education Week as one of the 200 most influential educational scholars in the nation on education practice, policy, and research. Professor Howard is currently the Past President of the American Education Research Association, which is the nation’s largest organization focused on educational research and policy.
