The Pennsylvania Department of Education defines equity as “
every student having access to the educational resources and rigor they need at the right moment in their education across race, gender, ethnicity, language, disability, sexual orientation, family background and/or family income.”
Equity and inclusion are key tenets of Pennsylvania’s Consolidated State Plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA):
- Pennsylvania’s schools should be safe havens where all students – regardless of their race, color, religion, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability – feel safe, respected, and welcomed.
- A positive school climate is essential for academic achievement and success.
With these principles as a guide, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has worked to develop courses and tools that focus on themes of equity and cultural competency.
Please visit the
PDE Equitable Practices Hub for a comprehensive resource repository aligned to the PDE Equity Pillars of Practice:
- General Equity Practices
- Self-Awareness
- Data Practices
- Family/Community Engagement
- Academic Equity
- Disciplinary Equity