“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. 
Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

   

 

The Plan for Access and Success for All

Equity is the foundation framing every aspect of the educational system from curriculum adoption to professional development.  With the vision of creating an educational environment where all students feel safe, valued, seen and heard, Oakwood Schools established its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force to lead the District in establishing a solid foundation around culture, curriculum, and community. 

That foundation is The Plan for Access and Success for All.

Additional Information:
Task Force Introduction, Board of Education Dec. 14, 2020 Meeting
The Next Right Thing, June 1, 2021

   

 

Oakwood Inclusion Coalition

Oct, 12, 2020, members of the Oakwood Schools' Board of Education approved a resolution showing support for the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition.

The OIC's mission is "To study, promote and celebrate an inclusive, equitable, diverse and welcoming environment and community for everyone who lives, works, visits or passes through Oakwood."

    

 

For additional resources, visit out Recognition and Resources web page.

Resources

With the help of Oakwood Schools' staff, we have compiled resources to help parents and students talk about topics related to equity, diversity and inclusion.  There are read alouds, book lists, blogs, essays, podcasts and website links.  We will continue to add to this resource section.  You can also find additional information and resources on the Recognition and Resources page.

All Ages

2019 Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners - arranged by age, from preschool to young adult.  Awards are re given to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.

Children Need Diverse Books - Wright Memorial Public Library Children's Librarian Karen Mills helps parents build an inclusive bookshelves for their children

A Mighty Girl - a list of books on prejudice and discrimination that can be sorted by age and reading level

Elementary Reading Level

20 Picture Books for 2020
EmbraceRace was founded in early 2016 by two parents who set out to create community and gather resources they needed to meet the challenges they face raising children in a world where race matters.  Here's their collection of 20 picture books.

 

 

 

 

Young Adult/Teen Reading Level

Ways to Make Sunshine - Renee Watson
Ryan Hart has a lot on her mind -- school, self-image and especially family. Her dad finally has a new job, but money is tight. That means some changes, like selling their second car and moving into a new (old) house. But Ryan is a girl who knows how to make sunshine out of setbacks. As her brother says when he raps about her, she's got the talent that matters most: it's a talent that can't be seen, she's nice, not mean!

 

 

Their Eyes Were Watching God -  for young adults.  The book, first published in 1937, has become the most widely read and highly acclaimed novel in the canon of African-American literature.