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at the International School of Portland
STATEMENT OF INTENT:
International School of Portland’s mission is to inspire children to become global citizens through an inquiry-based learning environment of total immersion in multiple languages and cultures. ISP celebrates the diversity of our community, which is open to include people of all racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, national, and gender identities, as well as sexual orientations, gender presentations, physical abilities, and political viewpoints. The school treats all students, families, faculty, and staff with kindness and respect as individuals who are inclusively welcomed into the school.
As part of fostering global citizens, the school equips students with the knowledge and skills to value difference; to challenge hate and discrimination; to act positively for change; and to embrace an international perspective across all aspects of learning. On this foundation, ISP has made the conscious decision to be an anti-racist institution. We know that pursuing the ideals of being an anti-racist institution is challenging work. ISP recognizes that forms of historical inequality, structural inequity, and unconscious bias are woven into the very fabric of institutions, systems, and policies around the world.
We are dedicated to the ongoing, intentional work of honest self-reflection and responsible action to address these issues at our school. It is through an unwavering commitment to be proactive that ISP seeks to contribute to a just and transformative educational experience, for all children, now and in the future.
Reducing Bias Action Plan: 2021-2024
International School of Portland has developed a specific, 5-year plan of action to reduce bias, become more inclusive, and further our goals to become an anti-racist school community. The plan is derived from best-practice recommendations from the National Association of Independent Schools’ (NAIS) Strategies to Reduce Bias in Your Community, and the Northwest Association of Independent Schools’ (NWAIS) “Commitment to Care” Standard.
Our diversity, equity, and inclusion activities center around eight general domains, listed below. Each domain has specific goals, strategies, and criteria for the evaluation of success.
Admissions
Our enrollment reflects the many perspectives and diverse backgrounds of our broader community.
Assessment
Our assessment practices of student learning are equitable and culturally responsive.
Community
Our culture within ISP is one of inclusion, equity and diversity. We challenge practices that create barriers to inclusion.
Discipline
We prioritize improving teacher-student relationships and building student social emotional learning skills rather than exclusionary and punitive discipline.
Hiring
Our hiring and Trustee recruitment practices reflect the many perspectives and diverse backgrounds of our school and the broader community.
Teaching & Learning
Our programs are engaging, challenging, and support the many perspectives and diverse backgrounds of our community
Meetings
We are conscious about meeting attendance, giving space for feedback, and giving conscious attention to traditionally marginalized voices.
Salary Equity
We compensate employees who have similar job functions with transparent and comparably equal pay, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity or other status.
Our EDI goals, actions, and supporting work is a schoolwide effort, in collaboration with faculty, staff, parents, and students. We are thankful for the ongoing professional development and consulting support from Construct the Present.