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District Equity

Equity in the Ossining Schools

The Ossining Union Free School District is deeply committed to advancing equity through the creation of a Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Education (CRSE) environment for all students, staff, and families. Our journey toward educational equity is long-standing and intentional, rooted in a shared belief that every learner deserves meaningful opportunities to thrive.

Our commitment began with the Ossining Plan in 1980, which brought students together in grade-level schools to promote diversity, inclusion, and equal access to learning. In 2002, we launched the Superintendent’s Advisory Council on the Achievement Gap, followed by a significant partnership in 2007 with the New York University Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools (NYU Metro Center) to study and strengthen equity practices at Ossining High School. These efforts reflect a legacy of thoughtful reflection, community engagement, and action.

Our Belief: What Equity Means in Ossining

In Ossining, we believe educational equity means that each student receives what they need to:

  • Define and experience success on their own terms
  • Feel joy in learning each day
  • See themselves reflected in the curriculum, instruction, and the educators who serve them

We strive to foster a school climate that recognizes and values race, ethnicity, language, culture, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, (dis)ability, and socioeconomic status (McCabe Zwerger, 2017). This commitment  is a sustained promise to nurture a just, inclusive, and affirming learning environment for every member of our school community.

Our Essential Question

Equity Efforts