Equity and Inclusion | Culture, Equity & Leadership Team

Students in the Big Sister-Little Sister project group start with an icebreaker led by DPS team member Sylvia Bookhardt.

Team DPS on the steps of the Denver Capitol

At DPS, we share a common vision that Every Child Succeeds. In order for us to achieve this vision, each child must have the same opportunities to learn and grow, to know that they are valued and to believe that they can succeed. That’s why DPS educators chose equity as one of the Shared Core Values, which means it should inform and be reflected in all that we do. To help ensure that Every Child Succeeds, we have made a commitment to build a strong culture of equity in DPS with our students, our team and our community.

Equity is a Shared Core Value

The work of eliminating opportunity gaps belongs to everyone in DPS. From educational opportunities to hiring practices to discipline policies, we must focus on how our actions further our Shared Core Value of equity. To live that value of equity, we must provide opportunity, access and inclusion to all, while providing the necessary resources and supports to raise the achievement of all students while narrowing the gaps between the highest and lowest performing students.

Programs for Educators and the Community

We offer a variety of equity-focused programs for DPS educators and the Denver community that work to create conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion and engage staff as culturally responsive educators.

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African American Equity Task Force

The African American Equity Task Force was asked to develop and present a set of prioritized recommendations to help close the Opportunity Gap for our African-American students and educators. Since being presented to the Board of Education, the district is working to develop work plans and prioritize actions in response to the recommendations.

Learn more about the African American Equity Task Force »

African American Education Network

The African American Education Network helps provide African American students, parents and families with tools to help navigate PreK-20 education in Denver and beyond.

Learn more about the African American Education Network »

Native American Student Support Program

The goal of the Native American Student Support Program is to ensure American Indian and Alaskan Native students have access to an equitable education by providing culturally responsive support and services designed to help students achieve and be successful in Denver Public Schools. Our program staff recognizes the unique needs of Native American students and their families which stems from cultural values, traditional customs and settings.

Learn more about Native American Student Supports »

Asian Education Advisory Council (AEAC)

Established in 1985 by the Denver Public Schools Board of Education, AEAC seeks to improve educational opportunities and to provide quality education for all students, particularly students of Asian/Pacific Island (AA/PI) heritage.

Learn more about the Asian Education Advisory Council »