Keeping Equity at the Center of Instruction
Students seeing themselves and their experiences reflected in the curriculum
Overview
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) places equity at the center of our mission and commits to creating inclusive school communities. FCPS' work is guided by government and division policy.
The Fairfax County government's One Fairfax Policy commits the county and schools to intentionally consider equity when making policies or delivering programs and services. The policy calls on FCPS to provide an "education that promotes a responsive, caring, and inclusive culture where all feel valued, supported, and hopeful, and that every child is reached, challenged, and prepared for success in school and life.” The One Fairfax Policy specifically identifies “Racial Equity as the development of policies, practices and strategic investments to reverse racial disparity trends, eliminate institutional racism, and ensure that outcomes and opportunities for all people are no longer predictable by race.” One Fairfax uses “Social Equity to consider the intersection and compounding effects of key societal issues such as poverty, English as a second language, disability, etc. with race and ethnicity…”
Cultural Responsiveness in Curriculum and Instruction
Since 2018, curriculum and instruction in FCPS are guided by the Design Principles of Cultural Responsiveness, which prioritizes rigorous and relevant learning experiences that affirm diverse identities, foster critical thinking, and support meaningful relationships.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) places equity at the center of our mission and commits to creating inclusive school communities. FCPS' work is guided by government and division policy.
Five ways a culturally responsive curriculum impacts the student experience.