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Title VI: Equal Access and Equal Opportunity to Participate: Arlington Independent School District (TX) (06-10-5002)

On June 23, 2015, OCR issued a letter announcing the resolution of its compliance review at the Arlington Independent School District (District).  The review examined whether the District discriminates against African American and Hispanic students on the basis of race or national origin with respect to providing equal access to and equal opportunity to participate in college and career preparatory programs and courses, including the District's Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs and other high-level and career-building learning opportunities; and whether discrimination occurred regarding access to foundation courses that are essential to prepare students to take rigorous courses in high school and to provide them with the skills necessary for success in college and their careers.  Prior to the completion of the investigation, the District agreed to enter into a resolution agreement and to take specific steps to ensure all students have an equal opportunity to access and participate in the District’s higher level learning opportunities.  Specifically, the District agreed to: (1) assess and develop, in consultation with an expect, a comprehensive District-wide plan for ensuring equal opportunity to enroll in college and career preparatory courses, including AP, IB, dual credit and other higher level learning opportunities, any other advanced academics activities, courses and programs (including G/T services), and foundation courses; (2) review and address potential barriers to increased student participation in college and career preparatory courses, advanced academics activities, courses and programs, and foundation courses at the elementary and junior high schools, including communication and outreach to parents and guardians about these programs; (3) consider revision and/or expansion of eligibility and selection criteria for higher level learning opportunities as necessary to increase participation; (4) review and revise, as necessary, District outreach activities for parent/guardians or elementary, junior high and high school students regarding higher level learning courses and programs available at each school in the district; (5) review and revise, as necessary, current academic counseling services at the junior high and high school levels to inform students of the availability of higher level learning activities, courses and programs and to encourage student enrollment in programs or courses that prepare students for later enrollment in college and career preparatory courses and higher education; (6) conduct training for staff at elementary, junior high and high school staff regarding District course offerings, enrollment demographics, and best practices to encourage maximum African American and Hispanic participation and retention in higher level learning opportunities; and (7) collect and evaluate data on an ongoing, annual basis to assess whether the District is implementing its course enrollment policies, practices, and procedures in a nondiscriminatory manner.

Read the Resolution Letter download files PDF (414K) | Read the Resolution Agreement download files PDF (207K)

 



   
Last Modified: 01/15/2020