Equity in Courses and Programs

Washington school districts are required to provide students with equal access to courses and programs, and schools may not discriminate in the counseling or guidance of students. At least annually, each school district must review course and program enrollment data to identify and address disproportionalities based on sex, race, limited-English proficiency, and disability.

Relevant Laws & Guidance

Annual Course & Program Enrollment Proportionality Review

In accordance with WAC 392-190-010(6), at least annually, each school district and charter school must review student enrollment data within courses and programs disaggregated by sex, race, limited-English proficiency (English Learner status), and disability (special education and Section 504 status). In its review of this data, the school district or charter school must determine whether a substantially disproportionate number of students within these categories are enrolled in a particular course or program. Where a school district or charter school finds that a particular course or program contains a substantially disproportionate number of students who are members of any one of the categories identified in this section, the district or charter school must take prompt action to ensure that the disproportion is not the result of discrimination, including in:

  • The identification and selection of students;
  • Course and program enrollment criteria;
  • Tests and appraisal instruments;
  • Academic, career, and vocational guidance materials;
  • Work/study programs and opportunities;
  • Educational scheduling or placement; and
  • Other factors related to course and program enrollment.

School districts are encouraged, but not required, to use OSPI's Course and Program Enrollment Data Worksheets. The worksheets include instructions for completing the annual review and discussion questions to guide analysis of potential disproportionalities.