Inclusive Practices

English Language Development & Inclusion

About Us

Inclusive Practices refer to intentional and collaborative efforts aimed at fostering a sense of belonging, providing equitable access, and empowering all individuals, recognizing and addressing individual needs to ensure that everyone within our diverse community can actively participate and thrive in their Centennial School District journey.

Building on the strengths and promising practices identified in our  2019 Excellence Through Equity Quality Review, the 9 Characteristics/Building Blocks for High-Performing Schools, and Board Policy 832 on Educational Equity the Centennial School District has identified the following six priorities. These priorities are intended to provide areas of executive focus as the school district develops long-range efforts to build a strong and vibrant system of inclusive practices.

  • Priority 1: Develop a CSD Action Plan that fosters welcoming, inclusive, positive, and healthy school climates to help students to learn and develop a growth mindset. (Board Policy 832: 1,5,9)

  • Priority 2: Establish and maintain high standards for students & staff that provides multiple pathways to success, in order to support achievement of every student based on individual needs (Board Policy 832: 2)

  • Priority 3: Provide equitable access to and provisions for academic and extracurricular opportunities that reflect the demographics of the district’s students and are geared toward understanding of individual differences, cultural uniqueness, and socio-economic or academic needs. (Board Policy 832: 3, 4)

  • Priority 4: Support meaningful and ongoing professional development that broadens the knowledge and skills of all stakeholders for creating inclusive environments that promote the success of all students.(Board Policy 832: 8)

  • Priority 5: Engage and Empower students, families, and community members to collaborate with the district to provide an inclusive environment for every student.(Board Policy 832: 6,10)

  • Priority 6: Assess the recruitment, retention, and support of a workforce that is responsive & reflective of the demographics of the district. (Board Policy 832: 7)

Our school staff and parents/guardians often share they are proud of the "family feeling'' in our schools. With this in mind, the district leadership of the Centennial School District is committed to improving the academic success of each and every one of the students we serve and closing achievement gaps/disparities defined by race/ethnicity, gender, (dis)ability, economics, or students' first language. This is step one for beginning what will need to be an ever-evolving and challenging journey of individual and organizational reflection, planning, and action at all levels.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has noted that "to do their best, students must feel safe at school. A healthy and safe environment can help students thrive, and every student, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression should be provided the opportunity to learn - free from discrimination, fear, or harassment."

As a district, we take pride in using the equity lens approach to increase our diversity, with approximately 5,300 students representing 46 countries with 35 different languages spoken, and 10% enrolled in our English Language Development Program. We also represent and proudly serve 44% of our economically disadvantaged population. 

The diversity of Centennial's students, families, and community contributes to its robust academic program and countless extracurricular opportunities. We recognize the importance of equity and we are working diligently to ensure every student feels safe, valued, and heard.

Equity Lens Approach

Inclusive Practices Liaisons

Centennial educators work to improve the educational opportunities of all students while closing the achievement opportunity gaps. CSD proudly celebrates, promotes, and supports the work of our Inclusive Practices liaisons. These liaisons provide building-based support and help building leaders reimagine ways to engage students and families by building culture, climate, competency through an equity lens.

Their collective efforts continue to have a positive impact on the culture, climate, and educational learning outcomes for all students. For updates on this work and ways you can be involved, be sure to check out the CSD Weekly Updates.

Contact Information

Administration Building
Centennial School District   |  48 Swan Way  |  Warminster, PA 18974
215-441-6000 (Phone)  |  215-394-0712 (Fax)

Office of Teaching and Learning - Inclusive Practices

Name

Title

Building

Ext.

Ms. Althea Tomlinson

Coordinator of Teaching & Learning (English Language Development and Inclusive Practices)

Administration

x11025

Mr. Alex Tapia

Parent and Family Engagement Specialist

Administration

x11037