The Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD) Governing Board convened on October 18, 2023, to discuss critical data regarding student enrollment and program representation across various ethnic groups. The meeting focused on the presentation of disproportionality data, which highlights the representation of different ethnicities in advanced programs compared to their overall enrollment.

The session began with a technical issue regarding the display of a graph that was intended to illustrate the data effectively. Once resolved, the presenter emphasized the importance of accurately conveying disproportionality data, opting for a percentage point difference method rather than the risk ratio, which can be difficult to interpret. This approach allows for a clearer visual representation of how different ethnic groups are represented in various programs.

The data revealed significant trends in student representation. For instance, Asian students constituted 4% of total enrollment but made up 8% of honors enrollment, indicating overrepresentation in that category. Conversely, Hispanic students were found to be underrepresented in Advanced Placement (AP) and gifted classes while being overrepresented in Title I programs. White students showed a similar trend, with overrepresentation in AP and gifted classes and underrepresentation in Title I.

The analysis extended to grade-level data, revealing consistent patterns across ninth to twelfth grades. In ninth grade, the data indicated a notable overrepresentation of Asian students in AP classes, although the total number of students in these classes was small. As the grades progressed, the disparities in representation remained, particularly highlighting the underrepresentation of Hispanic students in advanced programs and the continued overrepresentation of white students.

The board acknowledged the complexity of defining "significant disproportionality," noting that there is no statistical consensus on what constitutes a significant difference. The recommendation was to focus on data trends to identify areas of greatest need, with a threshold of 10% for determining significant disproportionality.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges of ensuring equitable representation in educational programs within the district. The board plans to continue monitoring these trends and addressing disparities as part of their commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment.