Race and Ethnicity Update Form

The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has recently expanded its Race and Ethnicity Enrollment Form. The updated form now includes more race and ethnicity categories to choose from, which better represents our families’ rich heritages and identities. Families are now able to select multiple groups, races, and tribal affiliations.  

Families who have not yet updated their student’s race and ethnicity information at Seattle Public Schools can complete the REPRESENT! Race and Ethnicity Update Form by logging into the Source. The form will close at noon on June 9, 2022.

The form includes two questions:  

1. Is your child of Hispanic or Latino origin?   
2. What race(s) do you consider your child? (Check all that apply)  

The form is not required. The information share will not be used to identify individual students.  

The updated choices also allow us to better serve our communities. Student race and ethnicity information is collected in order to improve teaching and learning. We often use data to do the following:  

• Inform education policies  
• Improve teaching and learning  
• Monitor student progress  
• Monitor school and district progress  
• Identify students who need additional help  

This information also helps our district and state manage student enrollment, resource needs, student outcomes (e.g., graduation rates), and supports our desire to foster culturally affirming educational environments that more authentically reflects our students’ lived experiences.  

For more information about the student data reporting categories for ethnicity and race, please view OSPI’s Guidelines on Student Data Reporting for Ethnicity and Race or email represent@seattleschools.org. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can the form be printed?

Yes! School staff may print the form for the student’s parents/guardians.

What are Sub-Racial and Sub-Ethnic Categories?

Beginning the 2018-19 school year, schools in Washington will use sub-racial and sub-ethnic categories when collecting race and ethnicity data. For example, if you identify as Pacific Islander, you will also be able to select or write-in the ethnic group you identify with. Sub-racial and sub-ethnic categories will help ensure groups of students in need of support are not overlooked.

Can I select multiple races for my child?

Yes, you can select multiple race categories – a minimum of one and a maximum of ten.

Can I select multiple ethnicities for my child?

Yes, you can select multiple ethnicity categories – a minimum of one and a maximum of five.

What are family rights?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), established in 1974, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Records contain student information, such as grades, transcripts, class lists, student course schedules, health records, and student discipline files. Schools keep an education record on file for every student at the school.

What if I don’t want to complete the Race and Ethnicity Enrollment Update Form?

You are not required to complete the form. If the parent/guardian or the student decides not to provide a response upon being resurveyed, the current information will be used.

Will my information be provided to Immigration Enforcement?

No identifiable student data is provided to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) or the federal government. Seattle Public Schools, a sanctuary district, is a safe, welcoming, and inclusive school district for all students without regard to race, religion, national origin, or immigration status. Seattle Public Schools will never ask for a student’s or families’ immigration status. SPS will not allow ICE agents access to any student records.