Fair Access Code

Integrated Academic & Behavior Systems (IABS) Department

Fair Access Code

Fair Access in Education ensures all students have access to opportunities and resources to succeed, regardless of background or circumstances. This includes removing barriers that hinder participation. It also means providing access to high-quality education, academic programs, and extracurricular activities.

Fair Access Code

Professional Development Strategy: Building Educator Capacity to Support All Learners

The Office of Integrated Academic & Behavior Systems

Connection Classroom Strategy: Providing Community Appropriate Practices for All Students

Family Engagement Strategy:Increase Parent Access

Reducing Opportunity Gaps Strategy: Ensuring Fair Access for All Students

Curriculum & Instruction Strategy: Ensuring Fair Access in Learning Environments

Resource Allocation Strategy: Hiring Educators Reflective of the Student Population

Behavior Support Strategy: Implementing Consistent Restorative Practices

School Culture Strategy:Building Inclusive, Affirming Learning Environments

Family Engagement Strategy:

Partnering with Families to Support Student Learning

Vision

Key Deliverables:

To strengthen partnerships with families by providing the information, tools, and support needed to help their children succeed in school. This strategy meets families where they are and ensures all parents can connect with key school systems, services, and opportunities.

01.

Provide translation and interpretation services to help families understand school communications.

Create multilingual user guides for accessing student platforms like Infinite Campus and other school systems.

02.

Objectives:

Share information about academic programs, tutoring, and enrichment opportunities with families.

03.

Ensure families have access to school information, resources, and support services—especially in underserved areas.

01.

Provide clear guidance on how to apply for scholarships, grants, and college programs.

04.

Build strong relationships between schools and families by engaging them in ways that are flexible, respectful, and community-centered.

02.

Offer simple instructions for finding and using both digital and in-person community services.

05.

Share timely and clear information about student services, college preparation, and available community supports.

03.

Deploy mobile resource stations to support families where they live and gather.

06.

Assets

Mobile Teams

Physical Resources

Community Partners

Food & Supply Donors

Data Resources

Family Engagement Team

Professional Development Strategy:

Building Educator Capacity to Support All Learners

Vision

Key Deliverables:

To provide high-quality professional development that builds educator skills in classroom management, student engagement, and instructional effectiveness. This strategy supports systems that ensure teachers are equipped to meet the needs of all students.

Partner with skilled facilitators who can lead PD on effective teaching strategies, student engagement, and classroom leadership.

01.

Objectives:

02.

Expand mentorship and coaching opportunities for teachers to receive job-embedded support.

01.

Build educator capacity through professional development focused on effective instruction, positive learning environments, and classroom management.

03.

Provide guidance on how to schedule and protect PD time during meetings, PLCs, and release days.

02.

Provide structured coaching, mentorship, and collaboration time to support educator growth and ongoing learning.

04.

Offer recognition and stipends to encourage participation and highlight educator growth and leadership in high-impact teaching practices.

03.

Ensure clear systems and incentives that prioritize meaningful participation in professional learning across all schools.

Assets

Trainers & Mentors

Financial Resources

Technology Resources

Data Resources

District Leadership Support

Incentives

Connected Classroom Strategy:

Improving Instructional Practices That Build Trust, Engagement, and Belonging

Vision

Key Deliverables:

To strengthen student engagement and learning through teaching practices that foster trust, relevance, and connection. This strategy ensures all classrooms support positive relationships, consistent expectations, and meaningful instruction.

Develop a shared instructional framework focused on relationship-building, relevance, and consistency across classrooms.

01.

Objectives:

02.

Align training and coaching resources with effective instructional practices that support all learners.

01.

Equip educators with strategies that help build positive relationships and classroom environments where students feel seen, heard, and supported.

03.

Facilitate team-based improvement cycles that help schools strengthen student engagement, classroom connection, and collaboration.

02.

Promote teaching practices that engage students, support academic growth, and reflect their interests and needs.

04.

Implement a recognition system that highlights educator growth in practices that improve trust, participation, and learning.

03.

Establish systems that support ongoing improvement in instruction, aligned with schoolwide goals and student feedback.

Assets

Trainers & Mentors

Data Resources

District Leadership Support

Financial Resources

Technology Resources

Incentives

Behavior Support Strategy:

Supporting Positive Behavior Through Proactive and Restorative Practices

Vision

Key Deliverables:

To strengthen schoolwide behavior systems that keep students connected to learning and address behavioral challenges through supportive, relationship-based approaches. This strategy promotes consistent expectations, proactive responses, and structured opportunities to repair harm.

Provide SEL and behavior support training focused on relationship-building, de-escalation, and classroom safety.

01.

Offer training in trauma-informed practices and brain-based strategies that help staff respond to student behavior effectively.

02.

Objectives:

Train and support district and school staff in trauma-informed, restorative practices that promote relational repair, de-escalation, and classroom belonging.

01.

Implement schoolwide systems—such as restorative circles and PBIS—that support consistent expectations and student accountability.

03.

Keep students engaged in learning by using consistent, proactive behavior responses that reduce the need for exclusion.

02.

Create calming spaces and communication tools that help students self-regulate and educators respond consistently.

04.

03.

Support smooth student re-entry and prioritize core instruction and connection after behavioral incidents.

05.

Establish structured behavior support and re-entry plans to reduce lost instructional time.

Use behavior data and improvement tools to evaluate systems, track progress, and guide ongoing support.

06.

04.

Use behavior data systems to monitor effectiveness, guide improvement, and ensure consistent support across schools.

Assets

Restorative Practice Instructors

Training & Professional Development

Data Resources

Community Partners

Physical Resources

TimeResources

Incentives

Curriculum & Instruction Strategy:

Expanding Access to High-Quality Curriculum and Learning Opportunities

Vision

Key Deliverables:

Provide curriculum-aligned professional development focused on content access, instructional design, and planning for diverse learning needs.

01.

To ensure all students experience high-quality learning by improving curriculum design, expanding access to instructional resources, and supporting effective teaching across all subjects.

02.

Establish teacher teams and expert coaches to support curriculum implementation and alignment.

Expand access to real-world and hands-on learning opportunities connected to the curriculum.

Objectives:

03.

Build a comprehensive curriculum that reflects student interests, supports academic standards, and engages all learners in meaningful ways.

01.

Deliver fair access training for academic teams focused on course selection, program placement, and instructional supports.

04.

02.

Ensure consistent access to high-quality curriculum resources and instructional support in every school.

Support teachers with planning tools for English Learners (EL), Exceptional Children (EC), and advanced learners to ensure success for all.

05.

03.

Support instructional planning that incorporates students’ unique learning needs, strengths, and goals.

Implement a feedback system that gathers student input on curriculum access and engagement to inform continuous improvement.

06.

Assets

Dynamic Educators

TimeResources

Data Resources

Training Resources

Community Partners

Financial Resources

School Culture Strategy:

Creating Safe, Supportive, and Connected School Communities

Vision

Key Deliverables:

To promote safe and supportive school environments where students and staff feel connected, emotionally secure, and ready to learn. This strategy strengthens school culture by fostering strong relationships, emotional well-being, and shared responsibility across the school community.

01.

Provide training for educators on social-emotional learning (SEL), behavior supports, and creating safe, connected classrooms.

Objectives:

02.

Use school culture review tools to identify needs and guide improvements in student and staff experience.

Support a school culture where students and staff experience belonging, respect, and shared expectations.

01.

Support peer-led collaboration among staff to share strategies for relationship-building and positive classroom practices.

03.

Equip students with the social and emotional skills needed for academic success, mental health, and personal growth.

02.

Strengthen programs that support student well-being, including SEL skill-building, mental health support, and behavior systems.

04.

Provide school staff with tools and structures that promote emotional safety, relationship-building, and effective classroom culture.

03.

05.

Provide resources and training to promote emotional safety, suicide prevention, and student support access.

04.

Create environments that reflect and celebrate student identity, interests and contributions.

Assets

Health & Wellness Coaches

Training & Professional Development

Physical Resources

Community Partners

Data Resources

TimeResources

Reducing Opportunity Gaps Strategy:

Removing Barriers to Student Success through Access and Support

Vision

Key Deliverables:

To increase access to academic, enrichment, and support resources by identifying and addressing the barriers that prevent students from fully engaging and succeeding in school. This strategy strengthens systems to ensure every student has what they need to thrive.

Train staff to recognize and respond to student barriers in ways that promote consistent access to learning opportunities for all.

01.

Objectives:

02.

Develop systems that help students and families identify and overcome common access challenges.

01.

Launch districtwide efforts that increase student and family access to meaningful learning opportunities, support services, and enrichment programs.

Strengthen communication strategies so families are aware of available opportunities and resources.

03.

02.

Build school environments where students have the academic, social, and emotional support they need to succeed.

Partner with educators, families, and community members to expand access to internships, extracurriculars, and postsecondary opportunities—especially for students facing persistent barriers.

04.

03.

Identify and address barriers that limit student access to instruction, programs, and essential school services.

Assets

Training & Professional Development

Family Engagement Teams

Technology Access Resources

Community Partners

Data Resources

Media Partners

Incentives

Resource Allocation Strategy:

Attracting and Supporting High-Quality Educators to Meet Student Needs

Vision

To strengthen educator pipelines in schools where students benefit most from strong relationships, consistent instruction, and teachers who understand their communities. This strategy supports targeted recruitment, onboarding, and retention practices that help schools build high-quality, stable teaching teams.

Key Deliverables:

Establish partnerships with educator preparation programs that prioritize community-based placement and support high-retention pathways into teaching.

01.

Objectives:

Strengthen educator pipelines by recruiting and retaining teachers who bring strong instructional skills and understand the needs of the communities they serve.

01.

02.

Expand residency, mentorship, and coaching programs to help new teachers build strong relationships and instructional effectiveness from day one.

Develop support systems—including mentoring, coaching, and training—to ensure new hires thrive and stay in the profession.

02.

03.

Train hiring teams and school leaders to ensure hiring practices are consistent, high-quality, and aligned to the needs of schools and their communities.

03.

Provide incentives and infrastructure to attract high-quality candidates to hard-to-staff schools and sustain staffing stability over time.

Assets

Community Partners

Training Resources

Data Resources

TimeResources

Dynamic Educators

Financial Resources

Fair Access Code

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The Office of Integrated Academic & Behavior Systems

Professional Learning Strategy

Community Responsiveness Strategy

Family Engagement Strategy

Resource Allocation Strategy

Reducing Opportunity Gaps Strategy

Curriculum & Instruction Strategy

School Culture Strategy

Behavior Support Strategy

Skills Required:

• Educators must be skilled in creating comprehensive classrooms and building strong relationships with students, particularly those who may feel excluded.
• Teachers should develop cultural competency, empathy, and active listening skills to effectively communicate with students from dynamic backgrounds.
• Educators need to understand that social, emotional, mental, and behavioral health is as important as academic success.
• Willingness to change and openness to new ideas and cultures are essential for both educators and students.
• School leaders should find public schools with excellent cultures and study them in a collaborative setting to adopt best practices.

Skills Required:

• Strong interpersonal skills, especially cultural competency and affirmation, allowing educators to connect with dynamic students.
• Comprehensive knowledge of curriculum and instruction (C&I), including a deep understanding of various cultural perspectives and ways of life.
• Leadership skills that encourage collaboration and foster impartial teaching practices.
• Ability to recognize and address personal intolerances and indirect intolerances, ensuring these do not interfere with student learning.
• Skills to teach students how to discern credible sources of information and to correct misinformation.
• Clear understanding of English Learner (EL) plans, Exceptional Children (EC) modifications, and 504 accommodations.

Skills Required:

• Comprehensive training for school personnel on restorative practices, focusing on both classroom and school-wide strategies.
• Teachers need in-class strategies, while Student Support Team (SST) members and Restorative Justice Coordinators (RJC) require supplementary support strategies.
• Administrators need leadership strategies that include family and community engagement.
• Students develop coping, self-regulation, and social skills, supported by trauma-informed practices.

Incentives:

• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) offered for educators participating in professional development related to fair access and cultural competency.
• Stipends for teachers who complete fair access courses or training.
• Opportunities to become a trainer and lead professional development for colleagues.
• Certifications for teachers who complete advanced training in culturally responsive teaching practices.

Resources Needed:

• Food donations to provide meals at each event.
• Supply donations (e.g., school supplies, educational materials) to distribute in resource kits.
• Audio/visual equipment for presentations and demonstrations.
• Tents, tables, and chairs to set up at community locations.
• Transportation for mobile teams to reach target communities.

Incentives:

• Sign-on bonuses for educators who commit to long-term employment within the district.
• Financial supplements to make the district more competitive in hiring.
• Principal incentives that target the recruitment of new staff and the retention of existing dynamic educators.
• Cultivate a comfortable environment for students by hiring educators with similar backgrounds and experiences.

Incentives:

• Student Spotlight: Recognize students who take advantage of opportunities and show progress.
• Teacher Spotlight: Highlight educators who effectively reduce opportunity gaps and advocate for student success.
• Additional incentives to include post-secondary success indicators and recognition for schools that successfully close gaps.
• Showcase feedback and roadmaps to programs that contribute to impartial outcomes.

Incentives:

• Free meals for participating families.
• Resource kits containing essential school and community materials.
• Class bonus points to incentivize student involvement.
• Prize giveaways to encourage parent participation.

Skills Required:

• Staff must acknowledge indirect intolerances and demonstrate a willingness to adjust practices to foster a comprehensive environment.
• Staff must learn and apply culturally responsive practices, using culturally responsive teacher pedagogy in all classes.
• Build competencies in reflection, empathy, empowerment, and advocacy among educators.

Resources Needed:

• Clear, grade-appropriate guidelines for disciplinary pathways and restorative frameworks.
• School-wide restorative practices, such as restorative circles, implemented consistently across classrooms and grade levels.
• "At-a-glance" infographics for teachers to use as quick references during behavioral incidents.
• Calm corners or designated areas for students to self-regulate during moments of crisis.
• Social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula to support student development.
• Stronger connections with community resources (government and nonprofit) to help address students' basic needs, such as sleep, food, housing, and access to running water, which may be triggers for crises at home.

Incentives:

• Opportunities for staff to participate in recreational and enjoyable activities that build community and reduce stress.
• Enhanced relationships between students and staff as a key motivator.
• Badge system for teachers who become leaders/trainers in culturally responsive practices.
• Teacher stipends to incentivize participation in Cummunity Custom Responsive Practices training.

Resources Needed:

• Clear and effective communication tools to ensure students and families are aware of available resources.
• Family engagement initiatives that bring opportunities directly to families’ front doors, making access easier.
• Tools and systems to identify barriers to student achievement, with representation from community agencies.
• Family Engagement Teams to build stronger connections between home and school.
• Fair Access training for staff and media promotion to raise awareness of programs that support students.
• Expanded access to academic, extracurricular, and post-secondary programs that cater to dynamic student needs.

Resources Needed:

• Third-party experts to provide ongoing training on culturally responsive practices.
• Opportunities for teachers and students to engage in cultural awareness activities beyond the county, bringing new resources and perspectives back to their schools.
• Refined culturally responsive practices training that includes continuous support for teachers, with courses tailored to meet specific needs and ongoing professional development.

Incentives:

• Stipends for educators who participate in fair access PD.
• Recognition for excellence in promoting fair access initiatives.
• Paid internships to support ongoing professional development within schools.
• Defined roles for fair access focused teacher-leaders within PLC’s and across school.

Resources Needed:

• Access to experts in cultural competency with extensive experience in developing curriculum that affirms cultural differences.
• Access to project-based learning (PBL) materials and opportunities that reflect dynamic perspectives and real-world issues.
• Resources that support English Learner (EL), Exceptional Children (EC), and 504 accommodation plans, ensuring that all students receive the support they need.
• Avoid relying solely on scripted unit guides to maintain flexibility in meeting dynamic student needs.

Skills Required:

• Interpersonal and Social Media Management.
• Organizational skills for preparing kits and engaging with parents one-on-one.
• Collaboration, management, communication, and relationship-building skills to ensure successful outreach.

Skills Required:

• Presenters trained in fair access practices, culturally responsive teaching, classroom management, and restorative practices.
• Trainers able to deliver engaging and consistent PD sessions.
• Ongoing coaching to ensure effective delivery and retention of knowledge.

Skills Required:

• Fair Access training for all stakeholders, ensuring that educators, administrators, and support staff are equipped to recognize and address opportunity gaps.
• Media promotion to raise awareness about available resources and opportunities.
• The ability to listen to students’ values, goals, and needs and connect these to curriculum, community resources, and learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
• Skills needed include open-mindedness, empathy, active listening, knowledge of Career and Technical Education (CTE) competencies, post-secondary opportunities, and advocacy.

Incentives:

• Foster a positive, supportive environment where educators want to cultivate healthy relationships with students.
• Schools should be places where both students and teachers enjoy being, contributing to an uplifting and affirming culture.
• Provide avenues for students, parents, and teachers to have a voice in shaping school culture, ensuring that everyone has meaningful influence.

Resources Needed:

• Skilled trainers who can deliver high-quality PD sessions.
• Financial support for stipends, mentorships, and ongoing PD initiatives.
• Support resources for continuous learning and growth.
• High-level district leadership to provide guidance and accountability.
• Clear communication strategies to promote fair access PD opportunities.

Resources Needed:

• Funding to recruit educators from out of district/state, especially from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other institutions with high populations of people of color (POC).
• Support for ongoing professional development in fair access and culturally responsive practices.
• Financial assistance for residency teachers, including covering costs associated with certification or continuing education.
• Innovative recruitment strategies, including expanding partnerships with HBCUs and other dynamic institutions.
• Conduct both exit interviews (to understand why educators leave) and real interviews focused on attracting and retaining high-quality, dynamic candidates.

Skills Required:

• Recruit highly qualified professionals with a commitment to fair access and culturally responsive teaching.
• Offer fair access training for all staff, ensuring that educators are well-prepared to support dynamic student populations.
• Expand residency pathways to offer more opportunities for aspiring educators.
• Train staff in recruitment, interviewing, and hiring processes to ensure impartial practices.
• Secure external grants to fund recruitment, professional development, and retention initiatives.

Resources Needed:

• Intensive professional development on customs/community competency, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), SEL, and restorative practices.
• Fair Access overview materials, such as one-pagers, to place in classrooms as a starting point for comprehensive practices.
• Resources that focus on the specific needs of dynamic student groups.
• Posters and resources for suicide prevention to support student mental health.
• A functioning MTSS framework implemented across the district, making its way into every classroom to provide comprehensive support.

Incentives:

• Students: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) incentives to reward positive behavior.
• Teachers: Protected instructional time that minimizes class disruptions due to behavioral issues.
• Administrators: Reduced time and costs spent on disciplinary actions, fewer ISS/OSS referrals, and fewer referrals to alternative school placements.