If you're interested in learning more about this work, you've come to the right place! If you're looking for a collaborative and systematic way to implement district-wide evidence-based practices that lead to educational equity for each and every student, then you've come to the right place! If you believe that when the system "doesn't work for one, it doesn't work for all", then you've come to the right place! This is your "one-stop shop" for continuous improvement efforts!
A foundational belief of this innovation is that students belong in their learning communities, in an environment with their peers, and educators are responsible to develop both accessible curriculum and environments for each and every student within that inclusive setting.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has intentionally focused its support for continuous improvement on district wide innovations. It is well established that without district support the best work of educational practitioners likely occurs in pockets of excellence, with longevity connected to the efforts of individuals, and thus, not sustainable over time. Three DPI recommended components of any systemic plan for improving outcomes for each and every learner are:
Leading for Equity
- Accept institutional responsibility for improving outcomes for all students and serving all students equitably ;
- Lead, model, and advocate for equity in educational policies, procedures, and practices; and
- Align fiscal, human, and other resources.
Using Data to Improve Student Outcomes
- Use multiple data sources to examine impact on different groups of students, families, and communities through assets and data-informed decision making, and
- Develop a system of supports to sustain changes in adult behavior; and facilitate collaborative planning.
Transforming Teaching and Learning
- Incorporate the unique identities and worldviews of students, families, and community when implementing a range of system-wide instructional and collaborative practices to address the needs of each and every learner.
Your Next Steps:
- Learn more about how to engage in this groundbreaking work independently. Check out the Guidance Document for Independent District Teams for detailed steps and a 5-year plan.
- Review the supports and resources available in the Resource Warehouse. You'll find resources and supports related coaching, family partnerships, inclusive practices, teaming structures and strategic assessment to help set up a system to engage in this work
- Connect with your local Technical Assistance (TA) Network in your CESA. Ask about available coaching support to explore readiness for the work.
- Use this marketing brochure when communicating with your school board and stakeholders.
- Consider utilizing ESSER III funds to support your efforts in implementing the Research to Practice Inclusive Communities strategies within your system. Select “Engaging in formal DPI Readiness for Implementing Research to Practice Inclusive Communities” from the EBIS list on the ESSER III webpage. The Research to Practice Inclusive Communities strategies meet Tier 4 of evidence. You can upload the Logic Model and Evaluation Plan directly into your application.