Agenda Item
a. Mentoring Framework Update ~ Updated 8.11.2025
Summary: Presented by: Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity
Student Mentorship
and Partnerships
Mentoring Framework
Student Mentorship and Partnerships
Division of Access and Opportunity
Introduction
Mission and Vision
Guiding Principles
Desired Outcomes
Alignment to DCSD's Strategic Plan
Target Population, Recruitment, Matching Process
Table of Contents Program Model
Training & Orientation
Program Activities
Monitoring & Support
Evaluation & Feedback
Sustainability and Recognition
Mentoring is a structured, intentional, and sustained
relationship in which mentors (trained educators,
community/corporate partners, volunteers over the age of
twenty-one) support DeKalb County School District (DCSD)
students (mentees) in achieving personal, academic, and
social-emotional growth.
Introduction DCSD's mentoring framework is a structured system that
provides a roadmap for successful mentoring relationships
and programs by:
• defining the roles and responsibilities of mentors and
mentees
• facilitating the selection and matching process
• providing a structure for related activities and evaluation
SMP Mission & Vision
Mission: To foster the Vision: To be a nurturing
academic, social, and community where every student
emotional growth of students in thrives academically, socially,
our community by creating and emotionally, emerging as
meaningful connections to confident, compassionate
cultivate resilient leaders for leaders prepared to shape a
tomorrow. better tomorrow.
• Access and Opportunity First – provide direct resources to
close opportunity gaps for underserved student
populations
• Positive Relationships – cultivate relationships based on trust,
consistent engagement, and culturally responsive interactions
• Holistic Approach – focus on academic, socio-emotional
Guiding learning (SEL), and leadership skills
• Evidence-Based Practices – engage with strategies and
Principles approaches that have been proven effective in creating and
sustaining meaningful, impactful mentorships
• Data-Driven Accountability – monitor program effectiveness
by tracking student behavior, attendance, and grades (Securing
the B.A.G.), as well as post-secondary enrollment (The 4 E's –
enrollment , enlistment, employment, and entrepreneurship)
• Continuous Improvement – conduct a quarterly review of
program implementation and outcomes
• Improve engagement, behavior, attendance,
and academic performance (Securing the
B.A.G.)
• Increase self-efficacy, self-awareness, and
self-regulation
Desired • Facilitate awareness and transitions towards
Outcomes post-secondary options (4 E's)
• Reduce access and opportunity gaps,
especially among marginalized groups
Alignment with DCSD's Strategic Plan
Goal 1: Student Academic Mentoring directly supports equitable access, engagement,
Success, Equity & Access and proficiency.
Goal 2: Family & Community Involves parents, community partners, FACE Advocates
Engagement
Goal 3: Talent Development Mentor training enriches staff capacity.
Goal 4: Culture & Climate Restorative mentoring enhances positive climate.
Goal 5: Mental Health & SEL-informed mentoring supports student wellness
Wellness
Goal 6: Organizational Quality control via internal audit ensures compliance and
Excellence efficiency
• SMP partners with organizations that
support DCSD's mission to remove systemic barriers
Target and help students gain the confidence, clarity, and
skills needed for college, careers, and lifelong
Audience, citizenship.
• DCSD's mentoring recruitment plan uses multiple
Recruitment, strategies to attract high-quality mentors, with clear,
publicly accessible eligibility criteria and a
and transparent process.
• SMP recruits mentors and programs aligned with
Selection DCSD's mission and student needs, using inclusive
methods that reflect community diversity and ensure
all participants feel welcome and valued.
DCSD uses a tiered mentoring model that aligns resources and
activities with measurable goals. Programs are selected based on
PROGRAM needs assessments and district priorities.
MODELS Mentoring can be delivered in-person or virtually. Recommended
ratios are 1:1 for intensive support and up to 1:6 for targeted group
programs.
Type Description Example
Tier 1: Grade or schoolwide peer or teacher mentoring Leader in Me
Universal
Tier 2: Identified emerging groups by academics, My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), My Sister’s
Targeted behavior, or access and opportunity flags Keeper (MSK), Beyond School Walls
Tier 3: Individual mentoring with weekly check-ins and Communities in Schools, FACE
Intensive SMART goal tracking Advocates, Level Up
• Mentors must complete multi-hour training before working with
mentees, with ongoing training provided that equips mentors with
knowledge, builds their confidence, and foster collaboration with
staff.
• Partnering mentoring organizations must show proof of robust
mentor training programs prior to MOU execution.
Training and • Training should:
o be accessible, multimodal (verbal, print, visuals, activities), and
Orientation inclusive of all learning styles and disabilities.
o include role plays and scenarios to help mentors practice and
apply new skills.
o include an assessment of mentor knowledge and skills to gauge
their effectiveness.
o be evaluated for potential areas of improvement by
soliciting feedback from participating mentors.
• Pre-Match Training (in person or hybrid lasting a minimum of two
hours) features topics such as:
o Program requirements, rules, participation expectations, and
expected outcomes
o Program values, beliefs, and ethical principles
o Student orientation, safety, red flags, and mandatory
reporting obligations
• On-Going Training features topics such as:
Training
o Mentor roles, activities and experiences students will engage
in
o Hallmarks of Strong Mentor–Mentee Relationships
o How mentors can positively engage with families
o How to foster inclusiveness
o Active listening, expressing empathy
o Growing social capital and advocacy
o Supporting student goal setting
o Crucial conversations regarding behavioral change and/or
societal issues
Mentoring activity toolkits are provided
Program Activities by the SMP office and include SEL-
aligned lesson guides.
Category Examples
Academic Support Homework help, tutoring, study skills, progress monitoring
SEL Development Goal setting, identity building, reflection journals, mindfulness,
restorative practices
Career/College Exposure Guest speakers, resume assistance, college/campus visits
Wellness Mental health support, prevention and education, strengthen social
wellness, physical fitness, stress management
Life Skills Financial literacy, interpersonal skills, career and employability skills,
advocacy, civic/community engagement
• Programs must provide regular check-ins and support for mentors to
reduce risk and enhance impact. SMP uses this data to assess
relationship quality twice a year.
o Quick, documented, monthly check-ins (emails, texts, social
media communication, written logs, brief interactions) are
conducted to offer support as needed
▪ Quick check-in topic examples:
• Are program expectations being met?
Monitoring & • Celebrate milestones
• Monitoring for risk management concerns
Support • Are you having any challenges?
• Gathering data relevant to program reporting and
evaluation efforts
o Quarterly, in-depth support meetings throughout the program
cycle
▪ A standardized protocol is in place for in-depth support
meetings to ensure consistent information is gathered and
appropriate support is provided.
• SMP has a formal evaluation plan to track fidelity, mentor
relationship quality, outcomes, cost, and return on investment.
• Examples of data collection instruments include:
o Mentoring Session Logs
o Pre/Post SEL Surveys
Evaluation & o Behavior, Attendance, Grades (Securing the Bag)
o Mentor/Mentee Feedback Forms
Feedback o Family Engagement Logs
• The evaluation plan ensures summary findings are shared with
stakeholders and provides timely opportunities for participants
to reflect on and support continuous improvement.
Resource development and financial management
• SMP adheres to DCSD policies and practices regarding annual
program budgeting and formal accounting systems.
• The resource development plan details how operating funds will be
sourced and maintained over time.
Marketing and Communication
• SMP has a communication and marketing plan that educates and
Sustainability engages the community and participants about mentoring and
partnership opportunities.
& Recognition • Communication materials accurately portray the demographic of
the served community.
Information Management
• SMP has written policy and procedures for storing and managing
participant information and records.
• A formal MOU process is in place partnering with
corporate/community mentoring program.
• Milestones are celebrated publicly (graduations, student
showcases).