Draft BAC Equity Policy

                                      BAC Equity Policy

Policy Statement/Purpose
The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is committed to ensuring that every student has
equitable access to educational opportunities and resources that prepare them for success as
lifelong learners and responsible global citizens. This policy establishes the district’s
commitment to removing barriers to academic success and fostering safe, supportive, and
engaging learning environments for all students.

Definition

Educational access and opportunity means ensuring all students have the resources, support, and
pathways they need to succeed and reach their full potential.

Acknowledgement

Despite decades of reform efforts, opportunity and achievement gaps persist. To address these
historical and ongoing gaps, DCSD affirms the need for inclusive, high-quality schools where all
students are provided the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Commitments

The district commits to:

   •   Cultivating inclusive environments that honor all students.

   •   Eliminating opportunity and achievement gaps in areas such as special education,
       discipline, gifted programs, advanced coursework, and Advanced Placement courses.

   •   Ensuring equitable access to high-quality education, rigorous coursework, and
       enrichment opportunities.
   •   Ensuring equitable allocation of financial and school resources to meet the needs of all
       students.
   •   Recruiting, developing, and retaining well-prepared teachers and leaders to support
       academic and social-emotional growth.
   •   Offering comprehensive student support services that promote health, well-being, and
       social-emotional development.
   •   Delivering evidence-based professional learning that equips educators to serve all
       learners.
   •   Using disaggregated data to identify and address systemic opportunity and achievement
       gaps.

Data Monitoring and Transparency
   •   DCSD will annually monitor and publicly report disaggregated data related to access,
       opportunity, and student outcomes.

   •   Progress toward indicators will be communicated to stakeholders to ensure transparency
       and accountability.

Policy Enforcement

The Board of Education directs the Superintendent or designee(s) to:

   •   Enforce this policy and create regulations and practices that support its implementation.

   •   Review and revise existing policies, programs, professional development, and procedures
       to align with applicable laws, the district’s definition of access and opportunity, and this
       policy statement.