Working Draft AO Policy

                                Access and Opportunity Policy

Policy Statement/Purpose
The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is committed to ensuring that each 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 each student.

Definition

Educational access and opportunity means ensuring each student has the resources, support, and
pathways they need to succeed and reach their full potential.

Acknowledgement

To address historical gaps in student achievement, DCSD affirms the need for inclusive, high-
quality schools where each student is provided the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Commitments

The district commits to:

      Cultivating inclusive environments that honor each student.
      Eliminating opportunity and achievement gaps in areas such as special education, student
       discipline, gifted education, and advanced content, including Advanced Placement,
       International Baccalaureate, dual-enrollment, and the arts.
      Ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning experiences, rigorous coursework, and
       enrichment opportunities.
      Ensuring equitable allocation of financial and school resources to meet the needs of each
       student.
      Offering students comprehensive wrap around services which promote health, well-
       being, and social-emotional development.
      Delivering evidence-based professional learning that equips educators to serve each
       learner.
      Using disaggregated data to identify and address systemic opportunity and achievement
       gaps.
      Remove barriers in hiring, assignment, and advancement practices to build a talent
       pipeline reflecting the communities we serve.
      Monitor hiring, retention, and advancement data to identify staffing gaps and improve
       recruitment and retention outcomes.

Data Monitoring and Transparency
      DCSD will annually monitor and publicly report disaggregated data related to access and
       opportunity student outcomes associated with various aspects of this policy (i.e., student
       achievement, attendance, discipline, teacher retention, participation in gifted education,
       advanced placement and honors, SAT and ACT, facilities conditions, career pathway
       completers, etc.).
      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:

      Establish an Access and Opportunity Advisory Committee to provide advice and input to
       the Superintendent on access and opportunity issues within the school district.
      The Board and Superintendent will develop annual access and opportunity goals and the
       district shall review existing policies, programs, professional development and
       procedures to ensure the promotion of access and opportunity.
      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.