At Children’s Literacy Initiative (CLI), we believe equity is foundational to creating thriving school communities. This resource page offers actionable insights and strategies for school leaders to foster equity-centered decision-making and create inclusive learning environments.
Whether you are just beginning your equity journey or seeking to deepen your practices, this guide is designed to help you lead with intention, data, and a commitment to student success.
Understanding how data informs decision-making is key to fostering equitable schools. CLI uses two primary data types:
High-level, quantitative data, such as standardized test scores, attendance rates, and disaggregated data by demographics. While critical for identifying trends, this data should be contextualized to avoid reinforcing implicit biases.
Fine-grain, qualitative information that reflects the lived experiences of students, teachers, and caregivers. This type of data provides a deeper understanding of individual needs and helps uncover the stories behind the numbers.
By combining satellite and street data, school leaders can gain a holistic view of their communities and make informed decisions that center equity.
Dive deeper into these concepts by accessing our exclusive webinar recording, “Insights Into Equity-Centered Data Discourse.” Gain expert advice from educational leaders on using data to foster equity in schools.
Equity-centered data analysis isn’t a one-time exercise—it’s an ongoing process. Here are key steps to embed equity into your school’s culture:
Involve all stakeholders—including teachers, parents, and students—in ongoing discussions about equity and school improvement.
Work with grade-level teams to review current literacy assessments and integrate street data to ensure decisions are student-focused.
Focus on one or two key priorities that will have the greatest impact, and develop a strategic action plan to address them.
Empowering leaders with equity-centered strategies can lead to transformational change. Here are some practical steps to take:
Use data to build understanding and empathy within your teams. Engage in reflective practices to understand diverse perspectives.
Design training sessions that equip staff to interpret data through an equity lens and implement strategies that address disparities.
Foster a culture of collaboration and shared accountability to ensure lasting change.
Ready to take the next step? Download our resource guide to implement practical strategies for equity-centered leadership in your school. This guide includes tools for:
Are you ready to bring tailored solutions to your school or district? Schedule a meeting with a CLI team member to explore how our customized support can help you achieve your goals. Let’s discuss strategies to transform education and ensure equity for all students.
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