Urbana Equity Action Plan

The EAP is an accountability framework to identify, measure and sustain actions to advance equity. It is a collaborative process developed with district stakeholders and relies on a systemic commitment to best serve all students.

To ensure a systemic and continuous development toward advancing equity within all policies, processes, procedures, initiatives, decision-making and fiscal responsibilities.

To intentionally embed equity-driven pedagogy in curriculum, resources, instructional approaches, use

& consideration of assessments, & academic programming for the purpose of advancing equity among all students.

To consistently seek students' feedback and experiences on organizational culture and climate.

To provide a continuum of professional learning and growth opportunities for all staff in pursuit of educational equity.

To partner with families and the community for authentic opportunities to serve the students, the

school, and district.

Objectives

1.1 Create effective classroom and building wide systems to increase safety and positive culture and climate

• Measurement/Indicator - Decrease the 2.89 disproportionality rate of exclusionary practices

1.2 Develop a communication plan that informs all stakeholders of the objectives and the EAP progress on a regular and consistent basis.

• Measurement/Indicator -Stakeholders will be informed of EAP goals progress on a quarterly basis at minimum via various platforms (website, social media, email, etc.)

🌟Q: Based on your EAP objectives and measurements, what are you proud of thus far?

🌟A: We are constantly reflecting and shifting our objectives to align with the work that creates sustainable systems that improve the working conditions for staff and outcomes for students.

Objectives

2.1 All teachers at the elementary and secondary level will implement solely the District adopted core curriculum for reading and math for Tier 1 instruction.

• Measurement/Indicator - 2.1a District created Learning Walks tool for reading and math (elementary and secondary level) 2.1b Data from Learning Walks (review every 6 weeks) 2.1c Reading and Math MAP Growth from Fall to Spring

• Measurement/Indicator - 2.2a Progress monitoring scores for reading and math , 2.2b Elementary mClass Dibels for Reading, Aimsweb Plus for Math, 2.2c Secondary: Read 180 data for reading, Aimsweb Plus for Math

🌟Q: Based on your EAP objectives and measurements, what are you proud of thus far?

🌟A: Teachers are really working hard to implement the curriculum and we appreciate them so much. We are excited to hear kids talk about classroom instruction. We are on a path of strengthening our TIer 1 instruction.

Objectives

3.1 Providing spaces for student voices to be heard in order to create more positive culture and climates that celebrate and empower students. 3.1A UMS will use diverse advisory leadership groups in order to create a more positive culture and climate for students and seek student feedback. 3.1B UHS will create a structure and purpose for the UHS student led committees (student council, 1 equity committees, student ambassadors) to seek student feedback and build connection and collaboration across the committees

• Measurement/Indicator - Established student committees at UMS and UHS that seek student feedback

• Measurement/Indicator - 80% of tasks will be completed

🌟Q: Based on your EAP objectives and measurements, what are you proud of thus far?

🌟A: Mentoring during school and afterschool for our priority group students at UMS

Objectives

4.1 Provide professional learning opportunities for all staff that support district equity and curriculum initiatives.

• Measurement/Indicator - Review district level walkthrough data every 6-8 weeks in order to intentionally plan professional learning opportunities at buildings, districtwide or with administrators to increase student learning outcomes and the development of staff and administrators

🌟Q: Based on your EAP objectives and measurements, what are you proud of thus far?

🌟A: Fall Institute - Offerings were focused on Equity, Special Education, Engagement, and CRT

Objectives

5.1 Foster welcoming and inclusive environments across the district

• Measurement/Indicator - 80% of tasks aligned to the objective are completed

🌟Q: Based on your EAP objectives and measurements, what are you proud of thus far?

🌟A: Our powerfully productive meetings where we've been able to create a family engagement survey and a family engagement checklist.

The primary focus of the Affinity Groups is to help advance and support diversity and inclusion goals throughout the district and to assist the district with the recruitment, retention, and development of all its employees. Strong affinity groups that promote, celebrate, and empower the various identities of our employees are at the core of ensuring an environment where all are valued, included, and empowered to succeed.

Education equity, or educational equity, is the idea that all students should have the opportunity to succeed and reach their educational potential, regardless of their background or circumstances

Schools should be multicultural and welcoming to all students.

Students should have access to the resources and support they need to achieve their goals.

Schools should be able to adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of their students

Schools should work to remove any structures or policies that might prevent students from accessing education.

Dear Urbana staff and families,

I want to address an oversight in our current Equity Action Plan. While the plan outlines many important goals and indicators, it does not yet include specific measures for our Special Education Department. This omission does not reflect the high value we place on our students with disabilities or our commitment to inclusivity. I take full responsibility for this gap and sincerely apologize for not addressing it sooner.

We are actively working to rectify this. Goals and measurable indicators for Special Education will be integrated into the upcoming Strategic Plan or the Equity Action Plan for 2025–2026. This will ensure that the needs of our students with disabilities and their families are explicitly prioritized in our equity work moving forward.

In the meantime, we encourage the community to join us in celebrating disabilities and inclusivity through initiatives such as:

• Hosting awareness events during Disability Awareness Month.
• Sharing stories and achievements of individuals with disabilities in our newsletters.
• Offering workshops or forums that focus on accessibility and inclusion.
• Creating art or community projects that honor diversity and representation.

To ensure continuous focus, we will highlight Special Education in both our winter and spring newsletters. This will provide updates and celebrate progress until the department has representation within our formal plans.

I want to thank those who courageously brought this to my attention. Your advocacy is invaluable and helps us all grow as a community. Together, we will correct this wrong and move forward stronger.

Chasity Beckless

Director of Equity & School Improvement

Beth Ladd

Executive Director of Student Services

Maria Elvir

Assistant Director of Student Services

Jacquelyn Douglas

Special Education Administrator

As we reflect on the work accomplished, we want to express our deepest gratitude to each of you for your unwavering dedication to equity. Your efforts have laid the foundation for meaningful change, creating spaces where every student feels seen, valued, and supported.

While we celebrate these strides, we also recognize that equity is an ongoing journey. There is still much to be done to ensure that all students have the opportunities and support they need to thrive. Let us move forward together with renewed commitment and hope, knowing that the work we do today will shape a brighter, more inclusive future for generations to come.

Thank you for your courage, your heart, and your steadfast belief in the power of education to transform lives. We are honored to work alongside you on this journey.

With gratitude and hope,

Chasity Beckless