This 2022 TCTS project helped build the capacity of SDP’s Offices of DEI, Research and Evaluation, and Academic Support to monitor the progress of the CLIF initiative as well as improve its design and implementation. The REL’s support included identifying tools that SDP could adopt or adapt to monitor CLIF implementation by: 1) conducting a literature scan of psychometrically valid and reliable measures of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and practices in education; 2) conducting a landscape analysis of DEI programs, policies, practices, and initiatives in place in 26 different school districts that are demographically similar to SDP; and 3) facilitating two technical support sessions to share discuss our findings. We also conducted an Ask-a-REL to review and provide written and verbal feedback on the district’s instructional materials selection rubric. This feedback primarily suggested ways in which SDP could consolidate redundant scoring attributes and expand existing scoring criteria to better align with promising and evidence-based research on culturally and linguistically responsive instructional practice.

This TCTS project included coaching for central office staff involved in leading and supporting the Equity Partners Fellowship. Coaching began in August 2022 and continued throughout the 2022/23 school year to help SDP leaders in the DEI office refine the program and strengthen the supports it offers to future Equity Fellows, particularly around their action research projects. Coaching also included modeling the data collection process to support ongoing data informed continuous improvement of the program.

Video: Building Data Capacity