Culturally Responsive Training
1.1 Mandatory cultural competency training for all staff In-work · 1/2 pts
BCPS trained hundreds of staff as equity liaisons and offers a 'Courageous Conversation' framework and Professional Learning Series, but reporting explicitly states <cite index="168-6">"While the program isn't mandatory, Runcie has encouraged central office leaderships, principals and assistant principals in his South Florida district to participate in Courageous Conversation professional development sessions"</cite>. Not confirmed as mandatory for all staff district-wide.
1.2 Mentorship programs for culturally diverse staff In-work · 1/2 pts
BCPS partners with <cite index="20-3,20-4">Equity Liaisons, the Broward Alliance of Black School Educators (BABSE), and... More than 650 equity liaisons are operating in every school and many District offices to infuse equity and inclusion into all programs and services</cite>, which functions as an affinity/support network, but no dedicated formal mentorship program specifically for culturally diverse staff was found.
1.3 Culturally relevant PD resources in staff learning In-work · 1/2 pts
BCPS offers a <cite index="20-5">Professional Learning Series and participate in cultural competency/SEL professional</cite> development, and <cite index="20-5">over 60 teacher leaders have obtained the Cultural Competency Master Credential</cite>, but this is a voluntary credential program rather than resources embedded for all staff.
1.4 Regular feedback/measurement on training effectiveness In-work · 1/2 pts
District documents show measurement practices for some trainings, e.g. <cite index="161-2,161-3">Trained staff (20-21): 100 Workshops: 22 Small Groups: 19 Training satisfaction: 98%</cite>, indicating feedback collection exists for certain PD programs, though not confirmed as a consistent practice specifically for cultural competency training.
Clear & Consistent Policies
2.1 Student code of conduct (clear expectations) Implemented · 2/2 pts
The district maintains a comprehensive, board-approved code: <cite index="2-1,2-4">SBBC Policy 5090, Code of Student Conduct, lists the District's rules for students in Broward County Public Schools... This Code of Student Conduct is used to govern conduct and discipline of all students attending a SBBC school</cite>, with a discipline matrix applied district-wide.
2.2 Regular policy reviews/updates Implemented · 2/2 pts
The Code Book is reissued and updated annually, as seen in the <cite index="5-2">Student Code of Conduct for the 2025-2026 school year</cite> and the separate SY2024-25 version, showing regular annual review and reissuance of the policy and discipline matrix.
2.3 Staff training on consistent application In-work · 1/2 pts
School-level PBIS plans mandate staff training, e.g. <cite index="140-4">Provide training to faculty and staff (prior to September 30, 2026)</cite> and a <cite index="140-3">"PBIS 101" video training module</cite> for new hires, but this appears to be school-by-school rather than a confirmed uniform district-wide mandatory training specifically on consistent code-of-conduct application.
2.4 Centralized documentation of incidents/outcomes Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS centrally logs incidents via the <cite index="77-1,77-2">School Environmental Safety Incident Reporting (SESIR) System [that] currently collects data on 26 incidents of crime, violence, and disruptive behaviors... Incidents are reported by schools to the districts which, in turn, provide the data to the DOE</cite>, supplemented by an internal Discipline Management System (DMS) referenced in Diversity Committee reports.
Restorative Justice Practices
3.1 Restorative circles/conferences to repair harm Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS adopted restorative justice as official district policy: <cite index="16-1">After eliminating zero-tolerance policies for petty acts and misdemeanors and adopting restorative justice policies, Broward County Public School District...dramatically increased graduation rates and decreased arrests and suspensions</cite>, and is listed among districts using restorative practices as <cite index="18-11,18-12">part of district discipline... Broward County Public Schools</cite>.
3.2 Staff training in restorative practices In-work · 1/2 pts
Reform included <cite index="143-8">increased roles for support staff – social workers, school counselors, family counselors – and from increased training for new and experienced staff on what works</cite>, and a district restorative-justice coordinator role existed, but current district-wide mandatory training status for all staff is not clearly confirmed.
3.3 Curriculum integrates conflict-resolution skills Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS's SEL standards explicitly embed conflict resolution, and the district's <cite index="114-7,114-8">Overcoming Obstacles curriculum is an evidence-based, K-12 program...covering over 30 skills- such as communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution</cite>.
3.4 Peer mediation program Implemented · 2/2 pts
Peer mediation is embedded district-wide: <cite index="57-10">A peer counseling program is in every middle and high school in the Broward County Public Schools</cite>, with a mission <cite index="57-1">focusing on peer education through a comprehensive program and curriculum that encompasses social and emotional skills and awareness, peer mediation, academic opportunity, student service and referral</cite>.
Bias Awareness & Mitigation
4.1 Implicit bias training for staff In-work · 1/2 pts
BCPS has trained select staff: <cite index="66-7">Gibson trained the Florida district's 250 equity leaders so that they, in turn, can create programs to address implicit bias in 300 schools and education centers</cite>, and recent PBIS plans call for <cite index="140-5">ongoing training for staff on culturally responsive teaching, implicit bias, and equitable classroom management strategies</cite>, but this is not confirmed as mandatory for all staff.
4.2 Processes to review discipline data for disparities Implemented · 2/2 pts
A standing Board-appointed committee reviews discipline data annually: <cite index="82-3">Based on District data, black children are still receiving the highest discipline in this District</cite>, and the committee examines whether <cite index="82-6">student discipline data recorded in the District's electronic systems was</cite> accurate and consistent with discipline practices.
4.3 Cultural competence checks in hiring In-work · 1/2 pts
The EEO/ADA Compliance Department <cite index="175-5">monitors the District's hiring and promotion practices through policy review/revisions and participation in the screening and interviewing of applicants</cite>, but this is a general equal-opportunity compliance function rather than a documented 'cultural competence check' specific to hiring.
4.4 Diverse perspectives & materials in curriculum Implemented · 2/2 pts
State-mandated and district policy requires diverse content: <cite index="22-4">Members of the instructional staff of the public schools shall teach efficiently and faithfully...the history of Holocaust, the history of African Americans, the study of Hispanic Contributions to the United States and the study of Women's Contributions to the United States</cite>.
Culturally Relevant Curriculum
5.1 Curriculum materials reflect student backgrounds Implemented · 2/2 pts
Curriculum mandates include diverse historical content as cited above, plus a dedicated <cite index="28-3,28-4">Multicultural Education [department whose] focus...is to promote global education and a better understanding among cultures [and] fosters a respect and appreciation for peoples of different cultures</cite>.
5.2 Teacher PD on integrating diverse perspectives In-work · 1/2 pts
BCPS offers an <cite index="20-10,20-11">Instructional Coach Professional Learning Series including a Cultural Competency Master Credential</cite> for coaches/teacher leaders, but participation (~60 teachers) suggests this is not yet a universal PD requirement.
5.3 Community collaboration for supplemental resources In-work · 1/2 pts
BCPS facilitates community-based supplemental learning, such as <cite index="94-3">a free educational field trip to the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) — a one-of-a-kind experience in Broward County</cite>, though this is one example rather than a comprehensive, systemic community-collaboration structure for curriculum resources.
5.4 Culturally specific courses/electives Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS is confirmed to <cite index="97-9">[offer] African American History as a standalone elective class for high-school students</cite> among named Florida districts, and dual-enrollment catalogs list courses like African American Literature and Survey of African American History.
Community Engagement & Collaboration
6.1 Regular meetings with parents & community leaders Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS holds regular, recurring stakeholder meetings: <cite index="51-2,51-4">Central Region Advisory Council is a body of volunteers made up of parents, caregivers, teachers, principals, district staff and community members... bring forth concerns, recommendations, and compliments to our monthly meetings</cite>.
6.2 Partnerships with local orgs for student/family support Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS has deep, ongoing partnerships for family/student support, e.g. <cite index="126-1">Provide a wide array of support services for students, staff, and families of Broward County Public Schools including but not limited to Homeless Education, Family Counseling, School Social Workers</cite> via CSC, plus United Way's Reading Pals initiative.
6.3 Advisory committees with community representation Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS maintains numerous School Board-appointed advisory bodies with community representation, including the <cite index="54-5,54-6">Diversity Committee [which] makes recommendations to the Superintendent and the School Board to promote diversity... members have diverse backgrounds and represent the various geographic areas of Broward County</cite>.
6.4 Outreach to ensure all families are informed/involved Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS runs a dedicated outreach infrastructure: <cite index="156-3">From the time of students' registration, every effort must be made to inform and orient parents to the Broward County Public Schools System through the use of materials that are translated into the three predominant languages: Haitian Creole, Portuguese and Spanish</cite>, plus an International Welcome Center/Parent Outreach Office.
Professional Development on Equity & Inclusion
7.1 Ongoing anti-bias/equity training In-work · 1/2 pts
The department maintains <cite index="21-2,21-3">a number of annual training modules [and an] Equity, Diversity & School Climate Professional Learning Calendar for School Staff</cite>, but ongoing participation does not appear mandatory for all staff.
7.2 Workshops on culturally responsive teaching In-work · 1/2 pts
Workshops exist via the <cite index="20-10">Coaching Professional Learning Series which includes a credential in cultural competency</cite>, but uptake appears limited to a subset of staff pursuing the credential, not all teachers.
7.3 Equity topics in staff meetings/PD Implemented · 2/2 pts
Equity is embedded structurally into every school via <cite index="20-4">More than 650 equity liaisons...operating in every school and many District offices to infuse equity and inclusion into all programs and services</cite>, functioning as an ongoing mechanism for equity topics in school-level PD/meetings.
7.4 Participation in equity-focused conferences Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS hosts its own recurring professional conference — <cite index="178-2,178-3">This year's conference will be virtual and held on two separate days...Our themes for this year are 'United in Equity' and 'Equity and Diversity Commemorates Juneteenth'</cite> — and co-sponsors the BABSE conference featuring national scholars such as Dr. Pedro Noguera.
Mental Health & Trauma-Informed Practices
8.1 Collaboration with mental-health professionals Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS has an extensive mental-health collaboration infrastructure: <cite index="40-1,40-5">Broward County Public Schools actively participates in the Coordinated Council of Broward...Broward County Schools' Mental Health Leadership Team meets bi-monthly as a Mental Health [consortium]</cite>, with 34 licensed family counselors and school-based mental health professionals.
8.2 Safe, supportive spaces (mindfulness/sensory) Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS provides mindfulness resources district-wide: <cite index="119-7">Mindfulness is the intentional cultivation of moment-to-moment attention and awareness in order to enhance behavior, academics, social-emotional learning, and life readiness</cite>, offered for Grades K-12, staff, and parents.
8.3 Trauma-informed staff training Implemented · 2/2 pts
The district's Recovery Services explicitly center on <cite index="39-3">the healing, coping, and resilience of systems and of students through trauma informed prevention strategies and wellness initiatives</cite>, with district-wide coordination following the MSD tragedy and pandemic.
8.4 Partnerships to expand mental-health services Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS maintains an active <cite index="47-7">robust Behavioral Health Partnership that vets community agencies</cite> and partners with organizations like the Center for Mind-Body Medicine and New York Life Foundation to expand services.
Data Collection & Analysis
9.1 Disaggregated discipline data system Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS collects and visualizes data including by subgroup, e.g. the Diversity Committee's review of District data broken down by race, supported by <cite index="76-2,76-4">Educational Assessment, Research & Analysis [which] leverages Microsoft Power BI...to visualize student performance, resource allocation, attendance trends, and more, all in real time</cite>.
9.2 Regular audits of discipline practices Implemented · 2/2 pts
An annual, independent review occurs: the committee sought to <cite index="82-6,82-7">Determine whether student discipline data recorded in the District's electronic systems was [accurate]...The District's report discusses utilizing the DMS which is "Discipline</cite> Management System," finding gaps in some indicators.
9.3 Data-informed interventions/adjustments Implemented · 2/2 pts
Schools use data to adjust interventions, e.g. <cite index="14-10,14-11">Effectiveness will be tracked using behavior referral data, MTSS progress monitoring tools, student behavior goal tracking...discipline referrals will decrease by 10%</cite>, and district-wide the PROMISE program was data-driven from the start.
9.4 Transparent reporting to stakeholders Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS makes discipline data publicly available: <cite index="83-4">parents of public-school students have a right to access school safety and discipline incidents as reported...School Environmental Safety Incident Reporting (SESIR) data is posted on the Florida Department of Education's website</cite>.
Student Voice & Leadership
10.1 Student advisory councils/leadership groups Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS has formal student leadership bodies: <cite index="48-3">As the Student Advisors, we take on the role of representing the voices of over 250,000 students across Broward County Public Schools</cite>, plus a Human Relations Committee with student representation from each geographic area.
10.2 Student feedback informs policy/procedures Implemented · 2/2 pts
The district collects structured student input: students take an annual <cite index="103-5,103-6">student climate survey via their Clever homepage...done annually by the BCPS district to collect students' opinions on their school and its environment</cite>, feeding into school/district decisions.
10.3 Students facilitate restorative processes In-work · 1/2 pts
Students are trained to mediate peer conflicts — <cite index="63-5">peer counselors receive training in communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, and mediation skills</cite> — though explicit evidence of students facilitating formal restorative circles/conferences (versus informal peer mediation) was not confirmed.
10.4 Student-led peer education Implemented · 2/2 pts
Student-led peer education is embedded district-wide: <cite index="58-2">Peer Counseling trains middle and high school students in communication, problem-solving, and peer mediation to support classmates' social-emotional wellbeing, fostering safer school climates</cite>.
Equitable Access to Support Services
11.1 Counseling & mental-health access for all Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS reports reinventing its counseling model with staff <cite index="42-4,42-6">focused solely on helping students with their mental and emotional health. The school assignments are available for all grades K-12, including center schools</cite>.
11.2 Targeted academic support (e.g., tutoring) Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS partners on tutoring support, e.g. <cite index="93-8">Reading Pals is a United Way of Broward County and Broward County Public Schools collaborative effort to increase student reading proficiency with the goal of ensuring that students are reading at grade level by third grade</cite>.
11.3 Community partnerships expand services Implemented · 2/2 pts
Community partnerships expand services broadly, as CSC <cite index="129-1">funds over 200 programs that serve children and families, advocates for policies that protect the interests of future generations, and provides leadership that brings the child-serving community together</cite> in coordination with BCPS.
11.4 Systems to remove access barriers Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS removes language barriers through <cite index="153-1">District trained language interpreters and translators [who] provide support services to District offices, schools, students and parents</cite>, plus an International Welcome Center for new multilingual families.
Continuous Evaluation & Improvement
12.1 Standing committee/task force for discipline equity Implemented · 2/2 pts
A standing, Board-appointed body exists specifically for discipline/equity oversight: <cite index="82-5">This report is written and presented by the 2024/2025 Board-Appointed Diversity Committee</cite>, which annually reviews discipline practices and data.
12.2 Surveys/focus groups (students, families, staff) Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS regularly surveys stakeholders, e.g. the <cite index="111-1,111-3">ANNUAL CUSTOMER SURVEY...included representation from students, teachers, parents, and school-based non-instructional staff</cite>, alongside the annual student climate survey.
12.3 Benchmarking vs. state/national comparators Implemented · 2/2 pts
BCPS explicitly benchmarks itself against other Florida districts: <cite index="12-10">Broward County was 1st out of 67 Florida districts in terms of the highest number of student arrests in 2011; today Broward County ranks 60th out of 67</cite>, and data is reported to the state via SESIR for comparison.
12.4 PD & reflective practice culture Implemented · 2/2 pts
The district maintains a formal, state-mandated structure for continuous staff learning: <cite index="145-1,145-2">PDS maintains the District's Professional Development System, as per FS 1012.98, that is approved by the School Board annually [and] outlines the procedures and processes followed in the design, delivery of learning, implementation and evaluation of all professional learning</cite>.
Extra Credit
EC1 PROMISE Program — a nationally recognized districtwide alternative-to-arrest/suspension diversion program for nonviolent misconduct. Implemented · 2/2 pts
The program is described as <cite index="12-7">a key alternative strategy to exclusionary discipline developed in Broward County</cite>, with about <cite index="30-10">90% of students that participate in the PROMISE Program (about 2,000 per year) have no discipline offenses after completion of the program</cite>.
EC2 Districtwide Equity Liaison network embedding equity work into every school and many district offices. Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="20-4">More than 650 equity liaisons are operating in every school and many District offices to infuse equity and inclusion into all programs and services</cite>, a structural approach uncommon among peer districts.
EC3 Independent Board-Appointed Diversity Committee that publicly audits and critiques district discipline data/practices. Implemented · 2/2 pts
This citizen oversight body publishes critical findings, e.g. noting the district <cite index="82-7">did not meet all discipline indicators</cite>, representing an unusually transparent external accountability mechanism.
EC4 Broward County Resiliency Center — a dedicated, no-cost, community-facing trauma recovery center built after the MSD tragedy, serving students, families, and staff districtwide. Implemented · 2/2 pts
The center <cite index="46-7">was established and has offered no-cost visits for support, from trauma-trained mental health</cite> professionals, continuing today as a long-term community mental health resource tied to the district.
EC5 Comprehensive, multi-pronged 'Mentoring Across Broward' initiative connecting students with community and school-based mentors, including targeted male-student and Latino-student leadership programs. Implemented · 2/2 pts
The initiative <cite index="93-1">addresses many of the concerns expressed by students, parents, school staff and community stakeholders who are looking for ways to provide opportunities for all students to benefit from mentoring relationships</cite>, including the 5000 Role Models and Latinos in Action programs.
