Culturally Responsive Training
1.1 Mandatory cultural competency training for all staff In-work · 1/2 pts
District holds dedicated PD days on equity/DEI and offers a multi-session 'Core Course' through the Justice Leaders Collaborative, but staff participation in JLC training is described as self-selected rather than fully mandatory for every employee. <cite index="135-4">Some DEI initiatives in the district provide diverse literature in elementary school class libraries and allow teachers to self-select into trainings.</cite>
1.2 Mentorship programs for culturally diverse staff Not Implemented · 0/2 pts
No public documentation was found of a formal, implemented mentorship program specifically for culturally diverse staff; only advocacy/calls for such a program were found (e.g., Marble Equity Team letter).
1.3 Culturally relevant PD resources in staff learning Implemented · 2/2 pts
District-wide resources exist: <cite index="128-5">Added Director of Equity and Social Justice, Created building Social Justice Teams, Audited Images, Celebrations, and Events using the EJATT, Introduced The Core Course - Justice Leaders Collaborative (JLC)</cite>, with continued EJATT/Core Course training confirmed in the district's MICIP plan through 2027.
1.4 Regular feedback/measurement on training effectiveness Not Implemented · 0/2 pts
No public documentation was found of a formal process specifically measuring the effectiveness of cultural-competency/equity trainings, beyond general PD participation tracking.
Clear & Consistent Policies
2.1 Student code of conduct (clear expectations) Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="11-1,11-2">East Lansing High School Student Code of Conduct... is intended for use by students, parents, and staff as a guide to the rules, procedures, and general information about the District</cite>, with a tiered (Level 1-3) system of interventions and consequences published district-wide.
2.2 Regular policy reviews/updates Implemented · 2/2 pts
The Board's Policy Committee actively reviews and revises policies, exemplified by the <cite index="10-1,10-2">Racial Equity Policy... Revised 4.19.24</cite>, and the Board has discussed contracting with Neola/legal counsel to ensure state-law compliance across its policy manual.
2.3 Staff training on consistent application In-work · 1/2 pts
Evidence shows individualized, case-by-case staff training after incidents (e.g., <cite index="74-1,74-2">A teacher at MacDonald Middle School will undergo racial bias training in the summer after he said the 'N-word' during class</cite>), but no confirmation of systematic, district-wide training on consistent discipline application for all staff.
2.4 Centralized documentation of incidents/outcomes In-work · 1/2 pts
The district's MTSS framework directs schools to track behavior data for decision-making, referencing <cite index="201-6">the school establishes a system for using behavioral data (e.g., office discipline referrals or some other</cite> source, suggesting incident tracking exists, though no centralized public discipline-outcomes database was found.
Restorative Justice Practices
3.1 Restorative circles/conferences to repair harm Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="24-1,24-2,24-3,24-4">Restorative practices are used in schools to foster an equitable and positive school culture... Through RP, students connect with school staff and other students to build a strong community</cite>, and building-level restorative conferences (e.g., at MacDonald Middle School) are documented as standard practice.
3.2 Staff training in restorative practices In-work · 1/2 pts
The district committed to <cite index="97-7">increase our training on and use of Restorative Practices as an alternative to suspension and other exclusionary consequences</cite> and partners with Resolution Services for RJ support, but mandatory, district-wide staff training completion is not confirmed.
3.3 Curriculum integrates conflict-resolution skills Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="174-7">Implement updated Second Step and TRAILS programs</cite> as part of district-wide SEL curriculum, which includes conflict-resolution skill-building alongside an expanded PBIS system.
3.4 Peer mediation program Implemented · 2/2 pts
The official code of conduct lists <cite index="102-7,102-8">Referral to in-school conflict resolution programs (e.g., peer mediation)</cite> as a standing disciplinary intervention available at multiple levels, indicating an established program.
Bias Awareness & Mitigation
4.1 Implicit bias training for staff In-work · 1/2 pts
District offers implicit-bias-related training through the JLC <cite index="135-8">initiative gives staff the opportunity to choose to receive training from the Justice Leaders Collaborative</cite>, but this is opt-in rather than confirmed mandatory for all staff.
4.2 Processes to review discipline data for disparities In-work · 1/2 pts
State-mandated discipline reform requires districts to weigh <cite index="2-8">a student's age, disciplinary history, whether they have a disability, the seriousness of the behavior, whether it risked the safety of others, whether restorative justice could address the issue and whether a less-drastic intervention could be effective</cite>, and the district conducts an EJATT equity audit of district/building structures, but no explicit discipline-disparity data-review process was confirmed.
4.3 Cultural competence checks in hiring Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="65-10">The Board's Policy Committee... now requires all applicants for new positions to submit an equity and inclusion statement</cite>, confirming a district-wide hiring requirement tied to cultural competence.
4.4 Diverse perspectives & materials in curriculum Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="111-1,111-4">Teachers in East Lansing's six elementary schools are building classroom libraries that... will allow each student... to feel seen</cite> via a districtwide Diverse Book Initiative, and <cite index="110-2">East Lansing High School will offer a Black American history course</cite> as part of curriculum diversification.
Culturally Relevant Curriculum
5.1 Curriculum materials reflect student backgrounds Implemented · 2/2 pts
Same evidence as 4.4: <cite index="111-5,111-6">The district ordered the books from Socialight Society in Lansing and Detroit Book City in Lathrup Village, bookstores owned by Black women. More than 2,000 books were purchased</cite>, plus curriculum updates reflecting diverse authors/perspectives.
5.2 Teacher PD on integrating diverse perspectives Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="93-4">Board members listened to the progress and plan for the professional development days on five Fridays during the 2023-24 school year</cite> dedicated to equity-related teacher learning, supplemented by the JLC Core Course.
5.3 Community collaboration for supplemental resources Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="111-1">The Diverse Book Initiative was developed earlier this year through the combined efforts of the ELEF and administration at East Lansing Public Schools (ELPS)</cite>, demonstrating community-foundation collaboration for supplemental curricular resources.
5.4 Culturally specific courses/electives Implemented · 2/2 pts
ELHS offers culturally specific electives including <cite index="112-3,112-4,112-5,112-6">Black American History... Multicultural Literature... designed to help students gain a better understanding and appreciation of a variety of cultures, values, and perspectives around the world</cite>, covering African/Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, Latinx/Hispanic, MENA, and Native/Indigenous identities.
Community Engagement & Collaboration
6.1 Regular meetings with parents & community leaders Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="50-1,50-2,50-3">The District School Council is open to all in the East Lansing school community... Be a forum for communication between East Lansing schools with representation from all school levels, including... school staff, the school board and superintendent</cite>, meeting on an ongoing basis.
6.2 Partnerships with local orgs for student/family support Implemented · 2/2 pts
The district <cite index="174-7">Initiated Communities in Schools partnership... Establish School Safety Committee... Begin Year 1 with Canines for Change Facility Dogs</cite>, and opened a <cite index="44-3">UM Health-Sparrow and East Lansing Public Schools Health Center</cite> for student/family support.
6.3 Advisory committees with community representation Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="52-2,52-4,52-5">The purpose of the Intergovernmental Committee is to... address the needs of the East Lansing Public Schools through an equitable and inclusive lens... District Administration and community partners can also participate on the committee</cite>, alongside a standing Sex Education Advisory Board.
6.4 Outreach to ensure all families are informed/involved In-work · 1/2 pts
An older district ELL handbook states <cite index="15-6">The Code of Conduct will be translated into the major languages and distributed to parents</cite>, suggesting translation practices exist, but current, comprehensive outreach to all families was not independently confirmed.
Professional Development on Equity & Inclusion
7.1 Ongoing anti-bias/equity training Implemented · 2/2 pts
Ongoing anti-bias/equity training is embedded in district operations via <cite index="93-6,93-7">the social justice team... work[ing] together with the SEL group, teaching and learning group, and DEI Group</cite> and recurring PD days.
7.2 Workshops on culturally responsive teaching Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="131-4">The Core Course: An Introduction to Social Justice for Educators through the Justice Leaders Collaborative, a course that the district hopes all teachers and staff will eventually take</cite> provides workshops on culturally responsive teaching district-wide.
7.3 Equity topics in staff meetings/PD Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="93-6">Nick Hamilton... says that the social justice team needs to work together with the SEL group, teaching and learning group, and DEI Group</cite>, showing equity integrated into regular staff planning structures.
7.4 Participation in equity-focused conferences Implemented · 2/2 pts
ELPS is an active member and host of a national equity conference: <cite index="138-1">East Lansing Public Schools (ELPS) will host the annual national Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN) conference</cite>, with staff and students regularly attending.
Mental Health & Trauma-Informed Practices
8.1 Collaboration with mental-health professionals Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="43-1">Heather Finley, East Lansing Public Schools' mental-health coordinator... the district is expanding tiered mental-health supports and using new screening and ISD partnerships</cite>, alongside an on-site Health Center offering behavioral health services.
8.2 Safe, supportive spaces (mindfulness/sensory) In-work · 1/2 pts
District-wide facility/comfort dogs provide supportive spaces: <cite index="192-1,192-2">the East Lansing school district decided putting facility dogs into their buildings would be beneficial... The goal was to place a dog in every building</cite>, but dedicated sensory/mindfulness rooms were not specifically confirmed.
8.3 Trauma-informed staff training Not Implemented · 0/2 pts
No ELPS-specific public documentation was found confirming formal, district-wide trauma-informed training requirements for staff.
8.4 Partnerships to expand mental-health services Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="43-1">the district is expanding tiered mental-health supports and using new screening and ISD partnerships to reach students who face barriers to community services</cite>, and the new <cite index="44-3">UM Health-Sparrow and East Lansing Public Schools Health Center</cite> expands access to mental health care.
Data Collection & Analysis
9.1 Disaggregated discipline data system In-work · 1/2 pts
The district's MTSS process calls for <cite index="201-6">a system for using behavioral data (e.g., office discipline referrals or some other</cite> source, and discipline data by race is reported via the federal Civil Rights Data Collection, but no dedicated public-facing disaggregated discipline dashboard was found.
9.2 Regular audits of discipline practices In-work · 1/2 pts
<cite index="129-3">EJATT Training and Audit of... all district and building structures, practices and beliefs</cite> runs through 2027, functioning as a broad equity audit, though it is not confirmed to specifically target discipline practice audits.
9.3 Data-informed interventions/adjustments Implemented · 2/2 pts
The district uses an early-warning data system where <cite index="129-7">indicators used to flag at-risk students... are chronic absence... course performance... behavioral problems (suspended once or more), and an off-track indicator</cite> to drive targeted interventions.
9.4 Transparent reporting to stakeholders In-work · 1/2 pts
<cite index="120-3,120-4">East Lansing Public Schools is one of over 100 school districts in Michigan participating in the MI Student Voice Perception Survey... we use this tool to solicit, disaggregate, evaluate and make action plans</cite>, showing data transparency practices, though explicit public discipline-outcome reporting was not confirmed.
Student Voice & Leadership
10.1 Student advisory councils/leadership groups Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="48-3">Since 1973, the Board has invited a student-elected, nonvoting student representative from East Lansing High School to sit on the Board for a one-year term</cite>, plus student-led PD sessions supported by the Board.
10.2 Student feedback informs policy/procedures Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="120-3,120-4">East Lansing Public Schools is one of over 100 school districts in Michigan participating in the MI Student Voice Perception Survey. In grades 6 and up, we use this tool to solicit, disaggregate, evaluate and make action plans around student, staff and family feedback</cite>, directly linking student feedback to district action.
10.3 Students facilitate restorative processes In-work · 1/2 pts
The code of conduct references <cite index="102-7,102-8">Referral to in-school conflict resolution programs (e.g., peer mediation)</cite> as an available process, implying student mediators, but details on student facilitation training were not independently confirmed.
10.4 Student-led peer education Implemented · 2/2 pts
Student-led peer education groups are active, such as the student Social Justice Club: <cite index="212-6,212-7">this came out of... having social justice teams on the teacher level... we thought that it would also be a good idea for us to have a team... that was sort of accomplishing some of the same things or would be able to bring in students' voices</cite>.
Equitable Access to Support Services
11.1 Counseling & mental-health access for all Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="41-3">Located at Door 59 of East Lansing High School, the Health Center is ready to serve children ages 5+ with a wide range of services, including... counseling</cite>, alongside school counselors and social workers in each building.
11.2 Targeted academic support (e.g., tutoring) Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="114-5">Revitalize and launch a new MTSS framework - Increase academic intervention positions - Adopt new K-5 Reading, MS Science & MS Social Studies Curricula</cite> demonstrates targeted academic support infrastructure district-wide.
11.3 Community partnerships expand services Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="174-7">Initiate Communities in Schools partnership... Begin Year 1 with Canines for Change Facility Dogs</cite> and the <cite index="44-3">UM Health-Sparrow and East Lansing Public Schools Health Center</cite> expand available student/family services through community partnerships.
11.4 Systems to remove access barriers In-work · 1/2 pts
The district is <cite index="43-1">using new screening and ISD partnerships to reach students who face barriers to community services</cite>, and offers Schools of Choice access, but a comprehensive, formalized barrier-removal system was not fully confirmed.
Continuous Evaluation & Improvement
12.1 Standing committee/task force for discipline equity Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="213-2,213-10">Every building has a social justice team, with the goal of keeping in touch with the community at that school</cite>, serving as an ongoing, district-wide equity structure alongside the Board's Policy Committee work on the Racial Equity Policy.
12.2 Surveys/focus groups (students, families, staff) Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="120-3,120-5">East Lansing Public Schools is one of over 100 school districts in Michigan participating in the MI Student Voice Perception Survey... This is the fourth year of survey administration in ELPS, and the second year we are offering the Family Survey</cite>, showing a sustained, multi-year feedback mechanism across students, staff, and families.
12.3 Benchmarking vs. state/national comparators In-work · 1/2 pts
Through MSAN membership, <cite index="141-7">Together with other MSAN member districts, we will work collaboratively to develop solutions to educational challenges, analyze emerging research and policies, and share promising practices</cite>, providing informal national benchmarking, though no formal state/national discipline-equity benchmark report was found.
12.4 PD & reflective practice culture Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="93-4">Board members listened to the progress and plan for the professional development days on five Fridays during the 2023-24 school year</cite>, reflecting an institutionalized culture of recurring PD and reflective practice tied to the district's equity goals.
Extra Credit
EC1 Districtwide Diverse Book Initiative: a partnership between the district and the East Lansing Educational Foundation purchased 2,000+ diverse titles from Black-owned bookstores for every elementary classroom library. Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="111-5,111-6">The district ordered the books from Socialight Society in Lansing and Detroit Book City in Lathrup Village, bookstores owned by Black women. More than 2,000 books were purchased, all from a list of 311 book titles</cite>.
EC2 Canines for Change Facility Dogs program placing trained therapy/facility dogs in nearly every school building to support student emotional regulation and reduce stress. Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="192-1,192-2,192-11">the East Lansing school district decided putting facility dogs into their buildings would be beneficial for both students and staff. The goal was to place a dog in every building... The facility dogs also help in coping with anxiety, alleviating stress, and reducing bullying.</cite>
EC3 District hosted the national Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN) conference, bringing 250+ students and chaperones from multiracial districts nationwide to East Lansing for equity-focused leadership development. Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="138-1,138-6">East Lansing Public Schools (ELPS) will host the annual national Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN) conference... As the host district ELPS will create a planning team of staff and students who will work with MSAN staff to organize the conference.</cite>
EC4 Non-voting student representative seat on the Board of Education, institutionalized since 1973, giving students a formal, ongoing voice in district governance. Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="48-3">Since 1973, the Board has invited a student-elected, nonvoting student representative from East Lansing High School to sit on the Board for a one-year term.</cite>
EC5 Equity Justice Audit Tool (EJATT): a multi-year (2022-2027), districtwide self-audit of structures, practices, beliefs, images, celebrations, and events to identify and correct inequities. In-work · 1/2 pts
<cite index="129-3,129-5">Learning how to use the EJATT for a district equity audit... Implement identified changes from the EJATT audit</cite>, an unusually systematic and sustained equity self-assessment mechanism for a district of this size.
