Culturally Responsive Training
1.1 Mandatory cultural competency training for all staff In-work · 1/2 pts
GRPS has an <cite index="20-2">Office of Equity and Inclusion formally established in December 2015</cite> and job postings require staff to provide training "<cite index="19-4,19-5">Training in cultural competency, or willingness to receive multiple levels of cultural competency training... Ability to provide training for all departments of GRPS</cite>." No evidence found that cultural competency training is mandatory for ALL staff district-wide, so rated In-Work.
1.2 Mentorship programs for culturally diverse staff In-work · 1/2 pts
GRPS runs multiple pipeline/mentorship programs aimed at diversifying staff, including a teacher cadet program launched to recruit more teachers of color, and a GRPS/GVSU ESL cohort that provides students of color a mentor through their teacher-training pathway. <cite index="102-4,102-5,102-6">Student teacher stipend, PD, mentorship, specialized interview</cite> are part of these pipeline programs. These target the teacher pipeline rather than confirmed ongoing mentorship for all current diverse staff, so rated W.
1.3 Culturally relevant PD resources in staff learning In-work · 1/2 pts
The Office of Equity & Inclusion's mission is <cite index="20-3">to ensure that ALL GRPS students are educated, productive and self-directed members of society by ensuring access to an equitable education experience that celebrates and capitalizes on the diversity of our students, staff and community</cite>, and related roles require cultural competency training delivery, but a formal catalog of culturally relevant PD resources for staff learning wasn't confirmed district-wide.
1.4 Regular feedback/measurement on training effectiveness Not Implemented · 0/2 pts
No public documentation was found describing regular feedback or measurement mechanisms specifically evaluating the effectiveness of cultural competency/equity training at GRPS.
Clear & Consistent Policies
2.1 Student code of conduct (clear expectations) Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS maintains a district-wide code: "<cite index="2-3">The Grand Rapids Public Schools' Uniform Discipline Code for Student Conduct outlines the rules</cite>," applicable to <cite index="2-6">student expectations for all K-12 Grand Rapids Public Schools students</cite>.
2.2 Regular policy reviews/updates Implemented · 2/2 pts
Multiple dated editions of the discipline code/handbook (copyright 2021, 2022, 2025) show the policy is revised and republished annually, indicating a regular review and update cycle.
2.3 Staff training on consistent application In-work · 1/2 pts
GRPS uses a <cite index="172-8,172-9,172-10,172-11">confidential, web-based information system to collect, summarize and use... student behavior data for decision making... SWIS aligns with the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports framework</cite>, suggesting some consistency infrastructure, but explicit staff training on consistent application of discipline wasn't separately confirmed.
2.4 Centralized documentation of incidents/outcomes Implemented · 2/2 pts
The district centrally documents incidents via <cite index="172-9,172-10">SWIS... The data entered into SWIS is based on Office Discipline Referrals (ODRs) and can be sorted to provide schools with timely, accurate</cite> information, with data <cite index="172-14">available to the public if it is ever requested</cite>.
Restorative Justice Practices
3.1 Restorative circles/conferences to repair harm Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS has an established restorative practices program: "<cite index="12-2">Restorative Practices utilizes techniques and strategies to prevent relationship damaging incidents from happening and repairing them if they do</cite>," including formal <cite index="11-5">circles... to formal conferences and mediation after a great harm has occurred</cite>, and the handbook defines a formal "Restorative Practice Conference."
3.2 Staff training in restorative practices In-work · 1/2 pts
GRPS provides restorative practices resources/guides to staff (e.g., "How to Implement Restorative Practices in Your School," circle guidelines) and has partnered with community mediators for training, but district-wide mandatory staff training wasn't explicitly confirmed.
3.3 Curriculum integrates conflict-resolution skills Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS implements conflict-resolution-focused SEL curricula district-wide: "<cite index="187-5">GRPS is implementing Caring School Community for all K-5 and K-8 schools during the 2023-2024 school year</cite>" and "<cite index="187-7">GRPS is implementing Second Step for all comprehensive Middle Schools during the 2023-2024 school year</cite>," with resources like <cite index="184-4">Restorative Questions for Conflict Resolution</cite> and a 6-step conflict resolution video.
3.4 Peer mediation program In-work · 1/2 pts
Peer mediation is described as an aspirational expansion rather than a confirmed current program: "<cite index="83-4,83-5">As Restorative Practices grows in GRPS, it will include scholar-led conflict resolution, peer mediation and involvement of the community</cite>."
Bias Awareness & Mitigation
4.1 Implicit bias training for staff Not Implemented · 0/2 pts
No public documentation was found confirming a formal, GRPS-specific implicit bias training program for staff; searches found only general cultural competency training requirements in some job postings, not an implicit-bias-specific curriculum.
4.2 Processes to review discipline data for disparities Implemented · 2/2 pts
The district's strategic plan explicitly tracks discipline disparities as a priority outcome: "<cite index="130-5">Reduce Black students exclusionary discipline</cite>" is listed among measurable priority student outcomes, and the plan notes "<cite index="133-4">We also see disparities in our disciplinary practices</cite>."
4.3 Cultural competence checks in hiring Not Implemented · 0/2 pts
No public documentation was found describing a formal cultural-competence check or assessment built into the GRPS hiring process.
4.4 Diverse perspectives & materials in curriculum Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS curriculum guide lists <cite index="96-9">AP African American Studies</cite> as an AP offering, and the district runs a <cite index="97-1,97-2">Native American Education Program (NAEP)... to support our Native American scholars in successful academic achievement while preserving and respecting the whole person through culturally relevant activities</cite>.
Culturally Relevant Curriculum
5.1 Curriculum materials reflect student backgrounds Implemented · 2/2 pts
The district explicitly tailors programs to student backgrounds: <cite index="31-1,31-2">Grand Rapids Public Schools serves families representing many different languages and cultures, and data on the diverse English Learner population demonstrates the demand for needed services and resources</cite>, alongside Dual Language Immersion, ESL, Transitional Bilingual programs and GRPS Cultural Centers.
5.2 Teacher PD on integrating diverse perspectives In-work · 1/2 pts
GRPS roles like the SEL Consultant require ability to provide cultural competency training to departments and families, suggesting some PD exists, but a defined, district-wide PD track specifically on integrating diverse perspectives into instruction wasn't separately confirmed.
5.3 Community collaboration for supplemental resources Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS partners extensively with community organizations for supplemental resources, e.g., the community school model via KSSN which <cite index="177-4">delivers an array of services from multiple providers with cultural sensitivity and relevance</cite>, plus Parent University, developed <cite index="67-3">with the guidance of LINC Community Revitalization... aided by Evolve!, Believe 2 Become, Grand Rapids Public Schools, LINC Community Revitalization, Kent School Services Network, and Creative Change Mission</cite>.
5.4 Culturally specific courses/electives Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS curriculum guide lists AP African American Studies as a course offering, and the Native American Education Program runs an <cite index="123-8">Anishinaabe Cultural Awareness Program... afterschool program [that] provides cultural education, tutoring, and homework help to scholars in grades K-12</cite>.
Community Engagement & Collaboration
6.1 Regular meetings with parents & community leaders Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS holds regular structured meetings with community members, e.g., <cite index="55-3">FORWARD, made up of about 50 community members, district staff and parents of district students, is designed to bring diverse voices into crucial conversations about the district's future</cite>, alongside the standing Parent Teacher Community Council.
6.2 Partnerships with local orgs for student/family support Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS has multiple formal partnerships supporting students/families, including <cite index="49-4">partner with Cherry Health to provide School-Based Health Centers that offer high quality care for scholars</cite> and a similar partnership with Catherine's Health Center, plus KSSN's community school model.
6.3 Advisory committees with community representation Implemented · 2/2 pts
The district maintains advisory bodies with community and stakeholder representation, including FORWARD (~50 community members, staff, and parents) and the <cite index="56-1">Superintendent's Scholar Advisory Council... a forum where scholars actively contribute to shaping policies, programs, and initiatives</cite>.
6.4 Outreach to ensure all families are informed/involved Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS's Family & Community Engagement department exists explicitly <cite index="65-5,65-6">to build a cooperative link between home, school, and the community. Our goal is to remove barriers that impede scholar growth and success</cite>, supported by Parent Action Leaders who serve as liaisons promoting outreach in every building.
Professional Development on Equity & Inclusion
7.1 Ongoing anti-bias/equity training In-work · 1/2 pts
The Strategic Plan's Equity Vision commits to <cite index="131-1,131-2">implement equitable and culturally sustaining practices and strategies... We will remove barriers contributing to disproportionate outcomes by incorporating anti-racist and inclusionary practices</cite>, but an explicit "ongoing anti-bias training" cadence for all staff wasn't separately confirmed.
7.2 Workshops on culturally responsive teaching In-work · 1/2 pts
Positions are tasked with delivering cultural competency/culturally responsive training across departments, but a confirmed, scheduled, district-wide workshop series specifically on culturally responsive teaching was not found.
7.3 Equity topics in staff meetings/PD In-work · 1/2 pts
The superintendent's message in district materials states the new Strategic Plan "<cite index="108-4,108-5">focuses on supporting scholars and caregivers in ways that ensure inclusivity of all scholars, culturally responsive practices, and social-emotional awareness. This school year, we will be working to improve both our academic outcomes and our outcomes related to culture and climate</cite>," implying equity is a recurring PD/meeting theme, though a specific routine wasn't confirmed.
7.4 Participation in equity-focused conferences Not Implemented · 0/2 pts
No public documentation was found confirming staff participation in external equity-focused conferences as a district practice.
Mental Health & Trauma-Informed Practices
8.1 Collaboration with mental-health professionals Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS directly employs and partners with mental health professionals: the district hires <cite index="48-3">Mental Health Clinician provides essential assessment and intervention services aimed at improving the emotional, behavioral, and mental health of students</cite>, and partners with Cherry Health and Catherine's Health Center for school-based behavioral health.
8.2 Safe, supportive spaces (mindfulness/sensory) In-work · 1/2 pts
The SEL/Restorative Practices framework promotes a supportive climate ("<cite index="12-4">Social and Emotional Learning and Restorative Practices are used to improve school climate</cite>"), but no specific evidence of district-wide mindfulness rooms or sensory spaces was found.
8.3 Trauma-informed staff training Not Implemented · 0/2 pts
No public documentation specifically describing a trauma-informed care training program for GRPS staff was found in available searches.
8.4 Partnerships to expand mental-health services Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS has expanded mental health access through formal partnerships, now operating four school-based health centers; at Harrison Park, the clinic <cite index="54-3,54-4">serves children and young adults ages 3 to 21. It offers checkups, immunizations, sports physicals, treatment for illness and injuries and individual and group counseling</cite>.
Data Collection & Analysis
9.1 Disaggregated discipline data system Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS collects disaggregated behavioral data through SWIS tied to ODRs, and its Annual Education Report explicitly includes <cite index="168-9">Civil Rights Data</cite>, which is disaggregated by subgroup at the federal level.
9.2 Regular audits of discipline practices In-work · 1/2 pts
The district produces annual reports including discipline-related Civil Rights Data and tracks a dashboard of strategic plan progress, but a dedicated, recurring "audit" of discipline practices specifically wasn't separately confirmed.
9.3 Data-informed interventions/adjustments Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS uses data to drive intervention: the <cite index="83-9">primary function of the Tier II approach is to review and analyze evidence-based interventions that have been implemented and offer evidence-based interventions/supports to increase the likelihood of student success</cite>, informed by SWIS behavioral data.
9.4 Transparent reporting to stakeholders Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS publishes an Annual Education Report with assessment, accountability, and <cite index="168-9">Civil Rights Data</cite>, and the district homepage links directly to <cite index="167-1">MI School Data Visit Our Dashboard</cite> under a Transparency section including Budget & Salary Reporting and Annual Reports.
Student Voice & Leadership
10.1 Student advisory councils/leadership groups Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS has a standing student leadership body: "<cite index="56-3">The council, composed of a junior and senior representative from each GRPS high school, meets monthly during the school year</cite>," and the Board separately welcomed <cite index="61-1">three student representatives for 2026–27</cite>.
10.2 Student feedback informs policy/procedures Implemented · 2/2 pts
Student feedback directly altered district policy: "<cite index="60-3,60-4,60-5">The Superintendent's Scholars Advisory Council strongly advocated for the district to eliminate the school uniform requirement. Based on this feedback, we agreed to conduct a survey... our scholars were overwhelmingly opposed to it</cite>," resulting in the uniform requirement being eliminated.
10.3 Students facilitate restorative processes In-work · 1/2 pts
Student-facilitated restorative processes are described as a future direction rather than a confirmed current practice: "<cite index="14-11">As Restorative Practice grows in GRPS, it will include student-led conflict</cite>" resolution.
10.4 Student-led peer education In-work · 1/2 pts
Some student leadership/peer programs exist (e.g., Teach Club clubs run by students interested in teaching), but a confirmed, structured student-led peer education program for discipline/behavior topics specifically wasn't found.
Equitable Access to Support Services
11.1 Counseling & mental-health access for all Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS provides counseling/mental health access broadly through Health Services and <cite index="49-8">Any child between the ages of 3-21 years of age can receive medical or behavioral health services</cite> at its school-based health centers.
11.2 Targeted academic support (e.g., tutoring) Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS offers free, district-wide tutoring: "<cite index="121-3,121-4,121-5">The LOOP program provides elementary and middle school kids a safe, fun place to learn... LOOP is free in the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) and offers academic support (tutoring, homework assistance, etc.) by certified teachers</cite>."
11.3 Community partnerships expand services Implemented · 2/2 pts
Community partnerships materially expand services, as with KSSN's community school model which <cite index="175-2">supports the community school model that ensures students have access to physical health, mental health, and human services within their schools</cite>.
11.4 Systems to remove access barriers Implemented · 2/2 pts
The district explicitly frames family engagement work around removing barriers: F.A.C.E.'s <cite index="65-6">goal is to remove barriers that impede scholar growth and success</cite>, complemented by multilingual Bilingual/ESL program supports for non-English speaking families.
Continuous Evaluation & Improvement
12.1 Standing committee/task force for discipline equity In-work · 1/2 pts
GRPS has a standing Office of Equity & Inclusion and a broader community advisory committee (FORWARD), but no standing committee or task force specifically dedicated to discipline equity was identified.
12.2 Surveys/focus groups (students, families, staff) Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS regularly surveys stakeholders, e.g., "<cite index="147-8">We conducted a community-wide survey with over 1,300 respondents</cite>" for the strategic plan, plus a later communications audit survey of <cite index="140-2">students, parents and the community at large for feedback on district communication practices</cite>, and a community "report card" survey of students, parents, staff.
12.3 Benchmarking vs. state/national comparators Implemented · 2/2 pts
The district's Annual Education Report explicitly benchmarks against the state: it <cite index="168-6">presents assessment information for English language arts and mathematics for grades 3 to 8 and 11... compared to state averages for all students as well as subgroups of students</cite>.
12.4 PD & reflective practice culture In-work · 1/2 pts
The district's leadership communications emphasize continuous improvement ("<cite index="108-5">we will be working to improve both our academic outcomes and our outcomes related to culture and climate</cite>"), suggesting a reflective practice culture, though a formal PD/reflection framework specifically wasn't confirmed as mandatory or universal.
Extra Credit
EC1 District-wide Native American Education Program - the only one of its kind in West Michigan, serving 200+ scholars from 29 tribes with culturally relevant academic and cultural programming. Implemented · 2/2 pts
GRPS states it is <cite index="97-1">proud to offer the only Native American Education Program (NAEP) in West Michigan</cite>, serving <cite index="97-7">more than 200 scholars from 29 tribes across turtle island</cite>, a distinctive equity practice beyond standard requirements.
EC2 Explicit, board-adopted Equity Vision Statement embedded in a 5-year Strategic Plan with measurable, publicly tracked priority outcomes directly targeting discipline disparities. Implemented · 2/2 pts
The plan states GRPS will <cite index="131-1,131-2">implement equitable and culturally sustaining practices and strategies to ensure that ALL GRPS scholars... are educated, productive, and self-directed</cite> and names "Reduce Black students exclusionary discipline" as a tracked priority outcome - a notably explicit, public equity commitment tied to discipline reform.
EC3 Multi-pronged "Grow Your Own" teacher diversity pipeline (Teacher Cadet Program, Teach Club Grand Rapids, GRPS/GVSU ESL Cohort, Grand Rapids Community Teachers Initiative with MSU) specifically designed to diversify the educator workforce to better reflect the student population. In-work · 1/2 pts
GRPS built multiple linked pathway programs, including one that <cite index="102-4,102-5,102-6">Targets students of color... provided a mentor</cite>, reflecting a sustained, multi-year investment in diversifying staff beyond typical recruitment efforts.
EC4 Expansion of school-based health centers (now four) in partnership with community health providers, directly embedding physical and behavioral health access inside school buildings district-wide. Implemented · 2/2 pts
The district has grown its network of embedded clinics: "<cite index="54-10,54-11">The Harrison Park clinic is the district's fourth school-based health center. GRPS also has clinics at Innovation Central, Ottawa Hills and Union High Schools</cite>," an innovative structural approach to equitable health/mental-health access.
EC5 Kent School Services Network (KSSN) community schools model embedded in GRPS buildings, pairing DHHS caseworkers and wraparound coordinators on-site to address root-cause barriers (attendance, family stability) that often drive discipline referrals. In-work · 1/2 pts
The network <cite index="177-5">began as a collaborative effort involving the Grand Rapids Public Schools... county government representing health, mental health, and social services</cite>, with embedded caseworkers shown to meaningfully improve attendance and reduce need for exclusionary responses.
