Culturally Responsive Training
1.1 Mandatory cultural competency training for all staff In-work · 1/2 pts
District-wide training exists but not confirmed as mandatory for all staff. <cite index="1-2">Over 2,000 staff members received training centered around efficacy, and lack of awareness around cultural factors affecting the equity lens in the classroom.</cite> <cite index="2-3">We provide professional learning to build cultural competence and culturally relevant practices.</cite>
1.2 Mentorship programs for culturally diverse staff In-work · 1/2 pts
A general new-teacher mentoring program exists <cite index="148-3,148-4">The KCKPS New Teacher Mentoring Program is designed to help new teachers build their capacity for reflective practice and implement effective classroom strategies. Each new teacher is assigned a mentor</cite>, and diverse-educator recruitment fairs exist, but no program specifically targeting mentorship for culturally diverse staff was found.
1.3 Culturally relevant PD resources in staff learning Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="2-3">We provide professional learning to build cultural competence and culturally relevant practices.</cite> The DEI department also collaborates with Curriculum & Instruction on cultural enrichment PD.
1.4 Regular feedback/measurement on training effectiveness In-work · 1/2 pts
The district itself identified a gap here: <cite index="1-7">In regard to staff input, KCKPS identified a gap in collecting regular feedback from staff.</cite> A ThoughtExchange platform is used periodically but regular systematic measurement of training effectiveness is not confirmed.
Clear & Consistent Policies
2.1 Student code of conduct (clear expectations) Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="11-2">The Student Code of Conduct is a student handbook that identifies the policies, procedures, and expectations that will foster a safe and respectful learning environment for USD 500.</cite>
2.2 Regular policy reviews/updates Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="13-9">The Student Code of Conduct is adopted by the USD 500 Board of Education each year to help create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and school personnel.</cite> <cite index="11-3">The committee met during the Spring to review and improve the Student Code of Student Conduct with a focus on student and parents' understanding, specifically providing alignment to our intervention philosophies (Conscious Discipline, Proactive Discipline, Restorative Practices).</cite> Board policies are also reviewed on a recurring cycle per KASB recommendations.
2.3 Staff training on consistent application Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="1-9">reviewed the KCKPS Code of Conduct with staff to increase consistency in discipline responses for each</cite> infraction type, indicating direct staff training for consistent application.
2.4 Centralized documentation of incidents/outcomes Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="13-11">The Code of Conduct is situated within the work of the Discipline and Hearing Office of the Student Support Programs Department in the Division of Student Services and Family Support.</cite> This centralized office, combined with district ATLAS data protocols, documents incidents and outcomes.
Restorative Justice Practices
3.1 Restorative circles/conferences to repair harm In-work · 1/2 pts
A Restorative Education Program and facilitators exist, but full circles/conferences are still being scaled: <cite index="169-10">The district introduced the first opportunity for schools to seek Restorative Practices training, provided updated out-of-school suspension guidelines, and opened the Restorative Education Program for long-term suspensions.</cite> <cite index="56-14">KCKPS has begun planning Tier 1 Restorative Practices training</cite> indicating not yet fully district-wide.
3.2 Staff training in restorative practices In-work · 1/2 pts
<cite index="56-14">KCKPS layered additional PD for principals and Restorative Justice Facilitators facilitated by the SSP</cite>, but Tier 1 restorative training for all staff was still in the planning stage as of the report, so not confirmed district-wide/mandatory.
3.3 Curriculum integrates conflict-resolution skills Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="187-8">Family Advocates facilitate prosocial skills during that time using Second Step, Pre-K through 8th grade and School Connect at the High Schools.</cite> <cite index="187-6">The district has implemented the Family Advocate System in all of its schools.</cite> Second Step/Overcoming Obstacles curricula explicitly teach conflict-resolution skills.
3.4 Peer mediation program Not Implemented · 0/2 pts
No public documentation of a formal peer mediation program at KCKPS was found.
Bias Awareness & Mitigation
4.1 Implicit bias training for staff In-work · 1/2 pts
General equity/awareness training exists (<cite index="1-2">Over 2,000 staff members received training centered around efficacy, and lack of awareness around cultural factors affecting the equity lens in the classroom.</cite>) but no training explicitly branded "implicit bias training" was confirmed.
4.2 Processes to review discipline data for disparities Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="56-12">PLCs use the ATLAS Data Protocols to disaggregate data, analyzing outcomes across all subgroups but focusing particularly on gender and race to monitor for disproportionate outcomes in academic and SEL areas proactively.</cite> The district also explicitly tracked <cite index="169-3,169-4">the suspension and expulsion of African-American male students... to address the disproportionality of suspension and expulsion of African-American male students.</cite>
4.3 Cultural competence checks in hiring In-work · 1/2 pts
<cite index="140-5">Objective: Develop a diverse talent pipeline recruiting strategy to seek, secure, and hire high quality, certified and classified employees</cite> and dedicated Teacher of Color/Bilingual career fairs exist, but no explicit "cultural competence check" tool in the hiring/interview process was confirmed.
4.4 Diverse perspectives & materials in curriculum Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="169-4">selection of curriculum resources was framed through a DEI lens to reflect the diverse KCKPS student population, increase engagement of students, and address the disproportionality of suspension and expulsion of African-American male students.</cite>
Culturally Relevant Curriculum
5.1 Curriculum materials reflect student backgrounds Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="169-4">selection of curriculum resources was framed through a DEI lens to reflect the diverse KCKPS student population</cite>.
5.2 Teacher PD on integrating diverse perspectives Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="1-4">Continued collaboration occurs with DEI, ESOL, and C&I to integrate the cultural enrichment needs with</cite> curriculum and instruction, indicating ongoing PD for integrating diverse perspectives.
5.3 Community collaboration for supplemental resources In-work · 1/2 pts
<cite index="104-3">Unity in the Community (UiC) is a family-centered event that brings together families, schools, and community partners to support student success and family well-being.</cite> This is strong for family/community engagement but not specifically tied to supplemental curriculum resources.
5.4 Culturally specific courses/electives Not Implemented · 0/2 pts
No public documentation of culturally specific courses/electives (e.g., ethnic studies, African American studies) was found for KCKPS.
Community Engagement & Collaboration
6.1 Regular meetings with parents & community leaders Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="107-2,107-4">The Superintendent's Parent, Caregiver, and Community Collaborative Council (SPCCCC) is an advisory group dedicated to fostering collaboration between the school district's leadership, parents, and the wider community...This council will meet quarterly with Superintendent Stubblefield.</cite>
6.2 Partnerships with local orgs for student/family support Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="108-1">Community Resource Fair Connect with 20+ community organizations offering resources and services for families.</cite> Partners include Children's Mercy, Behavioral Health Group, Boys and Girls Club, and others.
6.3 Advisory committees with community representation Implemented · 2/2 pts
Both a parent/community advisory council (SPCCCC) and a student advisory board exist with regular meetings, per <cite index="107-2">The Superintendent's Parent, Caregiver, and Community Collaborative Council (SPCCCC) is an advisory group dedicated to fostering collaboration between the school district's leadership, parents, and the wider community.</cite>
6.4 Outreach to ensure all families are informed/involved Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="112-1">Annually, KCKPS now facilitates the Title I Family Engagement and Student Climate surveys</cite> and <cite index="188-9">Get in touch with each family at least once a month</cite> via the Family Advocate System implemented in all schools, plus bilingual Code of Conduct materials.
Professional Development on Equity & Inclusion
7.1 Ongoing anti-bias/equity training Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="47-3">KCKPS identified the need for focused learning around equity and inclusion and chose to redirect Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) funds to create the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).</cite> <cite index="52-10">KCKPS Office of Equity and Inclusion advances a diverse, equitable, and supportive school culture through its commitment to awareness, education, and action steps.</cite>
7.2 Workshops on culturally responsive teaching Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="2-3">We provide professional learning to build cultural competence and culturally relevant practices.</cite>
7.3 Equity topics in staff meetings/PD Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="1-4">Continued collaboration occurs with DEI, ESOL, and C&I to integrate the cultural enrichment needs</cite> into ongoing PD and staff meetings district-wide.
7.4 Participation in equity-focused conferences Not Implemented · 0/2 pts
No public documentation specifically confirming staff participation in equity-focused external conferences was found.
Mental Health & Trauma-Informed Practices
8.1 Collaboration with mental-health professionals Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="67-6">In addition to Counselors, Behavioral Health Social Workers are available in each school to provide support to students who may experience behaviors or symptoms that impact their emotional health.</cite>
8.2 Safe, supportive spaces (mindfulness/sensory) In-work · 1/2 pts
<cite index="132-10,132-11">These sessions focus on equipping students with essential skills to navigate various challenges they may encounter in school and beyond. Typically, this response would require a student to stay after school for a designated number of days to engage in skill building sessions.</cite> Conscious Discipline (which typically includes "Safe Place" calming areas) is implemented in Early Childhood classrooms, but a district-wide sensory/calming space policy was not confirmed.
8.3 Trauma-informed staff training Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="1-6">staff now complete the universal trauma training as a part of the onboarding process.</cite> <cite index="176-3">Conscious Discipline is a trauma informed program that transcends positive discipline to help families and educators become more resilient, more compassionate, and better equipped to handle whatever challenges, conflicts, or upsets life brings their way.</cite>
8.4 Partnerships to expand mental-health services Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="67-7">KCKPS is dedicated to building partnerships with a variety of agencies in the community who can support the needs of our students and families.</cite> Partners include Children's Mercy, Providence Medical Group, and Behavioral Health Group via Unity in the Community.
Data Collection & Analysis
9.1 Disaggregated discipline data system Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="56-6,56-7">Data is aggregated for use at the district level and disaggregated by subgroups at the building level. DLT and BLT use the data to understand the differences in experiences occurring across the entire district and within subgroups of the school community population.</cite>
9.2 Regular audits of discipline practices Implemented · 2/2 pts
The district undergoes annual KESA accreditation review cycles that include discipline/outcome data audits, as reflected in its Year 4 and Year 5 reports filed with the state and board.
9.3 Data-informed interventions/adjustments Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="169-10,169-11">The district introduced the first opportunity for schools to seek Restorative Practices training, provided updated out-of-school suspension guidelines, and opened the Restorative Education Program for long-term suspensions. Through these three actions, KCKPS saw a 50% decrease in 19-20 at the high school level in total time out of school due to suspensions.</cite>
9.4 Transparent reporting to stakeholders Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="47-2">accepted USD 500 reports for SY 2022-2023</cite> — KESA reports with discipline/equity data are formally presented to and accepted by the public Board of Education via BoardDocs.
Student Voice & Leadership
10.1 Student advisory councils/leadership groups Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="75-4">Dr. Stubblefield meets monthly with her Superintendent's Student Advisory Board.</cite>
10.2 Student feedback informs policy/procedures Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="75-6">They advise her on a variety of topics including Diploma+, school lunches, and daily class schedules.</cite> The Code of Conduct committee also reviews with <cite index="11-3">a focus on student and parents' understanding</cite>.
10.3 Students facilitate restorative processes Not Implemented · 0/2 pts
No public documentation found of students formally facilitating restorative justice processes at KCKPS.
10.4 Student-led peer education Not Implemented · 0/2 pts
No public documentation found of a student-led peer education program at KCKPS.
Equitable Access to Support Services
11.1 Counseling & mental-health access for all Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="67-5,67-6">Kansas City Kansas Public Schools is committed to the mental health and wellness of its students...In addition to Counselors, Behavioral Health Social Workers are available in each school</cite>.
11.2 Targeted academic support (e.g., tutoring) Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="131-5">Our goal is to provide childcare service, academic enrichment, tutoring, and youth development to all elementary students in USD500 Schools.</cite> <cite index="133-12">Yes, KCKPS offers tutoring programs.</cite>
11.3 Community partnerships expand services Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="108-1">Community Resource Fair Connect with 20+ community organizations offering resources and services for families.</cite>
11.4 Systems to remove access barriers Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="189-8">Each professional and support staff person is assigned to approximately 12 to 17 students and their families.</cite> Multilingual services and bilingual Code of Conduct materials further reduce access barriers.
Continuous Evaluation & Improvement
12.1 Standing committee/task force for discipline equity Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="47-3">KCKPS identified the need for focused learning around equity and inclusion and chose to redirect Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) funds to create the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).</cite> This standing department functions as the equity-focused body overseeing related discipline work.
12.2 Surveys/focus groups (students, families, staff) Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="112-1">KCKPS will utilize annual Culture and Climate Surveys as well as bi-annual ThoughtExchange® to monitor...Family Needs Assessment Survey; Student Needs Assessment Surveys</cite>.
12.3 Benchmarking vs. state/national comparators Implemented · 2/2 pts
Participation in the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) process inherently benchmarks the district against state accreditation outcomes and goals, as reflected in the multi-year OVT/KESA reports filed with KSDE.
12.4 PD & reflective practice culture Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="148-3">The KCKPS New Teacher Mentoring Program is designed to help new teachers build their capacity for reflective practice and implement effective classroom strategies.</cite> <cite index="3-4,3-5">KCKPS offers district-wide, ongoing professional learning opportunities that inspire staff to be life-long learners. Our focus is to build capacity, and to strengthen the knowledge, skills, practices, values and expectations of all KCKPS employees.</cite>
Extra Credit
EC1 Family Advocacy System: every student district-wide is paired with a staff liaison (caseload ~12-17 families) for the entire time they attend the school, delivering prosocial-skills curricula and serving as a home-school-community bridge. Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="187-5,187-6">The staff/family relationship last the entire time the students attend the school. The district has implemented the Family Advocate System in all of its schools.</cite>
EC2 Restorative Education Program: a dedicated alternative program for students facing long-term suspension, created specifically to respond to disproportionate discipline of Black/African-American male students, contributing to a documented 50% drop in high-school suspension days. Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="169-9,169-10,169-11">In Year 3, KCKPS introduced steps towards responding to corrective action needed for noncompliance due to significant disproportionality for suspension of African-American male students. The district introduced the first opportunity for schools to seek Restorative Practices training, provided updated out-of-school suspension guidelines, and opened the Restorative Education Program for long-term suspensions. Through these three actions, KCKPS saw a 50% decrease in 19-20 at the high school level in total time out of school due to suspensions.</cite>
EC3 Large-scale, dedicated Scholarship Initiative Program that secured over $295 million in college scholarships for graduating seniors in a single year, expanding equitable postsecondary access. Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="52-8,52-9">KCKPS high school seniors received more than $295 million in scholarships from different colleges and universities through the District's Scholarship Initiative Program impacting 1,259 students. The amounts of scholarships surpassed last year's award offers by more than $24 million.</cite>
EC4 Teaching Fellows / alternative-certification "Grow Your Own" pipeline that recruits local career-changers and alumni, with about half from diverse backgrounds, to build a teaching staff that better reflects the student population. Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="151-5,151-6">Not only is the program helping KCK retain teachers, it's also helping the district recruit more diverse educators. About half of the teaching fellows come from diverse backgrounds.</cite>
EC5 Describe additional policy… Not rated · 0/2 pts
No rationale recorded.
