Culturally Responsive Training
1.1 Mandatory cultural competency training for all staff Implemented · 2/2 pts
District documentation and news coverage confirm mandatory, district-wide training: KCPS website states it is "identifying inherent biases in our employment and promotion processes and protocols" and "providing implicit bias and other equity-focused trainings for staff," with over 1,200 employees trained (dnyuz.com/Blaze News). A separate account notes "mandatory training on implicit bias and trauma for all employees of KCPS" (accesshealthnews.com), and CHCM confirms it "provides Trauma Awareness Training to all new KCPS hires, including support staff."
1.2 Mentorship programs for culturally diverse staff In-work · 1/2 pts
Blueprint 2030 calls for "deploying intuitive and adaptable engagement strategies and supports to increase teacher retention," and KCPS partners with external pipelines like UMKC's Grow Your Own program, but no confirmed formal in-house mentorship program specifically for diverse/minority staff was found (external groups like "Teachers Like Me" exist but are not a KCPS program).
1.3 Culturally relevant PD resources in staff learning In-work · 1/2 pts
KCPS emphasizes "culturally responsive teaching" as a strategic priority and staff have participated in community cultural-competency learning series, but no evidence of a dedicated, systematic PD resource library embedded in staff learning platforms was found.
1.4 Regular feedback/measurement on training effectiveness Not Implemented · 0/2 pts
No public documentation was found showing KCPS regularly measures or reports on the effectiveness of its cultural competency/equity trainings.
Clear & Consistent Policies
2.1 Student code of conduct (clear expectations) Implemented · 2/2 pts
KCPS publishes an annually updated Code of Student Conduct outlining expectations, procedures, and consequences district-wide, available in multiple languages on the district website.
2.2 Regular policy reviews/updates Implemented · 2/2 pts
The Code of Conduct has been revised repeatedly (2017, 2021, and annually since) in response to data and community input; <cite index="82-1">Lateshia Woodley, executive director of student support at KCPS, said the move follows a year-long effort to make the code of conduct's language more equitable and less traumatic</cite>.
2.3 Staff training on consistent application In-work · 1/2 pts
Restorative Justice Coordinators are tasked to "provide coaching and professional development on classroom management, classroom culture and restorative practices" to support consistent discipline application, but no district-wide staff training specifically on consistent code-of-conduct application was confirmed.
2.4 Centralized documentation of incidents/outcomes In-work · 1/2 pts
Discipline incident data is compiled and reported annually (e.g., citywide Suspension Summit analyses using DESE data), but a centralized KCPS-specific incident/outcomes documentation system beyond state reporting was not independently confirmed.
Restorative Justice Practices
3.1 Restorative circles/conferences to repair harm Implemented · 2/2 pts
KCPS maintains a dedicated Restorative Justice department with coordinators placed in individual schools district-wide; a Senior Coordinator role is explicitly tasked with "promot[ing] the expansion of Restorative Justice district-wide" and uses restorative justice circles, conferences, and mediations as core tools.
3.2 Staff training in restorative practices Implemented · 2/2 pts
The Senior Restorative Justice Coordinator role explicitly maintains a "Restorative Justice Coordinator Residency Program" and builds/teaches curriculum to train coordinators district-wide, and teacher-led training expanded restorative practices to more schools over time.
3.3 Curriculum integrates conflict-resolution skills In-work · 1/2 pts
The Code of Conduct references Conscious Discipline and trauma-informed, SEL-based approaches to behavior, and restorative justice emphasizes relationship/skill-building, but explicit academic curriculum integration of conflict-resolution skills was not independently confirmed.
3.4 Peer mediation program In-work · 1/2 pts
A mediation pilot at Southeast High/Success Academy had students sit down with "a mediator and other students or teachers involved," but this appears facilitated by adult coordinators rather than a formalized student-led peer mediation program.
Bias Awareness & Mitigation
4.1 Implicit bias training for staff Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="89-9">The district boasts that more than 1,200 of its employees have participated in "our implicit bias training."</cite> A separate source confirms this training is mandatory for all KCPS employees.
4.2 Processes to review discipline data for disparities Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="82-10">Woodley said the new suspension policy is a part of the district's work to address this disparity which also includes system-wide equity audits.</cite> Independent UMKC/Health Department analyses have also repeatedly examined KCPS discipline data for racial disparities.
4.3 Cultural competence checks in hiring Implemented · 2/2 pts
Blueprint 2030 commits to "evaluating and adjusting the hiring process with a core focus on improving equitable and diverse hiring practices, including creating a culturally responsive, equity-based interview tool," indicating a formal cultural-competence check built into hiring.
4.4 Diverse perspectives & materials in curriculum Implemented · 2/2 pts
KCPS added Black Heritage and Latinx history courses district-wide and is the only Missouri district reported to incorporate the 1619 Project and critical race theory lessons into its board-approved curriculum, plus it operates an African-Centered College Preparatory Academy magnet school.
Culturally Relevant Curriculum
5.1 Curriculum materials reflect student backgrounds Implemented · 2/2 pts
Same evidence as 4.4: dedicated courses and curriculum materials (Black Heritage, Latinx Heritage, 1619 Project) reflect the backgrounds of the majority-Black and Latino student population.
5.2 Teacher PD on integrating diverse perspectives In-work · 1/2 pts
General equity-focused PD exists, but no documentation specifically confirms systematic teacher PD on integrating diverse perspectives into existing curriculum beyond the new elective courses.
5.3 Community collaboration for supplemental resources Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="199-4,199-5">Connect students and families with valuable community resources via strong partnerships... Kansas City has a wealth of extremely effective community partners. But often, systemic inequity makes accessing resources difficult.</cite> The Office of Partners in Education and decades-long LINC partnership facilitate community collaboration for supplemental resources.
5.4 Culturally specific courses/electives Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="121-7">Kansas City Public Schools, which was the only district to answer yes to both questions, said the district offers an African-Centered College Preparatory Academy, a magnet school for elementary and secondary students.</cite> Black Heritage and Latinx Heritage electives are also offered district-wide at the high school level.
Community Engagement & Collaboration
6.1 Regular meetings with parents & community leaders Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="67-11">DAC general body meetings will be held on a Wednesday or Thursday of every other month, starting in September, at the Board of Education and online.</cite> This recurring, structured forum connects parents and community leaders with district leadership.
6.2 Partnerships with local orgs for student/family support Implemented · 2/2 pts
KCPS has long-running partnerships such as LINC (before/after-school and family support since 1992), Justice in the Schools (free legal aid), and Kansas City University's mental health partnership, demonstrating substantial community-org collaboration for student/family support.
6.3 Advisory committees with community representation Implemented · 2/2 pts
KCPS maintains both a District Advisory Committee (parents/community) and a Student District Advisory Council (SDAC), each providing formal representation in district decision-making.
6.4 Outreach to ensure all families are informed/involved Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="200-5">64 Languages Spoken</cite> are supported across the district, and KCPS uses the "Let's Talk" communication platform with translation tools, plus Title I Family Engagement surveys, to reach and inform all families.
Professional Development on Equity & Inclusion
7.1 Ongoing anti-bias/equity training Implemented · 2/2 pts
Ongoing anti-bias training is institutionalized: the Director of Equity, Inclusion and Innovation role is tasked to "assist the Chief Equity Officer with leading equity-focused training for principals, directors, BOE staff, and other employee groups," and over 1,200 staff have completed implicit bias training.
7.2 Workshops on culturally responsive teaching Implemented · 2/2 pts
Culturally responsive teaching is a stated strategic priority, and staff participate in community-provided learning series (Cultural Competency Collective) focused on culturally responsive practice.
7.3 Equity topics in staff meetings/PD Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="127-1">Kansas City Public School District's Melcher Elementary School kicked off the 2026-2027 school year with a professional development session centered on the theme 'Be Their Hero,' bringing educators together to highlight the importance...</cite> of supporting trauma-impacted students; CHCM also hosts quarterly district-wide learning collaboratives on trauma-informed practice.
7.4 Participation in equity-focused conferences In-work · 1/2 pts
Staff have access to community equity conferences (e.g., Cultural Competency Collective's annual conference), but no confirmation of systematic, district-funded participation in equity-focused conferences for staff broadly.
Mental Health & Trauma-Informed Practices
8.1 Collaboration with mental-health professionals Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="57-2">Kansas City University (KCU) and Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) have partnered through the Center for Population Health and Equity (CPHE) to provide psychological services and support mental health needs in KCPS elementary schools.</cite> KCPS also partners with Youth Guidance for in-school counseling (BAM/WOW programs).
8.2 Safe, supportive spaces (mindfulness/sensory) Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="82-7">Other interventions include a "recovery room" where students will be able to step away from conflict and work on how to reenter the classroom.</cite> This was implemented as part of the district's revised discipline approach.
8.3 Trauma-informed staff training Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="129-4">To build a trauma-informed culture for all members of the KCPS organizational team, CHCM provides Trauma Awareness Training to all new KCPS hires, including support staff such as bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, and paraprofessionals.</cite> KCPS also previously employed a dedicated director of mental health services to train staff on trauma's impact.
8.4 Partnerships to expand mental-health services Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="58-5">Kansas City University has received a $410,000, two-year grant from the Children's Services Fund of Jackson County to expand school-based mental health services for Kansas City Public Schools</cite>, demonstrating active partnership expansion of mental health services.
Data Collection & Analysis
9.1 Disaggregated discipline data system Implemented · 2/2 pts
Discipline data disaggregated by race and gender has been compiled and published for KCPS multiple times (Health Department 2017 analysis, 2019 Suspension Summit, UMKC analyses), drawing on data KCPS reports to Missouri DESE.
9.2 Regular audits of discipline practices Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="82-10">Woodley said the new suspension policy is a part of the district's work to address this disparity which also includes system-wide equity audits.</cite>
9.3 Data-informed interventions/adjustments Implemented · 2/2 pts
KCPS has repeatedly revised its Code of Conduct and introduced new interventions (recovery rooms, expanded restorative justice, elimination of elementary suspensions) directly in response to suspension data showing racial disparities.
9.4 Transparent reporting to stakeholders Implemented · 2/2 pts
KCPS publicly reports progress on strategic-plan metrics at open board work sessions (covered by local press) and publishes Blueprint 2030 goals/progress documents on its website.
Student Voice & Leadership
10.1 Student advisory councils/leadership groups Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="68-2">A student from Lincoln College Preparatory Academy made a presentation about the Student District Advisory Council (SDAC).</cite>
10.2 Student feedback informs policy/procedures Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="68-3,68-4,68-5">Minton explained the SDAC uses a program called Satchel Pulse to gather data from across the district and uses the information to focus on the issues of greatest concern to students. In the current year, bullying was reported as a problem. SDAC developed a resource guide to help students report and learn about de-escalating methods.</cite> Blueprint 2030 development also included 11 dedicated student input meetings.
10.3 Students facilitate restorative processes Not Implemented · 0/2 pts
No public documentation was found indicating that students themselves facilitate restorative justice circles/conferences at KCPS (restorative processes are facilitated by adult coordinators).
10.4 Student-led peer education In-work · 1/2 pts
SDAC developed a student-created bullying resource/de-escalation guide for peers, suggesting some student-led peer education, but this appears limited in scope rather than a broad program.
Equitable Access to Support Services
11.1 Counseling & mental-health access for all Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="62-2,62-4">In accordance with KCPS Board Policy 1.3, Kansas City Public Schools is committed to ensuring all scholars obtain the life skills necessary to demonstrate self-improvement of their mental, emotional, and physical health... KCPS offers a multi-tier approach to meet the comprehensive needs of students, including Tier I, II & III supports and interventions.</cite>
11.2 Targeted academic support (e.g., tutoring) Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="188-4">Services: School transportation, School supplies and backpacks, Uniforms for schools, School activity and field trip fees, Before and after school tutoring, Case management, Resource referrals</cite> are listed under the district's Students in Transition support services.
11.3 Community partnerships expand services Implemented · 2/2 pts
Multiple community partners (LINC, Learning Club, Grace United Community Ministries, Kansas City University) provide tutoring, mentoring, and mental health services expanding KCPS's support capacity.
11.4 Systems to remove access barriers Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="51-1,51-3">Justice in the Schools (JTS) is a FREE legal service provided to students and families within the Kansas City Public School system... The legal clinic defends families of KCPS students against wrongful evictions to prevent homelessness and keep students in their current school.</cite> Combined with multilingual Let's Talk access, these systems directly address access barriers.
Continuous Evaluation & Improvement
12.1 Standing committee/task force for discipline equity Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="229-1,229-2">The Kansas City Public Schools Board of Directors has taken the important step of adopting an equity policy for KCPS... approved during a meeting Wednesday evening, June 28 at the central office.</cite> A district job posting also references an internal "Equity Steering Committee" that develops the district's Equity Plan, and KCPS maintains a dedicated Equity, Inclusion and Innovation department alongside a Restorative Justice department.
12.2 Surveys/focus groups (students, families, staff) Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="38-4">This community-driven planning process included 30 public meetings, 11 student meetings, 18 parent organization meetings, eight meetings with partners, 71 staff meetings, 24 meetings with community organizations and 15 surveys.</cite> KCPS also runs an annual Spring Partnership Check-In survey for families.
12.3 Benchmarking vs. state/national comparators Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="82-9">According to a ProPublica report, Black students in Missouri are 4.4 times more likely to be suspended in comparison to their white peers.</cite> KCPS policy changes have been explicitly benchmarked against these statewide and national disparity figures.
12.4 PD & reflective practice culture Implemented · 2/2 pts
Evidence throughout (ongoing implicit bias training, trauma PD sessions, quarterly learning collaboratives) indicates an established culture of continuous professional development and reflective practice.
Extra Credit
EC1 District-wide Restorative Justice Coordinator Residency Program that formally trains and certifies in-house restorative justice coordinators placed in individual schools, overseen by a Senior Restorative Justice Coordinator tasked with district-wide expansion. Implemented · 2/2 pts
This is a notably systematized, staffed approach to restorative justice beyond typical one-off training models.
EC2 Free, district-supported legal clinic (Justice in the Schools) specifically to prevent evictions/homelessness that disrupt student attendance and school stability. Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="51-3">The legal clinic defends families of KCPS students against wrongful evictions to prevent homelessness and keep students in their current school.</cite> This directly targets a root cause of discipline/attendance disparities, an innovative wraparound approach.
EC3 Board-adopted formal Equity Policy (since 2018) embedded into the district's budget, staffing, and professional development planning and subject to ongoing board policy monitoring. Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="229-6,229-7">By adopting this policy, the Board and administration have reinforced that equity is a core value of KCPS... it will be included as part of the Board's policy monitoring process.</cite> This gives equity work formal governance backing rare among districts.
EC4 Only Missouri district reported to incorporate critical race theory lessons and the 1619 Project into its board-approved core curriculum, alongside an African-Centered College Preparatory magnet school. Implemented · 2/2 pts
<cite index="121-1">A survey of over 400 Missouri school districts found only Kansas City Public Schools reported that it uses a curriculum that both teaches lessons about critical race theory and includes the 1619 Project.</cite>
EC5 Describe additional policy… Not rated · 0/2 pts
No rationale recorded.
