What is an equity plus school?

An "equity plus" school is a school that goes beyond simply ensuring equal access to education for all students. While equity focuses on fairness and ensuring all students have what they need to succeed, "equity plus" schools actively work to *close achievement gaps* and actively *dismantle systemic inequities* that hinder the success of historically marginalized students. This means they don't just provide equal resources; they proactively identify and address the unique needs and barriers faced by students from different backgrounds, including:

* Racial and ethnic minorities: Recognizing and addressing the impact of racism and bias on student outcomes.

* Students with disabilities: Providing individualized support and accommodations that go beyond basic compliance with legal requirements.

* Students from low-income families: Addressing the impact of poverty on learning, providing resources like food and healthcare, and supporting families.

* LGBTQ+ students: Creating a safe and inclusive environment that affirms their identities.

* English language learners: Providing specialized language support and culturally responsive instruction.

Essentially, an equity plus school employs a proactive, multi-faceted approach to create a truly equitable and inclusive learning environment where *all* students have the opportunity to thrive, not just survive. It involves ongoing self-reflection, data analysis to identify disparities, and a commitment to systemic change within the school's culture and practices.