Visionary Goal
Every Black student will have access to high-quality educational opportunities within their school and neighborhood, where they receive the necessary support to excel academically, socially, and emotionally; where they are prepared for college and family-sustaining careers; where they are empowered and affirmed in their identity; and where Black students, families, and communities feel valued, supported, and heard; while also ensuring that Black leaders and educators are increasingly supported and empowered with the resources and professional growth opportunities needed to drive positive change.
Why It Matters
We are committed to addressing long-standing racial inequities in Chicago. While the District is making progress, Black students continue to suffer from historic and persistent gaps in educational opportunities and outcomes. Disparities between Black students and their counterparts in academic achievement, graduation rates, and postsecondary opportunities are the result of historical and ongoing discrimination in the United States applied uniquely to Black people: unfair housing practices, segregation, lack of access to resources, and many other policies, laws, and practices. Today, systemic issues, such as unequal funding, disproportionate disciplinary actions, and biased educational policies, continue to contribute to the challenges faced by our Black students. We will continue advocating for adequate and equitable school funding across all levels of government to ensure we have the necessary resources to support the success of our Black students.
Strategies
- Create a Black Student Success Plan with strategies and goals informed by the Recommendations from the Black Student Success Working Group. The plan will include:
- Implementing culturally responsive practices, instruction, and professional learning that combats anti-Blackness; honors Black students' and communities' experiences, histories, and contributions; and affirms Black students' sense of identity, purpose, and direction.
- Ensuring that resource allocation within our District reflects the needs of Black students, providing comprehensive resources and services to address the academic, social-emotional, and mental health needs of Black students, fostering growth and well-being.
- Creating and supporting pipelines and retention initiatives to increase the number of Black educators and leaders by partnering with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Black-serving institutions, and community organizations to create a robust recruitment pipeline.
- Ensuring continuous, meaningful engagement with Black students and their families and strengthening partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and government agencies to support the integration of the Black Student Success Plan.
- Share the Black Student Success Plan in SY2025 that includes targeted specific short-term and long-term goals.
- Develop a clear implementation plan with strategies, timelines, and monitoring mechanisms to achieve goals and make necessary data-informed adjustments.
- Regularly report on the progress and impact of the Black Student Success Plan to stakeholders and the community, ensuring accountability and transparency. Reporting and progress monitoring at the Board level will be aligned with Illinois Public Act 103-0584 (Chicago Board of Education Black Student Achievement Committee)
Five-Year Goals
- Double the number of Black male educators hired and improve Black teacher retention from 91% to 93%.
- Accelerate growth and attainment for Black students that closes opportunity gaps from early learning through high school across all core academic areas.
- Reduce disciplinary actions against Black students, ensuring proportionality with their representation in the student population. 40% decrease in the use of out-of-school suspensions and expulsions for Black students and students with identified disabilities.
- Increase the percentage of classrooms utilizing culturally responsive practices, teaching about Black history and culture, and leveraging the CPS Inner Core Powerful Practices.
- Enhance a strong sense of belonging among Black students, so that students feel valued and included in their school community.