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Equity & School Climate

The MPS Equity and School Climate department leads the district equity and inclusion efforts and is responsible for overseeing the MPS Achievement & Integration plan and supporting Climate Framework. 

 

Contact

Derek Francis
Executive Director
Equity and School Climate
derek.francis@mpls.k12.mn.us
 
With questions about our policies or regarding a disciplinary incident relating to your student, email us at mps.helpme@mpls.k12.mn.us.

Mission

The mission of the Equity School and Climate Department is to cultivate a supportive, antiracist and inclusive school environment that ensures equitable access and opportunities for academic success and all students feel welcomed, responded to and connected in MPS. 

Vision

Our vision is to create a respectful, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that values the diverse racial, ethnic and social-economic of our students, staff and community members to ensure high achieving  academic programs and support services. We will intentionally focus and prioritize resources and actions to significantly improve the experiences and outcomes of black students, indigenous students, students of color and their families. 

Values

  1. Utilize culturally responsive teaching, engagement, and anti-racist practices
  2. Implement policies and practices that open pathways to academic, post-secondary and career opportunities for all students
  3. We value welcoming, strong, transparent communication with all families/community members
  4. Uplift, develop, amplify student voice and representation 
  5. Establish a school climate rooted in social emotional learning and restorative practices
  6. Uplift the intersectional identities and lived experiences of all students, staff and families
  7. Promote BIPOC staff engagement, joy, inclusion and retention through affinity spaces, advocacy, and professional development/experiential learning opportunities 

Equity and School Climate Department Teams

Climate Framework Values

The MPS Climate Framework Values were adopted in 2020 through an extensive community engagement process which focused on hearing the perspectives and voices of MPS students, caregivers, families, and employees.
 

The Climate Framework values are:

  1. Equity, Representation, and Anti-Racism
  2. Physical and Emotional Safety and Well-being
  3. Relationships, Trust, and Communication
  4. Share Decision Making and Voice

These four values look different in:

  • Classrooms
  • Buildings
  • Staffing decisions
  • Family and community engagement


Climate Framework embodies the District's philosophy on equity and outlines the District's beliefs, values, priorities, and practices. It guides our understanding of where we must continue to grow and where we must embrace change and provides opportunity for reflection and to practice collective accountability. For more information please visit Climate Framework Belief Statement document. 

Achievement and Integration

The Equity and Integration team oversees the Minneapolis Public Schools Achievement & Integration plan and budget. The purpose of the Achievement and Integration for Minnesota program is to pursue racial and economic integration, increase student achievement, create equitable educational opportunities, and reduce academic disparities based on students' diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds in Minnesota public schools. For more information please visit our achievement and integration page.