Why is this contract needed? 

The services aim to equip school communities and administrative offices with the tools and knowledge to engage in controversial discourse through an equity lens in an environment that fosters support and respect for diverse lived experiences.

How will the success of this contract be measured?

• Decrease in the number of students and staff submitting reports of discrimination. 

• Improved scores in the constructs of belonging, cultural awareness, educating all students, and anti-racist professional culture on the Philadelphia School Experience Survey for students and staff.

When applicable, is this an evidence-based strategy? If so, what evidence exists to support this approach?

This is an evidence based strategy, drawing on work from the University of Pennsylvania, that emphasizes the importance of school communities acknowledging and addressing students' emotions, creating safe and inclusive spaces, and using mindfulness practices to manage stress. It advocates for structured processing activities like journaling and direct, non-judgmental communication to support socio-emotional learning. These practices help educators and administrators effectively support students during crises and trauma, fostering a supportive learning environment.

https://snfpaideia.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/When-Emotions-Run-High.pdf

When applicable, was a larger community of District community members and/or stakeholders involved in this selection process? If so, what groups and how? 

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion engaged with the following program offices in supporting the RFP process and conducting a tiered needs assessment of schools and program offices to identify potential cohort participants. Voting members: Office of Curriculum and Instruction, Office of Professional Learning; Non-voting members: two (2) community members, two (2) students.