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Making Equitable Schools Audit

Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest is partnering with Ohio school districts to develop, test, and refine the Making Equitable Schools Audit (MESA) approach. This data-informed approach for high schools will focus on improving student sense of belonging by reducing the use of exclusionary discipline policies and practices that inequitably affect students of color and students receiving special education services. The MESA approach will support a team of school leaders in using data to identify potential sources of disparate discipline referrals and to implement policies and programs that equitably address student needs.


REL Midwest will work with Ohio school districts to develop, implement, test, and refine an approach designed to address inequities in school discipline. This approach will bring together school community members over 1 semester to examine data, openly discuss equity gaps, explore solutions, and develop a plan to promote equitable discipline. The research team will conduct interviews, stakeholder feedback surveys, and observations to address research questions related to the usability, feasibility, and acceptability of the components for the approach. The usability/feasibility study will provide information that improves the implementation of the MESA approach to improve student academic and social and emotional outcomes.

REL Midwest will support district and school staff to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to school disciplinary policies and practices. Over 1 semester, REL Midwest will facilitate an equity audit to examine data, discuss equity gaps, explore solutions, and develop a plan to promote equitable discipline. Following the equity audit, REL Midwest will provide 6 months of supportive coaching focused on discussing audit team recommendations, developing an implementation plan and timeline, and creating a plan to track implementation and results.

No projects at this time.

Building safe and supportive schools with the Making Equitable Schools Audit approach
REL Midwest’s Making Equitable School Audit partnership is working with Akron Public Schools to develop and implement an equity audit focused on safe and supportive high school environments. This blog post highlights the initial equity audit with Ellet...

Cultivating student sense of belonging doesn’t just happen; it takes a lot of work
REL Midwest’s Making Equitable Schools Audit (MESA) partnership is working with Akron Public Schools in Ohio to reduce exclusionary discipline referrals and improve sense of belonging for all students.

Making Equitable Schools Audit (MESA) Overview Handout
The Making Equitable Schools Audit (MESA) partnership is working with school, district, and community leaders in Ohio to improve high school students’ sense of belonging and perceptions of safety and support in school. This handout provides an overview...

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REL Midwest Overview Handout
REL Midwest works with educators in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin to support the use of evidence and data to improve student outcomes. In particular, REL Midwest seeks to address priorities related to the needs and...

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Students are more likely to succeed in school when they feel physically and emotionally safe, connected to school, respected by adults, and academically challenged...