Equitable School Program Placement: Access for All

Evaluating Equity of Student Access to Special Programs In Your District

If your school district is like most school districts I work with, special programs for students (like Gifted and Talented, International Baccalaureate, or Dual Language) were placed in schools gradually over time in response to changing educational needs for increasingly diverse student populations. 

Think for a moment about what your district’s overall program placement looks like now:

• Are special programs within a short driving distance for all students or do some have to travel long distances to get the same educational opportunities?
• Does proximity to schools with special programs determine which students enroll in those programs, even if your district provides transportation?
• What is the demographic composition of the students enrolled in special programs and how does it compare with your student population as a whole?

By investigating these questions through an accessibility and equity lens, I help districts discover the ideal locations for special programs to provide students and parents with equitable educational choices and improve accessibility for all students. It is rewarding to work with new clients to create custom, adjustable workflows to assess special program placement and measure accessibility, while also considering real-world factors such as school capacities, utilization, and student demographics. I believe more equitable and considerate program placement is not only achievable for all districts, it is also just within reach.

Successful Case Study – Equitable Special Program Placement in Rockford Public Schools, Illinois 

This year I worked closely with Rockford Public Schools in Illinois to assess their program locations for special programs, bilingual programs, and special education programs. I found clear geographic trends that allowed me to help District leadership understand where students live and their proximity to the programs they are attending. This analysis led to recommendations that are currently being used by the District for strategic planning for program placements to increase equitable access to these programs.

Map of program and student locations for Rockford Public Schools in Illinois

Next Steps for School Districts Seeking Equitable Program Distribution

Want more information about school capacity analysis? Visit our School Program Analysis page or contact us below to get started.