Practice Report

Districts Advancing Racial Equity (DARE) Tool

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Maria E. Hyler, Desiree Carver-Thomas, Marjorie Wechsler, and Larkin Willis
December 2020 | Learning Policy Institute
Woman seated holding a clipboard speaking with two adults

Offered by the Learning Policy Institute, the Districts Advancing Racial Equity (DARE) tool brings together—in a uniquely broad and practical way—what is known about district actions that can support racial equity. This tool captures research-informed, high-leverage aspects of schooling that leaders must address in order to create systems that build on the strengths of and respond to the needs of students of color. The tool offers a framework for district leaders and staff to understand the complex ecosystem of policies and practices they design and enact. The tool also contains a set of qualitative and quantitative indicators to support data-informed decision-making and track progress toward greater racial equity. This tool helps conceptualize and organize systems-level equity work and provides a guide for district leaders to interrogate their systems, set equity-oriented goals, and track progress over time.