Boston Public Schools plans to distribute federal recovery funds directly to schools based on clear definitions of student needs. This approach gives principals the flexibility to respond to needs in their schools and to pilot new solutions, yet ensures that recovery funds are targeted to buildings that need it most. The district used a Racial Equity Planning Tool to determine allocations. This tool disaggregates student achievement data on standardized assessments by race, students with disabilities, former and current English learners, and students who are economically disadvantaged.
We are spotlighting this because using a data-driven approach to the distribution of federal relief funds, then providing principals with maximum flexibility to address their specific local challenges, is an innovative approach to meeting student needs. The use of an equity tool to target resource allocation is also noteworthy.
