Transforming the Educational Landscape
The mission of CPS is to provide a high-quality public education for every child in every neighborhood that prepares them for success in college, career, and civic life. While CPS has made efforts to address long-standing racial inequities in education, Black students continue to face historic and persistent disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes. To confront these systemic inequities—and after years of advocacy from parents, educators, and community organizations—CPS will launch the Black Student Success Plan on February 21, 2025.
The plan is an essential strategic priority included in the District’s 5-year Strategic Plan to improve Black students’ daily learning experiences and life outcomes in CPS by addressing opportunity gaps and advancing equity. This work has been codified and mandated in state law (105 ILCS 5/34-18.85), demonstrating the district’s commitment to aligning its efforts with legislative requirements.
Reporting and progress monitoring at the Board level will adhere to Illinois Public Act 103-0584, which established the Chicago Board of Education Black Student Achievement Committee. These legal frameworks underscore the institutional support and accountability driving the plan’s implementation. This plan underscores our unwavering commitment to transforming the educational landscape to ensure every student, including Black students, thrives academically, socially, and emotionally.
District Anchor Strategies
Identity, Culture, and Voice
Empower and elevate Black students' voices while celebrating their cultural diversity to create inclusive environments that honor their unique contributions and perspectives.
Whole School, Whole Child Supports
Provide comprehensive, culturally responsive supports that address Black students' academic, social, emotional, and cultural needs, enabling them to thrive.
Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Curriculum and Instruction
Implement culturally relevant teaching practices and expand access to high-quality, rigorous coursework and experiential opportunities that affirm Black students’ identities and enhance academic success.
Culturally Responsive Family and Community Engagement and Empowerment
Strengthen engagement with Black families and communities through culturally competent workshops and partnerships that empower families to be active participants in their children’s education.
Learning, Development, and Liberatory Thinking
Focus on professional development for educators and leaders to address biases, combat anti-Blackness, and create a culturally responsive community that uplifts Black students and families.
Recruitment, Retention, and Support of Black Educators and Leaders
Build a diverse and representative workforce by recruiting, retaining, and supporting Black educators and leaders with targeted efforts and professional development opportunities.
Systems, Policies, and Practices
Transform policies and systems to eliminate inequities, ensure equitable resource distribution, and establish accountability measures for an inclusive educational environment.
Community Roundtables
The BSSP is built on and will be driven by the powerful voices and collaboration of the community. We are inviting you, Chicago’s ecosystem of students, parents, community-based organizations and leaders, higher education institutions, philanthropic partners, and government agencies, to join the conversation.
Join us for one of several community roundtables that will be held throughout the city (and virtually). These discussions will give the community the opportunity to:
- Learn about the plan
- Discover what role you can play in the plan’s implementation and impact on student success
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and outline actionable steps to its call to action
If you have any questions regarding the roundtables, please do not hesitate to contact us at bss@cps.edu.
Future State of Black Students
Every Black student will have access to high-quality educational opportunities within their school and neighborhood, where they receive the necessary support to excel academically, socially, and emotionally; where they are prepared for college and family-sustaining careers; where they are empowered and affirmed in their identity; and where Black students, families, and communities feel valued, supported, and heard; while also ensuring that Black leaders and educators are increasingly supported and empowered with the resources and professional growth opportunities needed to drive positive change.
