The Bay Area Coalition for Equitable Schools is a regional network of elementary and secondary schools who are committed to increasing the learning and achievement of every student. These schools do this by working toward equity defined as equal educational outcomes for all students regardless of race, ethnicity, language, class, or gender. To make progress toward those goals, Demonstration Schools engage in a cycle of inquiry- examining student achievement data, setting equity and achievement goals, developing a theory of action, and regularly checking their progress toward their goals. One key strategy is the use of data-based inquiry and decision making. Coaches serve as critical friends, resources and liaisons to regional and national Coalition work.
Coaches also work with one another to continuously improve their practice.
A week-long summer seminar introduces school teams to the change process and prepares them to teach techniques for diagnosing their school's situation and imagining what the school could become. TREK teams work in clusters throughout the year to support and critique each other's efforts. TREK II deepens the schools use of data and evidence to address equity issues and keep change focused on teaching and learning. Regular Networking Meetings and Conferences bring members together to share work in progress, challenge assumptions, and share strategies for working on key issues. High Performance Learning Communities Project to develop strategies for creating excellent and equitable schools in high poverty areas.