Strategic Plan Goal 4 in Action - Equitable Access and Opportunity

Articles and videos that offer a look into how Goal 4 is being put into practice

Goal 4 - Vision in Action

In FCPS, we believe that everyone has the potential to excel. We value the backgrounds, identities, and experiences that our students bring to our schools every day. We want to ensure that all students have access to the same opportunities and that individual circumstances do not hold anyone back from reaching their full, unique, and limitless potential. Our vision is outlined in Goal 4 of the Strategic Plan: "Every student will have access to high-quality academic programming and resources to support their success."

This webpage features a collection of articles and videos that offer a look into how Goal 4 of our strategic plan—Equitable Access and Opportunity—is being actively put into practice. Through these stories, you'll discover the inspiring initiatives, dedicated educators, and engaged students who are turning this vision into a reality.

Videos Showing Goal 4 in Action

Unlocking Hope

FCPS is committed to serving the needs of each and every student. For Quinton, that includes cutting edge assistive technology that allows him to communicate through eye movement. Tools such as these allow Quinton to participate in his kindergarten classroom. Learn more about Assistive Technology Services in FCPS.

Outdoor Education

Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture is celebrating five years as an Ignite Partner with Fairfax County Public Schools. At Riverside Elementary and Whitman Middle, Arcadia helped students in their school gardens learn how to plant seedlings and care for maturing plants. Learn more about being a partner with FCPS.

Student Organization System

Gunston ES recently hosted an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Showcase. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid met Rajah, a 5th-grade student who walked her through the AVID Binder System. The AVID Binder organizes essential school materials and class assignments into one binder. Learn more about AVID.

Family Science Night

An Ignite partner with Fairfax County Public Schools, the Children’s Science Center holds Family Science Nights at 18 public schools in the County. These events, held free of charge to children and caregivers, inspire students’ love of learning with dynamic, hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Learn more about being a partner with FCPS.

Our Heroes

We celebrate two educators who teach general music and chorus at Mason Crest Elementary School. This dynamic team has worked to build a strong music curriculum for all students. They have created an environment where students are not afraid to make mistakes because, as one student stated, "mistakes grow our brains." Read more stories about FCPS staff.

Animal-Assisted Instruction

A furry visitor at Key Center School is helping students with special needs learn math skills in a fun, interactive way. Micah, a golden retriever, and his trainer, Kris Campes, help the students practice counting, compare numbers, and learn addition through games and activities. Read story.

Articles Showing Goal 4 in Action

Raising Trout in Classroom

Students at one elementary school spent months raising trout in classroom fish tanks. In the spring, students saw the results of their environmentally conscious work when they released the trout into a natural stream. Read story.

Learn more about Get2Green, FCPS’ award-winning environmental stewardship program.

Engineering a Boatload of Fun

Using only cardboard and duct tape, 26 students from two high schools engineered boats and embarked on Lake Barcroft to see who could stay afloat. Read story.

Learn more about opportunities such as the cardboard boat competition that was made possible through FCPS' Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.

Goal #4 Description - Equitable Access and Opportunity

Goal 4 states "Every student will have access to high-quality academic programming and resources to support their success.

Goal 4 is one of five goals in the strategic plan. The five goals are designed to drive positive change throughout our district. These goals indicate where we should focus our attention and help us align our efforts. Each goal includes an equity commitment and a set of measures that will be used to evaluate success.

Goal #4 Equity Commitment and Measures

Equity Commitment

We will prioritize data that describes student outcomes and lived experiences, to allocate resources and supports that are responsive to each student’s strengths and needs.

Measures

A. Availability of, accessibility to, and student enrollment in coursework in the arts, STEAM, career and technical education, trades, technology, and world languages

B. Availability of and enrollment in advanced, rigorous coursework and programs (K-12)

C. Student access to and participation in formalized systems of early intervention, academic and other supports, including special education services and services for English learners

D. Disproportionality in course-taking patterns and participation in inclusive settings

E. Consistent availability of and accessibility to electives, extracurricular, co-curricular, and enrichment activities