CESA 5 has been providing professional development opportunities; technical assistance, curriculum development and school improvement to assure districts can meet the needs of diverse learners.

At least one major professional development opportunity is offered each year. Equity and Human Fairness Consortium members are offered discounts in the registration fees and are provided with follow-up information. School-to-Work Consortium members are automatically provided with Equity and Human Fairness services. Equity and Human Fairness newsletters are distributed to local designees 2-3 times each year. Districts contracting for service from the Equity and Human Fairness project will have an opportunity to receive the following services from CESA 5:

Professional development opportunities for local coordinators and/or district staff may include:

• Updates on PI-9 Pupil Nondiscrimination Legislation (s.s.118.13)
• Reducing bullying and harassment in our schools
• Technical assistance in handling harassment complaints
• Analysis of the district WKCE data related to equity and human fairness issues
• Collaboration with CESA 5 Standards and Assessment Center staff
• Networking between local equity coordinators
• Class presentations for students

Onsite technical assistance provided may include the following areas:

• Implementing the Pupil Nondiscrimination Plan
• Addressing systemic change using equity as the school improvement strategy
• Fostering citizenship and the value of equity among students
• Reducing bias and discrimination among student groups
• Free loan of equity resources
• Newsletters
• Consulting with other programs related to equity initiatives (EASA, Title I, Carl Perkins, School-to-Work…)
• Contacts with performance troupes