Welcome to LEAP

LEAP is based on a commitment to promote educational access and equity which means that:

• All students, and especially our most vulnerable students — inclusive of low-income students, ELL students, students of color, and students with disabilities — will have access to high-quality educational opportunities and will experience high academic expectations to ensure greater equity in outcomes;
• All educators are culturally proficient and honor as well as leverage diversity in their education practices;
• All families and caregivers are valuable partners and help to create a rich educational experience for students; and
• The Department, districts, agencies, and community partners work collaboratively to eliminate explicit and implicit bias, to dismantle racism and to promote social justice within districts and schools.

The key focus areas for this project are:

1. Improving understanding of and teaching with poverty, race and culture in mind

2. Improving resources for educators and student support teams

3. Improving services and placements for high mobility students

4. Decreasing inappropriate eligibility determinations for special education

5. Increasing identification of special education placements in the least restrictive environment

Contact: If you have any questions and/or would like additional information regarding LEAP, please contact Susan Fischer, LEAP Coordinator, at LEAP@doe.mass.edu .

Last Updated: January 4, 2023