About
The FDS Grant
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) put forth competitive grants to help build the capacity of Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to meet the needs of students, including academic, social, emotional, and mental health by increasing access to and equity in diverse and inclusive learning environments.
The grant's primary goals include providing equitable education in emotionally safe environments, building leadership among teachers and parents, and addressing the growing teacher shortage. Over the course of the grant, participants will conduct assessments and pilot interventions to address these issues, ultimately working toward fostering a more inclusive and effective education system.
Together, this initiative will ensure that students not only receive the support they need to succeed academically but are also empowered to become future educators themselves.
Our Vision
The project envisions a future where all students, particularly those from the most vulnerable populations, have access to a well-rounded education in emotionally safe and supportive schools, preparing them to be college and career ready and potential contributors to the teaching workforce.
Our Mission
The mission of the Fostering Diverse Schools (FDS) Grant is to alleviate the teacher shortage, particularly among teachers of color, by addressing academic, social, and emotional needs through a comprehensive assessment. By engaging community partners and leveraging collective expertise, the project aims to identify and implement evidence-based solutions that promote educational equity and improve student outcomes across the four participating school districts.
The SPIN Initiative
The Student Promise and Initiative Network (SPIN) is a collaborative, two-year planning project funded through the Fostering Diverse Schools (FDS) Grant. It brings together a diverse consortium of stakeholders, including school districts, community leaders, and education experts, to conduct a comprehensive assessment. The goal of SPIN is to identify and address factors contributing to the teacher diversity shortage and the academic and social-emotional disparities in four New Jersey school districts. Through stakeholder input and evidence-based strategies, SPIN seeks to improve educational outcomes, enhance community engagement, and develop sustainable solutions for teacher diversity and student success.
The Danielson Group
The Danielson Group is an educational organization that provides expertise in teacher development and instructional improvement. Known for its Framework for Teaching, which is widely used to assess and enhance teacher effectiveness, the group plays a key role in this project by offering research-driven strategies to build teacher capacity and foster a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
The Consortium Website
The Consortium Website serves as a central hub for keeping grant partners, stakeholders, and Department of Education administrators informed about the progress and impact of the Fostering Diverse Schools (FDS) Grant. Here, we provide updates on how consortium districts are using the grant to address educator shortages, foster stronger community connections, and pilot programs aimed at improving student outcomes. Additionally, the website highlights ongoing efforts to build educator pipelines, with a focus on recruiting and retaining a diverse teaching workforce to meet the needs of today’s schools. Keep checking this website for the latest developments and insights as our partners work together to create more equitable and inclusive educational environments.