Equitable Grading

Investigations


Total states: 11

Total districts: 42

Total dollars spent: $9,193,269.75

Total federal funds used: $4,561,450

From 2014 to 2025, 42 school districts across seven states have paid consultants $9,193,269.75 for equitable grading professional development. This report is intended to highlight the districts and money spent on this practice.

It is also important to note that many districts (not included in this report) promote equitable grading practices to district teachers, yet do not engage in contracted professional development.

Equitable assessments, equitable grading (or grading for equity), or sometimes called anti-racist assessment has become a popular grading framework that seeks to address “inequities” and “bias” in education.  In doing so, it incorporates “accuracy,” “bias-resistance” and “motivation.”

The goals for equitable grading include eliminating achievement gaps and increasing graduation rates. It is rooted in the belief that all inequitable outcomes are the result of implicit and systemic bias (for example, white supremacy) and creates barriers to success for minority and low-income students.

Learn more on our “Understanding Equitable Grading Jargon” page.

This is not a comprehensive report and will be updated when new information becomes available.


Since at least 2019, Modesto City Schools has contracted with consultants to implement equitable grading practices as the standard model for district teachers. The district has paid Creative Leadership Solutions and California Education Partners $4,297,000 since 2022 for professional development that includes equitable grading practices. Out of the total spent on consultants, $3,937,000 came from federal funds (Title II and Comprehensive Support and Improvement funds).


Acalanes Union High School District

Alameda Unified School District

Alhambra Unified School District

Bellflower Unified School District

Castro Valley Unified School District

Compton Unified School District

Corona-Norco Unified School District

Davis Joint Unified School District

Dublin Unified School District

El Dorado Union High School District

Hayward Unified School District

Jefferson Union High School District

Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District

Los Angeles Unified School District

Modesto City Schools

Napa Valley Unified School District

Oakland Unified School District

Orange Unified School District

Pasadena Unified School District

Pittsburg Unified School District

Pleasanton Unified School District

Riverside Unified School District

San Jose Unified School District

San Leandro Unified School District

Santa Ana Unified School District

Santa Barbara Unified School District

Santa Clara Unified School District

Sonoma Valley Unified School District

West Covina Unified School District

New Haven Public Schools

Chicago Public Schools

Boston Public Schools

Cambridge Public Schools

Rochester Public Schools

White Bear Lake Area School District

Millburn Township Public Schools

Albuquerque Public Schools

Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES

Schenectady City School District

Springfield City School District

Richland School District Two

Arlington Public Schools