The My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Community Alliance National Standards of Excellence Equity Framework is designed to elevate, support, and improve the lives of young boys and men of color and underserved youths.

The MBK Equity Framework identifies six milestones based on research and experience that are considered predictive elements of success and for young people to reach their full potential.

DeKalb County School District is committed to three of the six milestones in this first phase of our work to support all students and strong focus on young boys and colors of color and underserved youths.

Milestone 2
Reading at Grade level by third grade

1. Promote family-school-community partnerships to support joint reading and in-home literacy
2. Bring successful evidence-based practices to scale
3. Invest in support for intensive and effective professional development of young children
4. Meaningful parent/family engagement in children’s early learning
5. Libraries and community-based organizations provide literacy programs for youths and parents
6. Evidence-based instructions

Milestone 3
Graduating from high school college & career ready

1. Increase student attendance and reduce dropouts-especially among the most vulnerable, such as foster and homeless youth
2. Create the conditions for high-quality education for all
3. Accelerate efforts to transform high schools with lowest graduation rates
4. Promote the use of alternatives to exclusionary discipline practices
5. Increase access to and success in rigorous coursework

Milestone 4
Completing postsecondary education or training

1. Improve college advising services and support tools
2. Aim higher in high school by encouraging FAFSA completion and post-secondary applications
3. Expand access to early college, dual enrollment, advanced placement/international baccalaureate courses, and rigorous college prep
4. Increase development and adoption of promising and proven college completion and transfer strategies
5. Support young people to and through college

My Brother’s Keeper – Six Milestones (https://www.obama.org/what-works/)

1. Getting a Healthy Start and Entering School Ready to Learn
   All children should have a healthy start and enter school ready – cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally.
2. Reading at Grade Level by Third Grade
   All children should be reading at grade level by age 8 – the age at which reading to learn becomes essential.
3. Graduating from High School Ready for College and Career
   All youth should receive a quality high school education and graduate with the skills and tools needed to advance to postsecondary education or training.
4. Completing Postsecondary Education or Training
   Every American should have the option to attend postsecondary education and receive the education and training needed for the quality jobs of today and tomorrow.
5. Successfully Entering the Workforce
   Anyone who wants a job should be able to get a job that allows them to support themselves and their families.
6. Keeping Kids on Track and Giving Them Second Chances
   All youth and young adults should be safe from violent crime; and individuals who are confined should receive the education, training, and treatment they need for a second chance.