Characteristic 1: Equity and justice are defined and advanced at all levels of residency work.

The following evidence-based indicators should be used for each level of residency development. 

• Mission, vision, and theory of change make explicit commitments to equity and justice

• Short- and long-term residency goals include evidence of equity and justice

• Recruitment and retention targets include specific numbers of mentors and teachers reflecting the LEA's and community's unique diversity

• Formal, consistent, and institutionalized spaces to discuss equity and justice work

• Institutionalized affinity spaces created and led by and for residency community members

• Action research centered on addressing equity focused opportunities of practice

Level 1 residencies are residencies in the earliest stages of development. They are focusing on developing a mission and a vision for the residency. Level 1 residencies are developing authentic partnerships, developing basic budgets, and financial planning, and are defining hiring needs to be targeted by their new residency. 

Research-Based Evidence and Indicators