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 2 residencies have an established mission and vision and have met the indicators in Level 1. Level 2 residencies are focused on creating and revisiting data-based residency goals. They are paying particular attention to institutionalizing equity and justice work, developing 3-5 year strategic and financial plans, developing program assessment and improvement systems, centering on the resident experience (in coursework and clinical practice), and developing a rigorous mentor recruitment and selection process. 

Research-Based Evidence and Indicators