Our District

The MECCA Framework

A districtwide framework for school culture, instruction, adult learning, partnership, and action.

The MECCA Framework guides how Harlem Community School District 5 strengthens schools and supports student success. MECCA represents five priorities that shape our districtwide approach: Mindfulness, Excellence, Capacity-Building, Collaboration, and Action.

Together, these priorities help District 5 create the conditions for strong instruction, supportive school communities, shared leadership, family partnership, and measurable progress.

Priority 01

Mindfulness

Relationships, Restoration, & Healing

  • Professional Development in Transformative SEL Rooted in Equity and Social Justice
  • Restorative Circles
  • Mindful Practices
  • Culturally-Responsive Pedagogy Rooted in Liberation and Anti-Oppression
  • Strengths-Based Approaches

Priority 02

Excellence

Leadership & Instructional Best Practices

  • District-Wide Best Practice Expectations
  • Research-Based Instructional Strategies
  • Common Assessments
  • Culturally-Responsive Leadership & Equitable Systems & Structures

Priority 03

Capacity-Building

Growing Skills & Abilities Across Stakeholders

  • Cohesive and Aligned District-Wide Systems and Structures
  • Cohort-Based Professional Development
  • Supporting and Scaling What Works

Priority 04

Collaboration

Co-Creation, Co-Liberation, Equity & Inclusivity

  • Elevating Stakeholder Voices Through Various Mediums
  • Actionable & Collective Engagement
  • Collective Decision-Making
  • Fostering Relationships Through Transparency & Belonging

Priority 05

Action

Progress-Monitoring & Data-Driven Decision-Making

  • District-Wide Progress Monitoring
  • Common Assessments and Measures
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making with Support
  • Setting Crystal Clear Expectations and Goals
  • Action Planning and Implementation with Feedback and Support

See it in action

District Initiatives →