This system aims to improve the communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity in schools that serve students with disabilities, especially those in urban and/or high-poverty settings. The STAR system outlines five practices that build a more adaptive and inclusive education environment while utilizing modes of communication and collaboration amongst school staff and students' families to benefit each student's ability to be an active and integral part of their own community. The STAR system utilizes four major components of a child's educational environment, the students themselves, teachers, administrators, and relatives (that being family or guardians). In the STAR system, these components work collaboratively to support and reinforce each student's academic and social progress and achievement. Each of the five practices in the STAR system encourages collaborative work, community interactions, and positive socialization to improve every student's motivation and investment in education. With the STAR system, schools may begin to close the achievement gap by creating a positive culture that flows reciprocally from the school into the community.