How to Increase Student Achievement (via Edutopia)
by Sara Bernard
“We know we are a long way from bringing every student to proficiency, particularly our English-language learners,” concedes Sheri Hart (center), assistant superintendent of the Central Union High School District, in El Centro, California. But when the high-poverty, high-minority district moved from Program Improvement designation to California Distinguished status over the course of a few years, it became clear that taking one step at a time — and dogged persistence with each step — can make a world of difference. Stakeholders in the CUHSD switchover suggest the following strategies for success:
Start with a Needs Assessment. “Look at yourself in the mirror and find out what your barriers are,” says Central Union High School principal Emma Jones (above, at right). Apply for funding if necessary and begin allocating resources to the areas that need it the most.
The CUHSD’s performance-improvement initiatives were sustained on state and federal funds, including California’s Immediate Intervention/Underperforming Schools Program (II/USP), federal Title I and Title II grants, and a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant from the U.S. Department of Education that provides funds for after-school tutoring with certified teachers.
