10:46am | A new report released by the Broad Foundation shows that the Long Beach Unified School District is outperforming the state when it comes to low-income and minority students. The report includes bullet points showing how the LBUSD achieved these numbers:
- Teachers use a common, core pedagogy that outlines specific expectations and instructional requirements and encourages higher-order thinking.
- Teachers receive regular objective feedback from classroom “walk-throughs” that are aligned to school and district goals.
- Student achievement goals drive the recruitment, selection, hiring and placement of staff.
- District undergoes continuous improvemnt that is fuelded by extensive student data analysis and comprehensive evaluation of progress.
- District keeps the community engaged and involved.
- Students have extensive school choice and individual learning opportunities (e.g., about 40 percent of students attend an out-of-boundary school).
Long Beach is highlighted as one of four California schools better at serving African-American students, one of four better at serving Hispanic students, and one of five better at serving low-income students.
“These 30 districts offer inspiration and hope to every educator, parent, leader, and citizen who is committed to preparing students for college, careers, and life in the 21st century,” said Eli Broad, founder of the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. “At the same time, we need to be concerned that more than two-thirds of America’s large urban districts still trail their state averages in serving traditionally under-served students. We must learn from and replicate successful district practices nationwide.”
Long Beach was the 2003 winner of the $1 million Broad Prize for the best urban school district in the nation, and a runner-up in 2002 and 2007-09.