San Diego Unified School District Newsfeed

$13 million coming to region for career readiness

2015-07-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

The road to a high-skills, high-wage career will now be easier and more accessible for local high school and college students.

The San Diego County College and Career Readiness Consortium (CCRC) has been awarded a grant for more than $13 million by the California Department of Education. The $13 million grant was one of 40 grants given throughout the state and the only grant awarded in the San Diego region. San Diego Unified's portion of the grant will be more than $2.3 million and the San Diego County Office of Education will manage the grant.

"This grant opportunity is about excellence and innovation, not the status quo," said San Diego Unified Superintendent Cindy Marten. "Innovation means more than events and opportunities - it means integration - bringing the content to life by allowing opportunities for students to apply what they are learning in the real world and to be asked to do the things that people really do in their jobs. Students will rise to the level that we hold the bar. Hold the bar at excellence and you will get excellence."

The San Diego County College and Career Readiness Consortium is a countywide network of high schools and community college districts that includes 116 high schools and eight community college campuses throughout the county. Lead partners also include United Way of San Diego County and the San Diego Workforce Partnership.

The CCRC program will help strengthen career pathway curricula and programs throughout the region, provide coordinated systems, and promote preparation for and effective transitions to postsecondary programs that lead to high-wage, high-demand careers.

A press conference was held July 22 at Kearny High School to announce the grant. Speakers included Mayor Kevin Faulconer; Superintendent Cindy Marten; County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Randy Ward; San Diego Community College District Chancellor, Dr. Constance Carroll; and United Way President and CEO, Kevin Crawford.

“This is about creating opportunities for every family and child," Mayor Kevin Faulconer said. "Our mission of creating One San Diego and opportunities start here with our innovation economy. I can’t think of a better way to help San Diego families than to help provide them with a better pathway to a job in our innovation economy.”

The initiative will specifically focus on growing three sectors in San Diego including advanced manufacturing, clean energy and information and communications technology. It will also build a regional infrastructure for career pathways by supporting the professional development of teachers and counselors, curriculum development and alignment and robust industry engagement.

Media Coverage of News Conference:

CBS 8

KUSI News

Times of San Diego

San Diego Unified recognized by City for recycling efforts

2015-05-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

San Diego Unified was recently named one of the Recyclers of the Year by the City of San Diego based on its school and facility waste diversion and recycling efforts. The district was honored at an awards ceremony at the San Diego Zoo in April.

Each year, the City’s Environmental Services Department selects businesses and organizations located within the City that have implemented or expanded innovative and successful waste reduction, recycling and recycled product purchasing programs during a one-year time frame.

Overall, the district diverts nearly 583 tons of material each month from the landfill and saves approximately $21,000 in disposal costs each month. Recycling savings include:

Mixed recyclables (paper, plastic and metal containers etc.) and shredded paper from schools and facilities at approximately 257 tons per month
Construction and demolition material (157 tons/month)
Wood and landscape material (84 tons/month)
Asphalt (48 tons/month)
Scrap metal (16 tons/month)
Electronic waste (13 tons/month), and
Other materials, including pallets, universal waste lamps and batteries, and used oil, antifreeze, and oil filters (totaling 7.6 tons/month)

Janet Whited and Char D'Ambrosia

The District has had waste and source-separated recycling collection service with EDCO for more than 20 years, including hundreds of commingled recycling bins throughout the District. Moving forward, the district’s goal is to achieve an additional 15 percent reduction in solid waste disposal by enhancing current waste-diversion programs from schools and administrative offices this school year.

As part of the partnership, EDCO publishes information about recycling, and has also created a dedicated website for San Diego Unified (www.sdusdrecycles.com) staff and students to inform them of ways to reduce waste and increase recycling, and it provides resources, tools, and incentives to support these efforts at all district schools.

San Diego Unified was one of several businesses citywide to receive the Recycler of the Year award. The award evaluation focused on waste and recycling collection systems; the amount and types of materials recycled or diverted from landfill disposal; purchase of environmentally preferable products, education and outreach programs and activities; recycling policies or procedures that have been incorporated into daily operating procedures; and incentives that encourage waste reduction and recycling practices.

It's Ballet Folklorico de Escuela Longfellow performing at Pacific Beach Middle School

2014-06-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

It was a memorable Ballet Folklorico performance as elementary students from Longfellow K-8 in Clairemont performed for middle school students at Pacific Beach Middle School, part of Pacific Beach Middle School's Cinco de Mayo celebration.

With boys and girls aged 7-14 performing, these students are part of a tradition and program that has been running for more than a decade at Longfellow, a Spanish-language immersion magnet school.

"Thank you to Gloria Cota, parent and Ballet Folklorico volunteer for setting up the event," said Ernest Remillard, Pacific Beach Middle School Principal.

Escuela Longfellow Ballet Folklorico is a parent-volunteer enrichment program that brings the Mexican and Spanish cultures to the students, who are learning the language through Longfellow's Spanish-language immersion program. It's been a part of the school's fabric for more than 12 years, with Vivana Enrique from Muevete Dance Studio as the instructor.

"I have had the privilege to coordinate this program at our school with amazing parent volunteers for the last ten years," said Cota. "Parents Christine Pilger and Valerie Gordon, Cherisa Archuleta, Carla Valdovinos and Myra Woodberry are also volunteers. We are overseen by our on site Resource Teacher Josie Ramirez."

The diversity of the school is definitely portrayed in the dance group that ranges in ages from 6-13 (grades 1-8).

"We have dancers in our group that started in kindergarten and are now at middle school age," said Cota. "We started with a group of 19 students and have grown into 48 students and have added an extra day to accommodate the demand."

Public performances are scheduled after each eight-week practice section.

"Each session always portrays a different region with different costumes and cultural awareness of that region," she said. "We perform at our school functions, Dia de los Muertos for the fall session, Cesar Chavez assemblies, spring open house and the year-end Multicultural Festival. The core group that performs at outside the school functions is our advanced group that has been dancing together for the last 4-8 years together.

"Other performances include Mesa College Festival of Colors, UCSD and we have been invited to perform at next year's Latino Film Festival."

For more information on the program, contact Longfellow K-8 Principal Diana Sanchez at (619) 276-4206.

Monroe Clark, Kearny, Mira Mesa, Pershing volunteers top Donornation competition

2014-05-20T09:28:00.001-07:00

Grand Prize winner Hermelinda Figueroa from Monroe Clark Middle School walked away with a $5,000 check from DonorNation for her school as the online fundrasing platform held its School Volunteer of the Year competition.

Hermelinda Figueroa

Jerry Butkiewicz

Other winners from San Diego Unified were Jerry Butkiewicz from Kearny Construction Tech Academy; Barbara Shortill of Mira Mesa High; and Kathy Monroe from Pershing Middle School.

Additional prizes included a year's worth of groceries from Sprouts Farmers Market, season passes for La Jolla Playhouse, and a family membership to The New Children's Museum.

Grand Prize Winner Figueroa has been volunteering to help improve the future for students in City Heights for 18 years – while raising her three grandchildren. She is a strong student advocate who encourages inter-generational participation in community and cultural programs, such as “Latinos and Latinas in Action” and IRC's “New Roots,” City Heights Community Farm. She is passionate about encouraging students to go to college, to become self-sufficient and successful. She remains dedicated to increasing parent involvement and engagement with teachers, staff and community members to maximize opportunities for all students to achieve the highest level of success.

Second runner-up Jerry Butkiewicz has been a tirelessly energetic volunteer who embraced his own former struggles in school to connect with students facing adversity. Since 2001, he has volunteered as a mentor and role model for these underserved students. Butkiewicz works countless hours spearheading career programs, organizing field trips, and finding businesses to support real-life experiences to provide students at Kearny High Contraction Tech Academy with a strong foundation for future success.

Other winners were: People's Choice (Category 3), Barbara Shortill of Mira Mesa High School; and Honorable Mention, Cathy Monroe of Pershing Middle School.
For more information about DonorNation's 2013-14 School Volunteer of the Year Awards, visit http://www.donornation.org/award

DonorNation is the "Marketplace with a Heart" where every purchase or donation of goods and services benefits schools and nonprofits. The San Diego-based company helps unlock the power of the community by providing its users with the tools to provide a sustainable source of funding for schools and nonprofit organizations while supporting community-minded businesses. Visit www.donornation.org for more information.

'National Showcase District' award comes for Action Based Learning

2014-04-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

Action Based Learning programs at 38 schools have earned San Diego Unified a National Showcase Award from the technique's founder Jean Blaydes Madigan.

A program that uses brain-based, brain-compatible strategies to teach academics kinesthetically by using purposeful movement, Action Based Learning Labs have been implemented in 38 schools, spanning preschool through high school.

The labs are a developmentally based series of motor and fitness activities that fill in developmental gaps to prepare the brain for learning, according to Carrie Rea, Program Manager, Related and Specialized Services, Special Education Division.

"Action Based Learning in the district is a collaborative effort between physical education, adapted physical education, occupational and physical therapy, classroom teachers and administrators," she said, "to support all students in multiple learning modalities."

For more information, contact Rea at crea@sandi.net.

'One of America's best music communities' for second consecutive year is SD Unified

2014-04-08T06:00:00.001-07:00

For the second year in a row, San Diego Unified ranks among nation’s top communities for support of music education, according to a national trade group.

Accepting the award is Board President Kevin Beiser, left, presenter Gary Francisco of Nick Rail Music representing NAMM, and Dr. Karen Childress-Evans, director of San Diego Unified's arts programs.

News Coverage

City Schools Honored for Music Education, UT San Diego, 4-8-14»

The National Association of Music Musicians' NAMM Foundation has recognized San Diego Unified for its outstanding commitment to music education with a Best Communities for Music Education designation. San Diego Unified joins 376 districts across the country to receive the prestigious distinction.

In its 15th year, Best Communities for Music Education affirms school districts that have demonstrated exceptional efforts toward maintaining music education as part of the schools’ core curriculum. San Diego Unified was also one of the Best Music Communities in 2013 and 2010.

The Best Communities survey required districts to answer detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs.

Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, Kansas, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

"Music education is important for well rounded students," said Kevin Beiser, president of the San Diego Unified Board of Education. "San Diego Unified is committed to keeping music and the arts alive and well for our students."

"People, in general, are usually surprised to hear that music education is alive and well in San Diego Unified,” said Dr. Karen Childress-Evans, San Diego Unified Director of Visual and Performing Arts. “We still have a long way to go before all students receive equal access to quality music instruction at every grade level, but this award is a powerful indicator of the Superintendent’s, Board of Education’s and community partners’ dedication to making that dream a reality.”

As San Diego Unified finalizes its 2014–2015 budgets, the announcement of this year’s Best Communities for Music Education designation brings attention to the importance of keeping music education part of school’s core education and music’s vital role in student success in school.

The Best Communities for Music Education program plays an important part of the NAMM Foundation’s efforts to make music education part of the core curriculum assuring that the benefits of music making are available to every child. Numerous studies have demonstrated that learning to play music can boost academic and social skills, lower disciplinary action and keep kids in schools.

San Diego Unified serves more than 120,000 students in pre-school through grade 12 and is the second largest district in California. The student population is extremely diverse, representing more than 15 ethnic groups and more than 60 languages and dialects. The district boasts instrumental music instruction for students in 100% of its 119 elementary schools and all but 3 district secondary sites offer music instruction from a variety of courses including band, orchestra, choir, guitar, jazz ensembles, music theory, piano, composition and more.

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its nearly 9,000 members around the world with the mission of advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.

To get involved in San Diego Unified's music programs or to find out more about San Diego Unified's Visual and Performing Arts programs, contact Childress-Evans at kchildressevans@sandi.net.

SD Unified middle grades support saluted by state education leadership

2014-04-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

San Diego Unified's "outstanding support for middle grades education" has resulted in recognition by the California Department of Education and the California Middle Grades Alliance.

The award recognizes districts that have been working as a team to implement the Department of Education's recommendations for middle-grades success, with nominations coming from middle school principals.

"District support is a critical component in building and sustaining high-quality programs for young adolescents," said state Supt. Tom Torlakson. "With inspired district leadership, middle-level princpals and teachers are empowered to implement high-quality education programs that provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills in preparation for college, career and civic life."

Dr. Betsy Cook, Marston Middle School Principal, and Martha Alvarez, Governmental Relations Director, accepted the award in a Sacramento ceremony on behalf of San Diego Unified School District. The award was later presented at a San Diego Unified Board of Education meeting.

According to the California Department of Education, members of the California Middle Grades Alliance include: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID); Association of California School Administrators (ACSA); Curriculum and Instruction Steering Committee (CISC) Secondary Subcommittee of the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA); California Department of Education; California League of Middle Schools (CLMS); California Middle Grades Partnership Network; California School Boards Association (CSBA); California Teachers Association; Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP); and California Schools to Watch -- Taking Center Stage Program.

"Your district is to be commended for its continuing support for the middle grades and the inspiration it provides to schools throughout our state and nation," said Torlakson.

Trustee Beiser honored as "Music Legislative Leader of the Year"

2014-02-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

The California Music Educators Association (CMEA) has chosen Kevin Beiser, San Diego Unified School District's Board President, as the 2013 CMEA Legislative Music Leadership awardee. Beiser had earlier received recognition from the San Diego chapter of the CMEA, which nominated him for the statewide award.

"After receiving the local section award for supporting music, the CMEA board of directors unanimously decided to give Kevin Beiser our state-level Legislative award," said CMEA President Russ Sperling. "For music to flourish in our schools, it's critical to have supporters like Kevin on our school boards holding the line for music education. Kevin has been a strong voice advocating that all students have access to a quality education that includes music as an essential."

Beiser fought to protect music funding amid the District's budget crises and worked together with parents and teachers to help organize the community to protect as many of the varied music programs as possible. With his experience as part of school bands during even his earliest elementary school years as well as being a public school Math teacher, Beiser knows the important role music programs play in a well-rounded education.

"I'm honored that my commitment to keeping music programs in our district's schools has been recognized by the CMEA, both locally and throughout the State," Beiser said. "I proudly share this recognition with my fellow Board of Trustees. They voted to protect the funding for music programs as often as possible."

Beiser received his award at the award ceremony held during the California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC) in Fresno, California on February 21.

Beiser was elected to the San Diego Unified Board of Trustees in 2010 representing District B. Prior to his election his work with students earned him "San Diego Math Teacher of the Year" honors in 2008-09. In December, 2013, Beiser was selected by his fellow Trustees to be the School District's Board President.

Broad Prize sets March 3 deadline for $150,000 in scholarships

2014-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

March 3 is the deadline for graduating students to apply for $150,000 in two- or four-year scholarships, depending on the type of higher education institution they choose to attend, the result of San Diego Unified being a finalist for the 2013 Broad Prize for Education.

If selected as a Broad Prize scholarship recipient, students attending four-year colleges or universities will receive up to a $20,000 award ($5,000 per year, paid out over four years). Students attending two-year colleges or vocational schools will receive up to a $5,000 award ($2,500 per year, paid out over two years). Awards are for undergraduate study only.

Named by the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation as one of the top for US school districts to demonstrate the greatest overall performance and improvement in student achievement, while at the same time reducing achievement gaps across ethnic groups and between low-income and non-low-income students.

Students can apply for the Broad Prize at https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/broadprize/information.php. They can also check with their school counselor for assistance in completing the application.

Although The Broad Prize recognizes urban school district efforts on the whole, the beneficiaries of The Broad Prize funds are the students themselves. The Broad Prize winning district receives $550,000 million in college scholarships for graduating high school seniors, and the finalist districts each receive $150,000 in college scholarships. As an extra bonus, the first high school to reach 100 applicants, or 100 percent of seniors in the case of schools with fewer than 100 seniors, will receive a $500 bonus to support its school counseling center.

All awards may be renewed for up to three additional years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first. Students attending a two-year college or vocational school may transfer to an accredited four-year college or university. The award amount will be adjusted upon transfer. In no instance will an award exceed $20,000.

Renewal is contingent upon maintaining a cumulative 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in a full-time course of study and continuation of the scholarship program by The Broad Foundation.

San Diego Unified keeps pace in 'Nation's Report Card'

2013-12-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

The latest biennial "Nation's Report Card" released by the US Department of Education shows that the San Diego Unified School District continues to rank near the top of large city school systems across the country.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress reading and math tests administered in 2013 reports that San Diego Unified ranks among the highest performing cities in the nation in fourth- and eighth grade reading and math. The program tests students across the nation and in each state, and it allows the 21 participating cities to compare their results not only to California but to the nation and to other cities outside the state.

Superintendent Cindy Marten indicated that the district received good benchmark data from the assessment that will allow the school district to know where it stands with comparable cities and where reforms will need to focus going forward.

"Our culture of innovation, excellence, and creativity has allowed teachers to concentrate on student achievement, giving San Diego Unified a consistent spot near the top," said Marten. "As we transition to the new Common Core State Standards, our focus is on increasing rigor, pacing, and engagement as we challenge ourselves to come up with new ways to address the persistent achievement gap and achievement in grade 8 math."

In Grade 4 reading, the 2013 score of 218 is up from 2003's score of 208. The national public average this year was 221 with the large-city score at 212. Los Angeles came in at 205 while Fresno students scored 196. Districts topping San Diego Unified nominally were Austin, Texas, and Jefferson County, Ky., 221; Miami-Dade County Fla., 223; Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, N.C., 226; Hillsborough County, Fla., 228. As with mathematics, San Diego scored higher than several cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Philadelphia. Houston actually posted a significant decline in 4th grade reading scores on the 2013 assessment.

Grade 8 reading saw San Diego students score at 260 in 2013, up from the 250 in 2003. The 2013 average for large cities was 258, while the national average for public schools was 266. Districts topping San Diego Unified were Jefferson County, Ky., and Austin, Texas, at 261; Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, N.C., 266; Hillsborough County, Fla., 267. San Diego scored higher than cities such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, and Houston.

In Grade 4 math, San Diego Unified's scores have risen to 241 in 2013 from 226 in 2003--right at the national average and substantially above other large city schools. The comparable Los Angeles score was 228 and Fresno's was 220. Districts with somewhat higher scores than San Diego Unified were: Hillsborough County, Fla., 243; Austin, Texas, 245; and Charlotte-Mecklenburg, N.C., 247. San Diego scored higher than cities such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and New York City.

In Grade 8, math, San Diego's 2013 score of 277 was up from the 264 in 2003. The 2013 average for large cities was 276, while the national average for public schools was 284. Districts topping San Diego Unified were Houston, 280; Boston, 283; Hillsborough County, Fla., 284; Austin, Texas, 285; and Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, N.C., 289. Among California districts, Los Angeles was 205 and Fresno, 196. San Diego out-scored cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, and Philadelphia.

"Over the last decade, the San Diego schools have posted some of the largest academic increases of any city nationwide -- something that is very hard to do given its already high academic achievement compared with other cities," said Michael Casserly, Executive Director of the Council of the Great City Schools. "This is particularly impressive given the frequent leadership transitions, major personnel changes, and significant budget cuts that the school system has experienced over that period. We are enormously optimistic about the reforms that the school system is launching under its new superintendent."

Data on individual schools is not provided by this study. For more information, visit the NAEP/TUDA website at http://www.nationsreportcard.gov.

Board of Education salutes Chargers CEO and ‘Chargers Champions’ grants

2013-11-21T15:26:00.000-08:00

The Board of Education has saluted the San Diego Chargers for their support of San Diego schools and accepted awards to four schools in 2013.

A.G. Spanos, Executive Vice President – Chief Executive Officer for the team, presented checks to officials from the four schools for the new programs: Nye Elementary, $30,000 for the Peaceful Playground Program; $40,000 weight room at Wangenheim Middle School for a new weight room; Muir k-12, $40,000 for the school's archery program; Clairemont High School, $75,000 for a new weight room and sand volleyball pit.

"On behalf of my family and the San Diego Chargers," said Spanos, "i would like to congratulate the winners and ... I would like to commend all the teachers and administrators who work so hard for our young people."

Dr. John Lee Evans, Board of Education President, saluted the team and the Spanos family for its consistent support of physical fitness and the health of San Diego children.

"This is a great, great honor and presentation," he said. "We can see the really specific things they are doing for our schools."

Since the program began in 2000, Chargers Champions has provided more than $1 million to assist schools, teachers and students in the San Diego Unified School District; across San Diego County, the team and family have donated more than $4 million to schools. Each year the Chargers Champions School Grant Program allows public and private schools within San Diego County to apply for badly-needed funding for physical fitness, nutrition or athletic programs on their campuses.
Here is a list of school grants and uses.

2012: Nye Elementary, peaceful playground and equipment; Wangenheim Middle, fitness room and equipment; John Muir School, archery range, Field Turf and equipment; Clairemont High fitness center, cardio and weight equipment.
2011: Carson Elementary, grass field; North Park Elementary, physical education equipment; Mission Bay High, fitness, weight and cardio center.
2010: Alcott Elementary, activity room equipment; Hoover High, fitness equipment grant; Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary, 16 spinners.
2009: Bay Park Elementary, fitness area for visually impaired students; Horton Elementary, indoor fitness room equipment.
2008: Cubberley Elementary, basketball courts; Kearny High Educational Complex, weight and fitness room; Washington Elementary, basketball/ball wall courts and fitness equipment.
2007: Morse High, Active Healthy School Program; Patrick Henry High, wrestling and aerobics room matting; Taft Middle, HOP Sports Center.
2006: Scripps Ranch High, field renovation; Mann Middle, fitness center; Hage Elementary, fitness equipment; Paradise Hills Elementary, outdoor fitness trail club.
2005: Roosevelt Middle, indoor fitness lab; Carson Elementary, turf field project; Sunset View, Elementary, running track; Kieller Charter, fitness lab; Paradise Hills Elementary, 10-station fitness trail; North Park Elementary, Fitness Games.
2004: Darnall Charter, 10-station outdoor fitness center; McKinley Elementary, 10-station outdoor fitness center; Bell Middle, 8-station multipurpose fitness room; Crawford High, weight and aerobics facility.a
2003: Pacific Beach Middle, physical fitness room; Serra High, weight and aerobics room.

Students still get $150,000 in scholarships as SD Unified falls short in Broad Prize bid

2013-09-25T11:46:00.001-07:00

It wasn't first place, but San Diego Unified's Class of 2014 will still split $150,000 in scholarship money thanks to the The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation.

Eli Broad, left, Edyth Broad, Ed. Sec. Arne
Duncan, Board Pres. John Lee Evans, Supt.
Cindy Marten, retired Supt. Bill Kowba

On Wednesday morning, the Foundation announced that the Houston Independent School District was awarded this year's Broad Prize and $550,000 in scholarship money for its students. Besides San Diego Unified, other districts nominated were Corona-Norco, located in Riverside County, and Cumberland County Schools in North Carolina.

"We're thrilled that San Diego Unified has been recognized as one of the four best school districts in the United States," said Kevin Beiser, Board of Education Vice President and Subdistrict B representative. "This is a big win for the teachers that work constantly with our students to improve their learning, and a recognition of the hard work done by support staff in making a great environment for our students."
Superintendent Cindy Marten and retired Superintendent Bill Kowba -- on whose watch the nomination was announced -- attended the award ceremony in Washington, D.C.

"It was an honor to be recognized by The Broad Foundation," said Superintendent Cindy Marten. "I am grateful to our team of employees who work every day in-and-out of the classrooms for our children.
"This honor reaffirms that our community-based reform efforts and singular focus on student achievement are making a difference."

Districts do not apply for this prize. Staff from the Broad Foundation looks at test scores and other data from the 75 largest school districts and picks four finalists. A team of independent educational experts then analyze the districts and one winner is selected. Only the four top districts receive scholarship money.

In its announcement of the award, the Broad Foundation noted San Diego Unified's progress in key areas.

San Diego Unified has more than 110,000 students-65 percent of whom are low-income. Among the reasons San Diego schools stood out among the nation's largest urban school districts:

San Diego students outperform students in other California districts with similar poverty rates. In 2012, proficiency rates for San Diego Unified students surpassed expectations compared to other California districts given the poverty level of families in the district. Proficiency rates for San Diego students were above expected across all subjects (reading, math and science) and all school levels (elementary, middle and high school).

San Diego Unified narrowed achievement gaps. In recent years, San Diego narrowed the achievement gaps between its Hispanic students and white students across California at every school level and in every subject. The district also narrowed the gap between its Hispanic and white students in elementary, middle and high school reading and science, and in elementary and high school math. San Diego also achieved a smaller achievement gap between its low-income students and California's non-low-income students in elementary, middle and high school science and in elementary and high school reading and math.
San Diego Unified's low-income, Hispanic and African-American high school students showed more improvement in science than other California students. In recent years, San Diego Unified was in the top 30 percent of districts across the state for increasing the percentage of low-income, Hispanic and African-American high school students performing at the highest achievement levels on the state science assessment. Low-income students in San Diego, for instance, increased their performance by 8 percentage points in high school science between 2010 and 2012, while California overall saw scores increase by only 3 percentage points over the same period.

The selection jury evaluated quantitative data on the finalists that consisted of publicly available student performance data compiled and analyzed by RTI International, one of the world's leading research institutes. In addition, the jury evaluated the four finalist districts' policies and practices, compiled following site visits conducted by a team of education practitioners led by RMC Research Corporation, an education consulting company. The site visits included classroom observations and interviews with administrators, teachers, principals, parents, community leaders, school board members and union representatives.

Kowba, who retired June 30, said he was "grateful to our San Diego Unified employees for their dedication to our students."

"We are honored, humbled and grateful to the Broad Foundation for this recognition," said Kowba, who retired June 30. "We appreciate their feedback about our past efforts. It will help provide the district with a road map for future efforts."

The $1 million Broad Prize is the largest education award in the nation. It recognizes urban school districts that demonstrate the strongest student achievement and improvement while reducing achievement gaps among low-income students and students of color.

The $150,000 in scholarships will go a long way to help the Class of 2014 succeed, said Marten.

"I'm excited for our students who will receive Broad scholarships," she said. "I can't wait to get back to San Diego."
The 75 largest urban school districts in America are automatically eligible for the award each year.
Houston Independent School District will receive $550,000 in college scholarships for high school seniors who will graduate in 2014. San Diego Unified, along with Corona-Norco Unified School District in Riverside County, Calif., and Cumberland County Schools in North Carolina, will each receive $150,000 in college scholarships.

The Broad Prize is awarded by The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. Founded by entrepreneur Eli Broad and his wife Edythe, both graduates of Detroit Public Schools, The Broad Foundation is a philanthropic organization that seeks to ensure that every student in an urban public school has the opportunity to succeed.

Broad Prize annoucement is next week; San Diego Unified video is online

2013-09-19T06:00:00.001-07:00

The big announcement about the winner of the coveted Broad Prize for Urban Education is scheduled for 8 a.m. (PDT) Wednesday, Sept. 25 in Washington, D.C. but San Diegans can watch it from the Board of Education Auditorium at the Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal St. (92103). The public is invited to attend.

The award, considered the top recognition for a large urban school district, carries with it as much as $550,000 in college scholarships for its students.

Finalists for the prize, along with San Diego Unified, are the Corona-Norco Unified School District in Riverside County, Calif., Cumberland County Schools, N.C., and the Houston Independent School District. Corona-Norco and Houston were finalists last year. This is the first time in the award's 12-year history that San Diego and Cumberland County have been finalists.

"We're all so excited that this honor has come to San Diego Unified, no matter whether we finish in the top spot or not," said Linda Zintz, Communications Director, who will join Board of Education members, Superintendent Cindy Marten, former Superintendent Bill Kowba and several other members of the district leadership in Washington, D.C., for the announcement. "People always say, 'it's an honor just to be nominated,' but in this case, that's the truth."

Districts do not apply for the award. This year's four finalists were selected by a review board of 17 prominent education researchers, policy leaders, practitioners and executives from leading universities, education associations, civil rights advocacy organizations, think-tanks and foundations. The review board evaluated publicly available academic achievement data that were compiled and analyzed by MPR Associates, Inc., a leading national education research consulting firm.

In addition, each district had a three-day site visit by a team of independent evaluators, who visited in May. While here, they produced a video that will be shown at the ceremony, which will be held in the Library of Congress. Watch video»

Transportation Department honored by California Highway Patrol

2013-06-26T06:00:00.001-07:00

San Diego Unified Transportation Department has attained two of the highest ratings from local California Highway Patrol, Motor Carrier Compliance Office to include: seven consecutive satisfactory terminal ratings; and four administrative reviews since March 18, 1991.

The biennial Inspection Terminal program established in the California Vehicle Code is to be conducted by the California Highway Patrol to review motor carrier safety compliance. This review requires all motor carriers operating large vehicles from terminals located in California to undergo routine inspections of each operational terminal.

Inspections include compliance with Vehicle Fleet services records, driving records and controlled substance abuse testing procedures. These Awards certify that this terminal has achieved consecutive satisfactory safety compliance ratings as indicated.

The California Highway Patrol congratulated the San Diego Unified terminal on this meritorious achievement and recognizes the commitment to highway safety demonstrated by the personnel responsible for the operation of this terminal.

For additional information contact Daniel Gilbreth, Manager, Transportation Operations at dgilbreth@sandi.net or Gene Robinson, Director, Transportation and Distribution Services grobinson@sandi.net.

Superintendent lauds PTA volunteer contributions as "priceless"

2013-05-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Supt. Kowba receives the Honorary Service Award from
the PTA. Joining him are his daughter, Elizabeth, left, his
wife, Maureen, and Barbara Flannery, President of the
San Diego Unified Council of PTAs.

A $4,254,750.07 check from the San Diego Unified Council of PTAs to the San Diego Unified School District?

The check may not have been real, but the amount was – it represents the monetary equivalent to the District of the 192,174.8 volunteer hours donated by PTA members this school year. A mock check for the amount was presented to Supt. Bill Kowba at the Council's Founders Day dinner on May 20.

"Even thought the PTA has assigned a monetary value to this, the real value to our kids is priceless," said Kowba, who will retire from the district at the end of June.

In addition, the Council of PTAs presented two service awards, recognized special unit PTAs who met the membership challenge and one National PTA award winner.

Superintendent Bill Kowba was presented an Honorary Service Award for the outstanding commitment he showed to the students of San Diego Unified School District these past seven years in his various roles from "CFO to CEO," said Barbara Flannery, President of the San Diego Unified Council of PTAs.

"The superintendent is known for his 4 a.m. emails and his calm in the face the state education budget crisis," she said. "He has become a true supporter of parent involvement and belongs to multiple PTAs in the district. The Honorary Service Award recognizes outstanding service to children and youth."

In attendance with him were surprise guests, his wife, Maureen, and daughter, Elizabeth.

Flannery was presented a Continuing Service Award for her decade of service to the students and families of San Diego Unified. She started out in PTA as just a helper, later becoming President of Language Academy PTA and moving up to Council PTA to serve as webmaster, secretary and president. She is presently the Council PTA representative on the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee for Prop S and Z and will continue her service to the community as vice-president of Programs for the Council.

Linda Zintz, Director of Communications, and Dr. Betsy Cook, Principal of Marston Middle School were recognized for their two years of service as liaisons to the San Diego Unified Council of PTAs Executive Board for San Diego Unified and Administrators Association of San Diego, respectively.

The Honorary Service Awards Program is the funding source for the California State PTA Scholarships and Grant Programs.

PTA programs at 19 schools units were recognized for membership increases of more than 25 members, 37 schools had an increase in membership. Six schools were recognized for having more than 300 members: Hearst PTA, Holmes PTA, Marshall Middle PTSA, Mira Mesa High PTSA, Spreckels PTA and with a high of 605 members La Jolla High PTA.

Lindbergh Schweitzer PTA received the California State PTA award, “Members Matter, Teachers Matter,” for an overall increase in members and with 100 percent of their teachers joining the PTA. The unit received a free State PTA Convention registration.

Cadman PTA was a recipient of the National PTA “Take You Families to School” grant.
Three schools organized this year's event: Creative Performing and Media Arts PTSA, America’s Finest Charter School PTSA and San Diego High School PTSA.

Karen Fleck, Ninth District President, presided over the installation of the 2013-15 Executive Board: President Derby Pattengill, Executive Vice-President Laura Schumacher, VP of Leadership Betsy Mueller, VP of Programs Barbara Flannery, VP of Communications Cathy Lackmann, VP of Legislation Celeste Bobryk-Ozaki, Secretary Bey-Ling Sha, Treasurer Janine Morrow, Auditor Michelle Cass, Historian Kelly Barnes and Parliamentarian NiChelle Cannon.

Also in attendance were Board of Education Vice President Kevin Beiser, and past PTA Council Presidents Barbara Peluso, Debbie Vincent, Patt Sloan, and Cindy McIntyre.
The San Diego Unified Council of PTAs is comprised of 80 school-level PTAs in the San Diego Unified School District. To start a PTA at your school, contact Vice-President of Leadership Betsy Mueller at sducpta@yahoo.com.

Broad Foundation names SD Unified as finalist for 2013 urban education award

2013-03-28T09:00:00.001-07:00

LOS ANGELES --The San Diego Unified School District was named a finalist for the 2013 Broad Prize for Urban Education, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation announced March 27. As one of four districts in the country to be recognized for student achievement gains, San Diego Unified stands to win at least $150,000 and as much as $550,000 in college scholarships for its high school seniors if the district wins the top prize.

The Broad Prize for Urban Education is an annual $1 million award -- the largest education prize in the country--that honors urban school districts that demonstrate the greatest overall performance and improvement in student achievement while reducing achievement gaps among poor and minority students.

The other finalists this year are: the Corona-Norco Unified School District in Riverside County, Calif., Cumberland County Schools, N.C., and the Houston Independent School District. Corona-Norco and Houston were finalists last year. This is the first time in the award's 12-year history that San Diego and Cumberland County have been finalists.

The winner of the 2013 Broad Prize will be announced on Sept. 25 in Washington, D.C. at the Library of Congress. The winning district will receive $550,000 in scholarships for its students, and the three finalist districts will each receive $150,000 in scholarships, for a total distribution of $1 million.

"San Diego should be commended for its steadfast commitment to improving student achievement," said Eli Broad, founder of The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, which awards The Broad Prize. "But even while these finalist districts are moving in the right direction, there is still a long road ahead before we can truly celebrate high levels of academic success. And as we look at other urban districts across the country, there is significantly more progress that needs to be made."

Seventy-five of the nation's largest urban school districts were automatically eligible and considered for The Broad Prize. School districts cannot apply or be nominated.

This year's four finalists were selected by a review board of 17 prominent education researchers, policy leaders, practitioners and executives from leading universities, education associations, civil rights advocacy organizations, think-tanks and foundations. The review board evaluated publicly available academic achievement data that were compiled and analyzed by MPR Associates, Inc., a leading national education research consulting firm.

In selecting the finalists, the review board looks for urban school districts that show the greatest overall performance and improvement in student achievement while reducing achievement gaps among poor and minority students. Among the data they consider are SAT, ACT and Advanced Placement participation rates and outcomes, graduation rates, state assessments in reading, math and science, the National Assessment of Educational Progress, student demographics including poverty, state test rigor, per pupil expenditures and district size. The Broad Foundation does not play a role in selecting the finalists or the winner.

Among the reasons that San Diego Unified was chosen as a 2013 Broad Prize finalist:

San Diego students outperform students in peer districts statewide. In 2012, San Diego students performed better than students in other California districts that serve students with similar family incomes in elementary, middle and high school reading, math and science, according to The Broad Prize methodology.
San Diego narrowed Hispanic and low-income achievement gaps. In recent years, San Diego narrowed achievement gaps between its Hispanic students and the state's white students in elementary, middle and high school reading, math and science and between its Hispanic and white students in elementary, middle and high school reading and science and in elementary and high school math. San Diego also narrowed achievement gaps between its low-income students and the state's non-low-income students in elementary, middle and high school science and in elementary and high school reading and math.
Low-income, Hispanic and African-American high school students in San Diego improved more in science than much of the state. In recent years, San Diego was in the top 30 percent of California districts for increasing the percentage of its low-income, Hispanic and African-American high school students who performed at the highest achievement levels on the state science assessment. For example, between 2010 and 2012, the percentage of low-income students performing at the highest achievement levels increased by 8 percentage points in high school science, while the increase for the rest of California was just 3 percentage points during that period.

Over the next two months, teams of educational researchers and practitioners led by the education consulting company RMC Research Corporation will conduct a four-day site visit in each finalist district using a research-based rubric for district quality to gather qualitative information, interview district administrators, conduct focus groups with teachers and principals and observe classrooms. The teams will also interview parents, community leaders, school board members and union representatives. A selection jury of prominent individuals from business, industry, education and public service will then choose the winning school district after reviewing both the student achievement data and the qualitative site visit reports.

For more information about The Broad Prize, please visit www.broadprize.org.
Founded by entrepreneur Eli Broad and his wife Edythe, both graduates of Detroit Public Schools, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation is a philanthropy that seeks to ensure that every student in an urban public school has the opportunity to succeed. Bringing together top education experts and practitioners, the foundation funds system-wide programs and policies that strengthen public schools by creating environments that allow good teachers to do great work and enable students of all backgrounds to learn and thrive. The Broad Foundation's Internet address is www.broadeducation.org, and updates are available on Twitter @broadfoundation.

Source: Broad Foundation

News Coverage

More on the Broad Prize

Mother-baby Friendly Workplace award goes to district

2013-01-24T11:00:00.000-08:00

Dr. Nellie Meyer, left,
accepts award from Coalition
Treasurer Dr. Nancy Wight
and Coalition President
Kim Elkins.

When the San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition held its fifth-annual Liquid Gold Gala in October, San Diego Unified was one of four local organizations to receive a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Award. The Board of Education adopted a Resolution to Encourage Lactation Accommodation in School Facilities in July 2011.

The Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Awards ceremony began with opening remarks by County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten who oversees all health programs; she spoke about the benefits of breastfeeding for the health of San Diego. Awards in four categories were given to San Diego employers that have instituted comprehensive programs in support of breastfeeding mothers returning to work. The winners in each of the categories included: Business — Intuit Inc.; Schools — San Diego Unified School District; Government Agency — Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo, Inc. WIC Program; and Non-Government Organization — 2-1-1 San Diego.

The San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition is a non-profit organization whose members are professionals dedicated to promoting and supporting breastfeeding in San Diego County. The coalition publishes Breastfeeding Resource Guide and offers educational events. For more information, please visit www.breastfeeding.org.

Deputy Superintendent of Academics Nellie Meyer attended the event and accepted the award on behalf of the district.

San Diego Unified gets high marks for school choice

2013-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

IN THE NEWS: Brookings Institute ranks district in top 10 in parents' ability to choose the right school for their child. See study.

News coverage

District Leads State With Three Blue Ribbon Nominees: Torrey Pines, Standley, Kearny Business

2012-12-21T11:31:00.001-08:00

Torrey Pines Elementary, Standley Middle School and the School of International Business at Kearny High School have been nominated for Blue Ribbons from the U.S. Department of Education, making San Diego Unified the only district in California with three nominees.

The trio were in a group of 35 submitted by the state Department of Education. Nominees generally receive the awards, which are generally announced in the fall by the U.S. Department of Education.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools where students achieve at very high levels and/or where the achievement gap is narrowing. The Program sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement.

"We're proud of the accomplishments of these three schools and grateful to state Supt. Tom Torlakson for sending their nominations to Washington, D.C.," said Bill Kowba, San Diego Unified's Superintendent.

Part of a larger U. S. Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has, since 1982, been part of the U.S. Department of Education effort to showcase schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals, including those that beat the odds.

San Diego Unified was the only district in California with three schools nominated. The only other district in the state with two nominees was the Los Angeles Unified School District. Schools apply to the California Department of Education, which then selects up to 35 schools to nominate to the U.S. Department of Education.

Ten San Diego Unified schools have been honored over the years with a Blue Ribbon, most recently 2010, when the School of Digital Media and Design at Kearny High and Preuss UCSD charter picked up the prize. For more information on the Blue Ribbon winners, go to http://www.sandi.net/Page/33040.

Schools can receive the Blue Ribbon if they are:

Exemplary High-Performing Schools: Schools that achieve at least the 85th percentile statewide in the percent of students scoring proficient or advanced in English-language arts and mathematics on the state assessments. Schools nominated in this category may or may not have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Exemplary Improving Schools: Schools with at least 40 percent of their students from a disadvantaged background that are also among the top 10 percent of schools in the state showing the greatest improvement in the percent of students scoring proficient or advanced in ELA and mathematics on the state assessments over the last five years.

For more information on the program, go to the state Department of Education website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/br/.

Spotlight on Success

2012-12-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

Schools throughout San Diego Unified continue to make significant progress in the area of student achievement, supporting the district’s mission to make sure all students graduate with the skills, motivation, curiosity and resilience to succeed in their choice of college and career. A Board of Education workshop held Nov. 27 recognized and celebrated 13 schools representing all areas of the district for their increases in student achievement. Spotlighted schools demonstrated a combination of best practices, academic growth, steady progress over time, and closing achievement gaps.

Many of the schools are described as "beating the odds." Common threads across spotlighted schools include a strong, ongoing focus on quality teaching, personalization or "knowing" their students, differentiated intervention strategies, and a shift in school culture. We are pleased to see these diverse schools setting the standard for our Quality Neighborhood School Initiative. Congratulations to Cadman, Green, and Perry elementary schools; Challenger, Clark, Memorial Preparatory, and Pacific Beach middle schools; Kearny School of International Business, Morse, Point Loma, Scripps Ranch and Twain high schools; and Riley/New Dawn.

To watch the school presentation videos and read the PowerPoint presentation, visit www.sandi.net/success.

District Employees Donate $6,000 to Children and Youth in Transition Program

2012-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Marty Stultz, Rebecca Benner,
Diane Harrelson, and Susan Levine.

San Diego Unified’s Community Service Association (CSA) recently donated $6,000 to the Children and Youth in Transition Program to assist the homeless students in the district this holiday season.

CSA selected the Children and Youth in Transition program when it learned that the student homeless population has risen over the last several years.

“Since the number of homeless students assisted by the department has been steadily increasing, these funds can provide additional benefits to those students at this time of year,” said CSA Chairperson Deborah Williams.

Through the Children and Youth in Transition program, the district works to ensure that each student has the tools and resources to be in school, stay in school, and succeed in school. The goal is to provide a stable, safe and loving school environment where every student, during the school day, has the opportunity to “just be a kid.”

“In order for students to succeed in school, they need have adequate clothing, nutritious food, school supplies and safe and reliable transportation,” said Program Manager Rebecca Benner. “For the children and teenagers in San Diego Unified, clothing, food, school supplies, and transportation are critical areas of need. These funds will be used to support activities and services for homeless students, and to purchase things like filled backpacks, warm winter clothing, and other necessities.”

During the last school year, the program served more than 6,000 San Diego Unified students who lacked a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. These children were temporarily living in shelters for the homeless; others were seeking refuge with their families in cars, parks or other emergency locations. In addition to assisting students and families experiencing homelessness, the program provides assistance to military families and students in foster care.

CSA awards grants once per year to charitable organizations and any excess funds are disbursed by way of “holiday donation” to assist people and families in need. This year, the organization’s board of directors unanimously voted to donate $6,000 to Children and Youth in Transition.

CSA is a non-profit association organized to solicit contributions from district employees for recognized charitable agencies in San Diego County. Traditionally, CSA donates funds to organizations that support educational, health, and human services, as well as arts, research projects, and literary projects.

The Children and Youth in Transition Department welcomes community partnerships in San Diego. When an individual or organization makes a donation for homeless children and youth enrolled in San Diego Unified School District, 100 percent of the donation goes to the children.

For more information about the Children and Youth in Transition program, contact Program Manager Rebecca Benner at 619-725-7652. For more information on CSA, please visit their website at www.sandi.net/csa.

'Summer Fun Café' Honored By San Diego City Council

2012-11-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

In recognition of the nine-year partnership between the city's Park and Recreation Department and San Diego Unified's Food Services Department to help kids have good nutrition during the summer months, San Diego's City Council declared October 23, 2012 as San Diego Summer Lunch Program Day.

The program serves nutritious meals to children throughout San Diego during the summer months when school is not in session. The collaboration included the Network for a Healthy California, the San Diego Food Bank, Feeding America and the Walmart Foundation.

The program has served more than 334,000 meals and 245,000 snacks at parks since it began in 2003. San Diego Unified also serves meals during winter break and spring break and at other locations during the summer including YMCAs, military sites and community centers.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reimburses the school district for the cost of the meals through the Seamless Summer Feeding Option.

For more information about the Summer Programs contact Norma Johnson at njohnson4@sandi.net

Watch video from the 2010 Summer Fun Cafe»

Sherman Academy Recognized as 'Promising Practice' for Educating English Learners

2012-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Principal Caballero and students at Sherman.

Sherman Academy's goal of creating bilingual and bi-literate students has been designated a "Promising Practice for English Learners" by the US Department of Education's National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Sherman is a pre-K through fifth grade dual-language immersion program where students receive half of their instruction in English, and half in Spanish located in the Sherman Heights neighborhood east of downtown San Diego. It is one of San Diego's oldest schools.

"Key to Sherman’s philosophy is the goal of creating bilingual and biliterate students, and Sherman’s principal and staff work hard to make sure that parents are invested in this mission," the report said. "The school has seen promising outcomes over the four years since the program has been implemented, moving aggregated student performance from 127 points below the state average to a mere 13 points below."

The report cited the school's relationship with parents, making them an important part of their child's education.

"Engaging parents is very important and that’s why parents, teachers, staff, and the administration make a commitment to work together for the benefit of our students," parent Minerva Espejo said in the report. "The parents walk next to the principal, not in front of or behind him, and this supports our children’s success."

Principal Edward A. Caballero said the school's immersion program, which began when the rebuilt Sherman reopened in 2007, is showing results that are helping kids be better prepared for the world around them.

"Early language acquisition not only gives them the skills to move between a variety of nations and cultures," he said, "but studies have shown it helps children develop critical thinking skills that help them later in life."

Sherman's staff works to prepare students for life in a global society by giving them a strong foundation in English and Spanish language arts, using an acclaimed reading and writing program through immersion in both languages. The dual immersion challenges students with half instruction in English, the other in Spanish, an innovative strategy that aims to move students to fluency and higher achievement. The program was developed with active involvement of community leaders and parents.

The full report is available for download at http://www.ncela.gwu.edu/files/uploads/promising_EL/sherman.pdfs. For more information, contact Caballero at (619) 615-7000.

State Test Scores Continue to Rise; SDUSD Ties for Top Spots in English, Science Among Large Districts

2012-08-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

Test scores in English language arts, math, science and history/social science continue their five-year rise, while the test score gap between ethnic groups continues to narrow in the San Diego Unified School District, according to 2012 state test results released today.

Overall, English scores were up two points, math up one point, science up five points and history/social sciences were up four points. Among the large urban districts in California, San Diego Unified is tied for the top spot in English Language Arts with San Francisco Unified, and Science (NCLB) with Garden Grove Unified. This is the second year that San Diego Unified has been at the top of the English Language Arts list of the state’s large districts, according to the California Standards Tests, under the state's Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program.

"Our test scores have steadily gone up since 2008," said Dr. John Lee Evans, President of the Board of Education. "This shows we were on the right track this year when we worked out an agreement to recall 1,500 teachers back to the classroom. We need every one of these teachers to continue producing these great results."

The achievement gap -- the difference in test scores among ethnic groups -- continues to be an issue, according to Dr. Nellie Meyer, Deputy Superintendent for Academics.

"While we are pleased with the continued progress, our challenge continues as we work to make sure that all student groups continue to improve. Our goal is to narrow the gap between groups, particularly African Americans and Latinos, at a faster pace," she said. Meyer noted that the district's concentrated effort to reduce the gap ranges from identifying at-risk youth in elementary schools to district-wide programs to reduce the dropout rate.

"We have fostered a spirit of innovation here that has allowed our teachers, staff and, in many cases, community volunteers the ability to work one-on-one with a child and make sure they are prepared to become great contributors to the next generation of San Diegans," she said.Superintendent Bill Kowba saluted the hard work by teachers and staff members.

"Despite these trying budget times, our district is continuing its statewide and national leadership," he said. "I salute all of those adults working every day to help our kids."

Download charts showing the 2012 district-wide test results at http://www.sandi.net/cms/lib/CA01001235/Centricity/shared/misc_photos/2012star.pdf

News Coverage

KNSD-TV»

Lowest Big District Dropout Rate? San Diego Unified

2012-06-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

Click on chart for larger
version. Source: California
Department of Education.

New dropout and graduation rates for school districts across California show San Diego Unified School District with the lowest dropout rate among the state's large, urban school districts.

At 5.9 percent, the rate is far below the next lowest district, San Francisco Unified, which has 10.4 percent. The highest rate in the state is at Oakland Unified, with a 27.7 percent.

"For parents, this means that they can be confident that their child is receiving, in our district, as good an education as they can get anywhere in California," said Dr. John Lee Evans, Board of Education President. "Our schools are innovative. Our schools are creative. Our schools are accountable. And our schools fit into their communities."

Overall, the district's 83.7 percent graduation rate is 8.5 points higher than the state average.

San Diego Unified also showed gains in ethnic groups that have been a focus of attendance-improvement efforts. For Hispanic students, a nearly four percent increase was registered over 2009-10. The 75.8 percent topped the statewide average of 70.4.

For African-American students, the year-over-year increase is 4.4 percent, with the 80.3 graduation rate is 17.4 percent higher than the statewide average.

"This means that hundreds of young adults beat the odds and became high school graduates last year," said Superintendent Bill Kowba. "This district, our Board of Education and every staff member have made graduation a top priority."

The district has focused resources in recent years on improving graduation rates. This includes sending staff and volunteers to the homes of truant students during the first weeks of school, allowing online and other digital options for students to make up courses, and motivational events at schools. At-risk students are also targeted with extra counseling and support from volunteers.