LOS ANGELES (October 1, 2020) – Researchers at the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California released preliminary findings from their study of the first 14 Communities of Schools launched by Los Angeles Unified, which shows the district’s pilot program in Local Districts East and South has been successful in fostering stronger community ties, increased collaboration among educators and better service to families.
USC Rossier and Los Angeles Unified discussed the findings of the study at a virtual symposium today. [Watch video] Los Angeles Unified has now expanded this Communities of Schools approach to the entire school district. The Communities of Schools initiative moves the resources and decision-making for school-based social service supports, expanded academic and enrichment opportunities, academic collaboration and professional development, family and community engagement to local communities. “One of the challenges Los Angeles Unified faces is how to best serve the unique needs of students and families who live in a diverse set of communities spread across 710 square miles,” said Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner. “The answers lie at the grassroots in the classrooms of the schools in the communities we serve. In effect, we are turning Los Angeles Unified upside down or really, right side up, and placing the students and their families at the top.” “Thank you to everyone who participated in today’s symposium,” said Board President Dr. Richard Vladovic. “Los Angeles Unified’s initiatives and innovation are only as good as the impact they have our school communities, so we appreciate these opportunities to evaluate the efficacy of our efforts. As we expand the Community of Schools model across the district, it’s great to receive feedback and validation that our efforts are working.”
"USC Rossier values being a thought partner with Superintendent Beutner and Los Angeles Unified as the district continues to move support for students and families to schools and classrooms,” said Dr. Pedro Noguera, Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education. “The study by Dr. Courtney Malloy confirms that the district is moving in the right direction.” "We hope that this formative evaluation and the recommendations provided are useful as the district works to implement the Communities of Schools model throughout Los Angeles Unified,” said Dr. Courtney Malloy, Professor of Clinic Education at the USC Rossier School of Education and the author of the report. “Our findings suggest that the approach fosters opportunities to tailor supports and services to the unique needs and assets of local contexts as well as build stronger relationships within schools and communities.”
"Today’s symposium and the accompanying report confirms this approach is working,” said Dr. David Baca, Chief of Schools for Los Angeles Unified. “It will inform efforts to continue to close opportunity gaps and better connect schools with the communities they serve.” “It was great to learn that the findings in the USC study truly reflect the work we are doing in our Community of Schools,” said Local District East Superintendent José Huerta. “We have created a safe environment, in our communities, where teachers, administrators, staff, and parents collaborate effectively to help students thrive.” “Today’s symposium was a great opportunity for me to listen and learn,” said Local District South Superintendent Mike Romero. “Many of the findings in the USC study confirm we must have a decentralized structure in place and, when coupled with increased autonomy and empowerment to the Community of Schools, it will accelerate student outcomes and closes the achievement gap.”