Your Continued Support Helps Create Exciting News Like This...
A new report shows that participation in Just Communities programs "made a measurable contribution to Latino student achievement" in the Santa Barbara Unified School District!
At this season of celebrations, we are writing today to celebrate the positive impact Just Communities is having on the persistent gaps in educational opportunity and achievement. For too long, these gaps have been growing. But there is cause for hope...
Research shows that when educators have the right knowledge, tools, and support; when parents are actively engaged in their children's education; and when the students themselves are invited into the process of developing solutions, their achievement improves.
Through a strategic collaboration with Just Communities and key partner organizations, the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) is putting in place these research-proven strategies and we are making progress toward closing the gaps. After eight years of our equity in education programs for parents, educators, and students, we are seeing more Latino students enrolled in honors and Advanced Placement classes. Attendance, grades, and test scores are all improving as well.
SBUSD Superintendent Dave Cash has made his wish clear: equity in education and cultural proficiency will be a priority in every school. Just Communities' values of equity in education are now included in the school district's long-term strategic plan. The Santa Barbara Teacher's Association is also partnering with Just Communities to take on the goals of educational equity and cultural proficiency. All of this is creating lasting change for our students and a more promising future for our entire community.
Our work is your work. Thanks to your time, dedication, and contributions we have cause to celebrate progress and recommit to the work ahead. Through your support, Just Communities is having an impact. But our work is not finished. SBUSD wants to take our work to scale district-wide. Other school districts across the Central Coast want to work with us.
But local schools currently cover approximately 50% of the costs associated with our educational equity work. We need your support to make up the difference. What does educational equity mean to you? What can you afford to invest in supporting this effort?
As 2013 comes to a close please consider making a tax-deductible donation to ensure every child in our community has access to a quality education that prepares them for a life of success.
Click here to see the entire report
"Education is a fundamental human right and essential for the exercise of all other human rights."
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
"Just Communities' Institute for Equity in Education is the most promising vehicle for eliminating racial and ethnic disparities and
narrowing the achievement gap in the country."
-Institute for Democratic Renewal at Claremont Graduate University
