“Black Families, Community Partners, and District Together as One”

In an inspiring effort to bridge the achievement gap and foster inclusive education, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has unveiled its groundbreaking Black Student Achievement Plan. Designed to address Black students' unique needs and challenges, this comprehensive initiative aims to empower excellence, unlock potential, and cultivate a supportive environment that nurtures their educational journey.

Overview

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is the largest public school system in California in terms of the number of students and the second largest public school district in the United States serving 538,295 students, of which 20,493 (as of 2022/23) are Black and African American students (California Department of Education). 

LAUSD recognized that Black students have historically faced systemic barriers that hinder their academic success. The Black Student Achievement Plan (BSAP) acknowledges these disparities, striving to dismantle them through targeted interventions and proactive support systems. The plan has been meticulously structured to place Black families, communities, and students at the center of generating the building blocks of what a successful Black Student Achievement Plan should look like with the priority to provide high academic performance, strong social-emotional awareness, and management, and positive cultural identity to all black students. 

Learning From the Community With the Hope to Better Serve Them 

Providing a Platform to Students and Families to Thrive 

Fostering Culturally Responsible Academics and Social-Emotional Well-Being   

Recruitment, selection, and retention of a diverse workforce that reflects the Black student population is crucial for the success of this support system. Specialized positions, such as Pupil Service and Attendance Counselors, Academic Counselors, Restorative Justice Teachers, Psychiatric Social Workers, and School Climate Advocates, help create and maintain the multi-tiered support structure. These programs also provide mentoring and support networks for students, ensuring access to positive role models and guidance throughout their academic journey.

District and school administrators actively look to partner with community partners and organizations to increase awareness of the plan and provide safe passage to students and school staff within the neighborhood community. School staff, principals and administrators participate in anti-black racism professional development opportunities and culturally responsive leadership professional development actively implement strategies to reduce biases and promote a more inclusive environment for Black students to thrive.  

Lessons Learned 

The Los Angeles Unified School District's Black Student Achievement Plan offers valuable lessons in closing the achievement gap by prioritizing the unique needs of Black students. A key takeaway is the emphasis on community engagement, incorporating lived experiences into instructional planning through partnerships and advisory councils. The initiative also highlights the significance of providing platforms for Black students' voices, fostering leadership, and promoting cultural responsiveness in academics and social-emotional well-being. LAUSD's commitment to internal and external accountability, evidenced through professional development and data-driven decision-making, ensures educators are equipped with culturally competent strategies. The plan sets a transformative standard, showcasing the importance of collaboration, empowerment, and holistic support to create an inclusive educational environment where Black students can thrive academically and personally.

Meet the Team