Rising from the Margins: This episode provides a follow-up to the transformative journey of H.W. Harkness Elementary in partnership with the CCEE under the Intensive Assistance Model. This episode highlights the remarkable growth of +6.42% in ELA and +5.06% in Math on the 2025 CAASPP. Their efforts not only set a new standard for educational excellence within the Sacramento City School District that granted H.W. Harkness Elementary with a national recognition of Promising Practice. Tune in to discover how this initiative is shaping a scalable model for school improvement. Read more to learn about their great success.

In this episode, hear from Rocklin Academy, a charter school participating in the Community Engagement Initiative. Discover the simple yet impactful shifts they’ve made to enhance a sense of belonging and empower student agency, particularly in their strategic planning and Local Control and Accountability Plan.

Bakersfield City School District continues to shine as a key participant in the CCEE Community Engagement Initiative. In Episode Eight of Rising from the Margins, we delve deeper into the district’s ongoing efforts to foster meaningful relationships with families and communities. Through heartfelt stories and powerful examples, this episode highlights how Bakersfield City is leveraging CEI’s resources to not only meet Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) goals but to transform the educational experience for students and their families. Listen in to hear firsthand accounts of resilience, partnership, and the district’s unwavering commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive environment for all. Tune into Season One, Episode Eight for an inspiring continuation of Bakersfield’s journey.

Bakersfield City School District is a key participant in the CCEE Community Engagement Initiative. As a member of the Community Engagement Initiative, school districts have access to a wide range of resources and support to help achieve district Local Control and Accountability (LCAP) goals. This includes access to a network of peers at all stages of meaningful engagement with local communities. For an in-depth look at Bakersfield City's transformative educational efforts and insights from its leaders, tune into the podcast "Rising from the Margins," Season One, Episode Seven.

Part II describes how Fillmore Unified has launched Guiding Coalitions at every school, supporting extensive professional development for all staff to advance and maintain Professional Learning Communities (PLC), alongside strategic partnerships with math experts to enhance student performance through focused and equitable instructional strategies. Additionally, the district has expanded enrichment opportunities and tutoring for students, integrating SEL and STEAM activities during intersessions and after school to foster holistic academic and personal growth.

Fillmore Unified School District is a key participant in the CCEE Intensive Assistance Model. These plans emphasize curriculum alignment, formative assessment practices, and proven instructional strategies, all designed to boost educational outcomes. For an in-depth look at Fillmore Unified's transformative educational efforts and insights from its leaders, tune into the podcast "Rising from the Margins," Season One, Episode Five, featuring discussions with Fillmore High School and Fillmore Middle School leaders. This podcast offers a unique perspective on the district's challenges and successes.

Rising from the Margins: Episode 4 explores the transformative journey of H.W. Harkness Elementary in partnership with the CCEE under the Intensive Assistance Model. This episode highlights the efforts to set a new standard for educational excellence within the Sacramento City School District. Tune in to discover how this initiative is shaping a scalable model for school improvement.

Part II of 'Rising From the Margins - Inglewood Unified' delves into the critical success factors of the Intensive Assistance Model at Highland Elementary, highlighting Leadership, Culture, and Coherence. Explore how teachers embrace shared leadership to foster a unified approach, emphasizing the power of common language, ongoing collaboration, and clear communication. This episode offers an insightful look into how these elements enable the staff to identify and address instructional challenges effectively and in real-time.

Episode two of the series highlights Highland Elementary in the Inglewood Unified School District, which received state emergency funds. Since April 2018, the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) has been involved with the district, and the enactment of AB 1840 in September 2018 brought significant changes. This law shifted the management of financially struggling districts from a state-centered approach to local control, involving new fiscal and academic responsibilities. As a result, Inglewood Unified is now led by Los Angeles County Superintendent Dr. Debra Duardo, County Administrator Dr. James Morris, and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Bernadette Lucas. The first part of the episode focuses on piloting the IAM program at Highland Elementary, under Principal Mr. Jones, with plans to consider its district-wide implementation. The upcoming second part will explore the role of teacher leadership, collaboration, and data-driven strategies in the success of the Intensive Assistance Model at Highland Elementary, emphasizing student-specific needs.

Rising From The Margins” is a new series that delves deep into the triumphs and challenges of some of California’s most economically challenged schools. Episode 1 takes a behind-the-scenes look at Washington Elementary in Madera and the incredible work the school is doing, lead by principal Aldalberto Hernandez and Madera superintendent Todd Lyle. This series is brought to you by the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence, with additional support from Parsec Education, and produced by Windsong Productions.