CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS TO WATCH

Spirit Circle (Belonging in Action): A weekly, schoolwide ritual that celebrates kindness, recognizes student contributions, and builds a culture where every child feels part of something bigger than themselves.

Student-Owned Data and Goal Setting: Students track their own academic and personal goals, reflect on progress, and partner with teachers in conferences, shifting ownership of learning from compliance to empowerment.

REAL Feedback Loop: Student survey data is collected and acted upon transparently, with visible changes communicated back to students, reinforcing that their voices lead to real improvement.

Redesignation as a Launch Pad: Redesignated English Learners are celebrated not as an end point but as the beginning of new leadership opportunities, using their journey to mentor and lift others.

Inclusive Leadership Opportunities: Students of all abilities, including those in special education, are intentionally given leadership roles in classrooms and schoolwide activities, modeling equity and inclusion as daily practices.