CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS TO WATCH

Elective Pathways Aligned with CTE – Trimester-rotating electives such as Real Life Ready (financial literacy), Sustainability & Agriculture, Flight & Space, and Music Exploration connect middle school learning to high school and future career opportunities.

Strong Community Partnerships – Collaborations with Family Services Agency (counseling), Santa Barbara County Education Office (math PD), Ricky Robertson (trauma-informed/MTSS), and local organizations (grants, service learning) extend supports beyond the classroom.

Restorative Practices Integrated with Discipline – Staff-wide training and implementation of restorative conversations, circles, and projects ensure behavior issues are addressed educationally and equitably, with suspensions minimized (~0.1%).

Trimester BEST in the Valley Recognition System – Schoolwide PBIS framework (Be a Leader, Empathize, Strive and Persevere, Take Ownership) embedded in daily culture, with trimester assemblies involving families to celebrate student achievements.

Sixth-Period Flex Class – Students are grouped by common learning needs (using iReady, CAASPP, and teacher input), receiving targeted small-group intervention or enrichment.