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Shared Learning Initiative

Shared Learning Initiative

The Shared Learning Initiative builds the capacity of California communities to advance more equitable and racially just school systems through partnerships with school and district leaders. It is a collaborative effort between the Learning Policy Institute and the California Partnership for the Future of Learning. Through school learning visits, virtual learning sessions, and relevant resources, participants get an up-close look at exemplary schools and practices and learn from students, families, educators, and community partners about the systems, structures, and practices that support their equity-focused work. The Initiative broadly focuses on evidence-based practices for supporting the academic success and social-emotional well-being of underserved students, with a particular focus on English learners; students from low-income families; and Black, Indigenous, and other students of color. 

Through their participation in the Shared Learning Initiative, participants deepen their understanding of the strategies and practices that are essential to long-term systemic transformation of schools. The sessions provide participants with information and resources they can then use locally to extend the knowledge and capacity of students, families, and community members. To this end, shared learning sessions and resources are made available in English, Spanish, and Arabic. Local educators, school and district leaders, and state policymakers also participate to build an understanding of key levers to advance equitable opportunities and improve student outcomes. Through this shared learning, participants are better able to be informed and engaged partners in school and district decision-making.

Key Staff

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Jessica Barajas

Manager, Shared Learning Initiative

Anna Maier 750x750

Anna Maier

Senior Policy Advisor and Researcher

Charlie Thompson headshot

Charlie Thompson

Research and Policy Associate

Featured Learning Session

This session explores the research on teacher shortages in California, the importance of a diverse teacher workforce for improving student outcomes, and essential elements that support educator recruitment, preparation, and retention. Speakers from Los Angeles Unified School District and Oakland High School share about their efforts to recruit and sustain teachers of color.
Watch the video

Featured Resources

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Report

UCLA Community School: Celebrating Language, Culture, and Community

Transforming Schools blog series: "Supporting Learning and Well-Being" by Tara Kini
Blog

Supporting Learning and Well-Being at San Francisco’s Buena Vista Horace Mann K–8 Community School

Related Resources

The First Steps Toward School Transformation: An Inclusive Needs/Assets Assessment

January 13, 2022 | This session focused on the process for engaging in a thorough and inclusive needs/assets assessment for communities transitioning toward a transformative community schools model, as well as those working to strengthen existing community schools. 
Watch in English | Watch in Spanish | Watch in Arabic

Staffing for School Transformation: The Role of the Community School Coordinator 

April 27, 2022 | This session focused on highlighting the pivotal role that community school coordinators play in advancing school transformation, and the systems, structures, and practices needed for community school coordinators to support a transformational culture of change. 
Watch in English | Watch in Spanish | Watch in Arabic

Shared Leadership & Power for School Transformation: Part I - Building Trusting Relationships

December 8, 2022 | This session focused on the crucial role that building trusting relationships among students, families, school/district staff, and community partners plays in moving forward school transformation, and the mindsets, systems, structures, and practices that support trust building. 
Watch in English | Watch in Spanish | Watch in Arabic

Shared Leadership & Power for School Transformation: Part II - Developing Shared Decision-Making Teams

April 25, 2023 | The session focused on showcasing the relationships, structures, and practices that Buena Vista Horace Mann K–8 Community School in San Francisco Unified School District has established to authentically engage students, families, educators, and community partners in the school's shared decision-making processes. 
Watch in English | Watch in Spanish | Watch in Arabic

Reimagining School Safety: Moving Towards Racially Just, Restorative School Cultures

December 4, 2023 | This session highlights the research on school safety and the effectiveness of restorative practices, as well as recent shifts in California towards restorative practices, focusing on two school communities: Fremont High School in Oakland Unified School District and True North Organizing Network and Two Feathers Native American Family Services at Loleta Union Elementary School District.
Watch in English | Watch in Spanish | Watch in Arabic

Developing Diverse, Prepared, and Supported Educators

May 9, 2024 | This session explores the research on teacher shortages in California, the importance of a diverse teacher workforce for improving student outcomes, and essential elements that support educator recruitment, preparation, and retention. Speakers from Los Angeles Unified School District and Oakland High School share about their efforts to recruit and sustain teachers of color.
Watch in English | Watch in Spanish | Watch in Arabic

 

To find more resources for these learning sessions, including slide decks, background information, school overviews, and more, please visit the California Partnership for the Future of Learning website. Learn more

Funders

Funding for this project is provided by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Sobrato Philanthropies, W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation, Stuart Foundation, and The California Endowment. Core operating support for the Learning Policy Institute is provided by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Heising-Simons Foundation, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Raikes Foundation, Sandler Foundation, Skyline Foundation, and MacKenzie Scott.

Partners

The Learning Policy Institute leads the Shared Learning Initiative in collaboration with the California Partnership for the Future of Learning, led by Californians for Justice, Catalyst California, PICO California, and Public Advocates. Participants include 20 grassroots and community-based groups across the state.