NSBA’s National Black Council of School Board Members presented its Recognizing Innovative Strategies in Equity (RISE) Award to Compton Unified School District from California during its Annual Conference held March 30-April 1 in Philadelphia. In its second year, the RISE award honors a school district for its excellence in policies, practices and strategies that promote and enhance equitable outcomes and career readiness for African American students.

Compton Unified, an urban school district in Los Angeles, serves high-poverty students and has recently adopted many strategies to promote equitable outcomes for its African American population. The district has embraced restorative justice practices, instituted an African American Parent Advisory Group and developed trauma sensitive classrooms.

The district also developed a blended learning classroom model that combines personalized learning using adaptive computer programs with real world learning opportunities. This model assists teachers in individualizing instruction and learning experiences, making sure the needs of all learners are met, especially those of underserved students. As a result, Compton’s African American student graduation and attendance rates have increased while their suspension rates have decreased.

“NSBA appreciates both the leadership of NBC in establishing this important recognition and the great example of commitment demonstrated by the Compton Unified School District as the RISE award winner,” NSBA Chief Equity and Member Services Officer Verjeana Jacobs said. “Both the Council and Compton bring to life NSBA’s commitment to equity and excellence in public education.”

The RISE Award is one of several NSBA-sponsored awards that recognizes schools that have prioritized educational equity. Learn about this year’s Luminous Eagle Award and Abrazo Award. The awards are sponsored by McGraw-Hill Education, a learning science company that delivers personalized learning experiences that help students, parents, educations and professionals improve results.

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