Lynwood Board Approves Initiative to Implement a More Rigorous Curriculum

More Student Success Expected Through Achieving Greatness Initiative

Edward Velasquez

Lynwood Unified School District

March 2011

The Lynwood Unified School District Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution to implement an instructional initiative that will create a more rigorous curriculum for students attending Lynwood schools. The initiative builds on the existing curriculum, but creates a more defined college preparatory pipeline, while also bolstering vocational pathways and strengthening professional support for teachers.

The Achieving Greatness Initiative has been in development for months, as the Instructional Services Division has worked with certificated staff and curriculum experts to enhance coursework to match the Board’s commitment to increasing the number of college-bound students, while ensuring students have access to strong career technical education.

“Lynwood is creating a world-class instructional program that promotes academic excellence, values diversity, and ensures students have a path to reach their potential,” said LUSD Board President, Oscar Espinoza. “Our students are doing well. But the Achieving Greatness Initiative will open the door of success to even more students, setting a higher achievement bar, while also integrating critical academic support into students’ regular school day.” 

Specifically, the Achieving Greatness Initiative calls for:

· A college preparatory course sequence for all students, including the expectation that all students will complete A–G coursework;

· Coordinated learning support systems, interventions, and resources, from pre-K to high school, that engages students with the mindset that a university education is accessible;

· Professional development that ensures all teachers are supported in researching, developing and sharing rigorous, engaging and culturally relevant curricula and effective methods of implementation to support A–G completion for all students. 

“The Board, administration, teachers and staff are coordinating efforts to shift the expectations for our students,” said Superintendent Edward Velasquez. “Many of our students have seen great success. But we want to increase the number of students who have access to college. For some staff this is a culture shift. For many, we will be creating system-wide support for what they’re already doing. The point is to ensure successful teaching methods and high expectations are uniform across the District. By implementing common assessments based on a common curriculum, we can develop ongoing instructional support that is driven by data and tailored to reach each and every student.”

The clearly defined District-wide direction will be implemented systematically over the spring and summer months.

“The first step is working with our teachers to develop the uniform practices we’ll be seeing in schools across the District,” said Paul Gothold, the District’s Chief Academic Officer. “We’re very fortunate to have a strong team of teachers who are eager to move forward with the Achieving Greatness Initiative. Without question, Lynwood teachers are ready to engage our students and optimize their opportunities for achievement, in school and beyond.”