The partnership between SFUSD and NUA was established to draw from and build upon the strengths and experiences of the two partners that would lead to transformation of teaching and learning. The ten schools chosen to participate in this partnership were largely selected because of the presence of significant populations of underachieving students and the need to eliminate the achievement gap so that each experience the promise of SFUSD’s mission: “Reaching his or her maximum potential for intellectual, academic, and social development.”
The following data comprise the district demographics:

• 10 schools are in the SFUSD/NUA Partnership:
  • Glen Park Elementary, Jose Ortega Elementary, Sheridan Elementary, Visitacion Valley Middle School, Willie Brown College Preparatory Academy (Middle School), George Washington High School, Independence High School, International Studies Academy, Raoul Wallenberg Traditional High School, Ida B Wells High School.
• Grades K-12 served;
• 4,626 students total number of students in schools served;
• 125 teachers began in the cohort I class; final count: 107;
• 16 subjects served with secondary cohort teachers

The goals of the SFUSD/NUA Partnership included diminish the historic power of demographics, center professional learning on equity, create an environment for students to flourish, ensure authentic learning for every student, and create the culture of service and support. National Urban Alliance for Effective Education aligned resources and personnel to accomplish these goals:

•  Differentiated NUA Seminars for targeted groups: district office staff, school leaders, coaches, and participating cohort teachers. All seminars built upon SFUSD’s efforts to develop professional learning communities in which all participants were motivated to share and expand current levels of expertise.
• 10 Site visits at each partnership school incorporated the language of grade level standards and their relationship to High Intellectual Performance (HIP) using teacher’s curriculum, technology, and textbooks.

 

• Press Release announcing the partnership