REL West and the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) are working to accelerate the necessary conditions for Black students to learn and succeed, and to address disparities in disciplinary treatment of Black students in the district. Through the partnership projects, REL West will help SFUSD create a systematic process for identifying, testing, and refining evidence-based practices to achieve equitable discipline outcomes for Black students.
Current Projects
REL West is partnering with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) to provide support to their Student and Family Services Division (SFSD) to design and implement a districtwide model for Coordinated Care Teams (CCTs). This coaching initiative is part of a strategic partnership with SFUSD utilizing process mapping and data inquiry to develop a consistent strategy for delivering Tier 1 supports to improve the treatment, experiences, and outcomes of students across the district, with a specific focus on Black students and families. Through this work, SFUSD is learning from leaders and educators in the district about best practices, practical challenges, and continuing needs related to using CCTs to create safe and empowering learning environments.
Completed Projects
This randomized controlled trial tested two promising strategies (Empathic Instruction and Self-Affirmation) for creating equitable discipline outcomes at grades 4 and 5. The goals of the project included testing evidence-based strategies designed to mitigate the effects of bias and stereotype threat on disciplinary practices and outcomes among Black students. This work was grounded in the guiding principles of the district’s African American Achievement and Leadership Initiative and was developed to help the district overcome persistent barriers to reducing disparities in disciplinary outcomes.