Each California school district now has a Local Control & Accountability Plan (LCAP) that outlines goals, actions, and expenditures to ensure success for all students, with a targeted focus on the needs of English Learners, low income, and Foster Youth.

There are several strategies in Berkeley's LCAP, and we'll introduce them to you over the next several issues of the A+ News (you can also read the Executive Summary, pages 3-8 to get a good overview of the plan). In the last A+ News issue, we reported on the implementation of the social and emotional curriculum ("Toolbox").

Response to Instruction & Intervention - RTI2  
This process for addressing students' needs is based on a three-tiered model of academic and behavioral supports. High-quality professional development and collaborative time for teachers is the foundation, with a focus on excellent core instruction taught using multiple strategies and differentiated instruction in a positive classroom and school setting. For the 15-20% of students who need additional academic and behavioral supports, both in small group and one-on-one, interventions are provided based on the needs of each individual student.

In order to work most effectively, RTI2 requires an investment of resources. That is why the LCAP now includes new funding (based on the number of students at every elementary school) for a teacher with time to dedicate to RTI2 coordination and direct service to students.
 
Here's a brief presentation on RTI2 recently given to the board. Ask at your school about how RTI2 is working.

Through the teaching and learning of the Common Core Math Standards, students will acquire the habit of mathematical thinking using evidence-based problem solving. Students will be required to explain in writing how they solved a math problem because it promotes understanding why and how math works in real-world situations.

Based on compelling research and evidence, Berkeley Unified School District adopted the international (or 'integrated') pathway for teaching mathematics. The middle school math courses of study are: Common Core 6, Common Core 7 and Common Core 8. These courses of study integrate the teaching of geometry and algebra. 

Our middle school math curriculum is Eureka Math: A Story of Ratios, the curriculum that continues from A Story of Units now in use in our elementary schools.

We are asking every family to complete an application for free/reduced price school meals. Even if your student does not intend to take advantage of the lunch program, every qualified application is counted towards bringing significant federal (Title I) and state (LCFF/LCAP) funding to our schools!

Please complete the application online at ezmealapp.com as soon as possible. Online applications are processed in just 24 hours, while paper applications may take up to 10 days.

The Berkeley Half Marathon has once again named the Berkeley Public Schools Fund as the race's official local charity. Last year the Schools Fund raised $30,000 with the help of runners at each school.  

This year there will be a 5K race, which will make it easy for families to run to support their schools. The Schools Fund has already set up individual school teams. Running for an individual school will ensure that 50% of fundraising goes directly to the school PTA. Joining the Schools Fund team or an individual team qualifies runners for a discount registration code. Also, every donation to the Schools Fund at the time of registration will be matched by the Half Marathon up to $5. Learn more about how to join Team Schools Fund by watching this handy how-to video.

School Board:
Wed., Sept 17 - 7:30 pm
Wed., Oct. 1 - 7:30 pm