Research Wednesday | August 6, 2025

This week’s evidence comes from our San Bernardino City School District friends. Over the past 3 years, the DF rate decreased by 22.8% over the last year. Improvement was especially good in the African American DF rate, 5% decrease. Homeless youth saw an increase in the F rate of about half a point higher. High schools that made particular gains included Pacific High School, which will have 70% of their grading cohort on track for A to G, with ELA and Math decreasing the DF rate. Most of the staff have gone to the 4-point grading scale, reducing the effect of the zero on the 100-point scale.  

The progress has been slow but steady, with the most important work being effective teaching and improved grading practices. As Robert Frost wrote, we still have miles to go before we sleep, but we are making progress that will affect the lives of students for years to come.

News from Creative Leadership Solutions

  • Webinar – Foundations of Effective Tier 1 Instruction
    We are hosting a webinar on August 14, 2025 at 3:00 ET. Learn how Tier 1 instruction is most effective when it blends clarity, academic rigor, and responsive feedback grounded in the belief that all students can meet high expectations. CLICK HERE to register.

  • Fearless Schools Podcast – New Episode
    In the latest episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we discuss Part 3 of the book, Fearless Instruction, entitled “Finishing the Puzzle”. You can find the latest episodes and follow the Fearless Schools Podcast wherever you listen. Apple Podcasts Spotify iHeart Podcasts

  • CLS Services
    CLICK HERE to learn more about what makes us different and how we can help your team.

  • Fearless Instruction
    Our latest book, Fearless Instruction, has been released! It features a dynamic collection of voices united by a common purpose: to carry forward and evolve the foundational work of the 90/90/90 schools. Grounded in research and rich with practical strategies, this book is for educators who are ready to lead with clarity, collaborate with purpose, and teach with courage. Fearless Instruction can be purchased from Amazon by CLICKING HERE.

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