The Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) is transforming how educators and communities collaborate to support student success. Rooted in building genuine relationships, CEI emphasizes the importance of involving families and communities in the educational process. By shifting the focus from traditional methods to a more holistic, relationship-centered approach, educators and community members alike are finding new ways to support and empower students.

In the most recent episodes of the Rising from the Margins podcast, Superintendent Mark Luque and his Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team discuss their transformative journey as part of the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI). Reflecting the impact of their efforts, Bakersfield City School District saw a significant improvement in student attendance. According to the 2022 California School Dashboard, the district’s Chronic Absence Indicator was at a concerning 51.6%. However, by 2023, this figure had dropped to 30.4%, marking an impressive 21.2% reduction in chronic absenteeism.

Tune in to the latest Rising from the Margins episode to explore:

1. Transformative Impact on Educators: The CEI experience has fundamentally changed educators, encouraging them to build deeper relationships with families and communities, which has led to more effective educational practices.
2. Holistic Approach to Education: CEI promotes a “whole child, whole family, whole community” approach, recognizing that student success is deeply connected to the well-being and involvement of their families and communities.
3. Empowerment Through Engagement: The initiative empowers parents and community members by creating spaces for their voices to be heard and their contributions to be valued, fostering a stronger, more cohesive educational environment. 

Join the Community Engagement Initiative and become part of a transformative movement in education. By building meaningful relationships and collaborating with families and communities, we can create an environment where every student thrives. Part I and Part II of the Bakersfield City School District are now available!

Resources and Tools: 

• CEI Website
• CEI Resources
• Dr. Karen Mapp Dual Capacity Framework
• Whole Child Policy Toolkit
• Changing the Discourse in Schools 

If you have any questions about CCEE and how to engage with our resources and professional learning opportunities, please visit our website. Stay Ahead in Education! 📚 Check out our Podcast Rising from the Margins, Statewide System of Support Directory, and Friday Feature! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”