Over the past three years, Madera Unified School District has emerged as a leader in educational transformation through the Intensive Assistance Model (IAM), an initiative developed by the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE). Launched in 2022–2023, the IAM was designed to provide deep, sustained support for districts seeking to raise student achievement and improve instructional practices through collaboration, coaching, and continuous improvement.

🔍 What is the Intensive Assistance Model?

All participating LEAs in the IAM used funding resources to partner with an expert provider in building and sustaining collaborative teams focused on teaching and learning. For this cohort of the initiative, all LEAs choose to partner with Solution Tree as a collaborating partner. In doing so, they implemented the PLC at Work® framework—to implement research-based strategies that promote:

Collaborative Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
Common formative assessments
Actionable, data-informed teaching
Strong instructional leadership and coaching

Each participating school is paired with a certified associate and supported in developing a tailored action plan focused on equity and outcomes. The work is intensive, deeply embedded, and ongoing—aimed at sustainable, systems-level change.

📈 Results at the Close of the 3-Year Pilot

Now at the conclusion of the pilot phase, Madera Unified has achieved extraordinary results. All IAM-participating schools in the district have been nationally recognized for their commitment to improving learning conditions and outcomes for students:

• 🥇 Nishimoto Elementary has been awarded the National Model PLC at Work® School designation—the highest level of recognition.
  Eligibility for this honor requires:
  
  • At least 3 years of full PLC implementation
    
  • Strong student achievement data, especially for underserved populations
    
  • Evidence of systemic structures and a culture of continuous improvement
    
• 🌱 Washington Elementary and Sierra Vista Elementary have each received the National Promising Practices Award, a vital first step toward becoming a Model PLC at Work® school.
  Eligibility includes:
  
  • 1–2 years of implementation
    
  • Documented gains in student learning
    
  • Demonstrated commitment to collaboration and results-oriented practices
    

🏆 Why These Awards Matter

These awards are not just symbolic—they validate years of hard work by educators, leaders, and students. They reflect:

• A shared mission to build inclusive, high-functioning learning communities
  
• The ability to turn strategic vision into measurable outcomes
  
• A commitment to equity, with documented growth among English learners, students with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged students
  

Most importantly, they confirm that Madera Unified is on the forefront of school transformation—not only meeting high standards but setting them.

As the IAM continues to scale across California, Madera’s success offers a clear and inspiring roadmap for what’s possible when commitment meets capacity. The future of educational excellence is already here—and it started in Madera.

For additional updates, visit the CCEE website, events calendar, Resource Center, and the Statewide System of Support Website.