In the final chapter of Fillmore Unified’s journey, Rising from the Margins explores how the power of meaning is driving transformational change across the district. Building on the Intensive Assistance Model, this episode examines how redefining meaning in education is creating sustainable systems, fostering teacher empowerment, and improving student outcomes.
What You’ll Hear
- Meaning and Energy: How the meaning we assign to actions, systems, and relationships influences energy, intention, and outcomes.
- Teacher and Student Empowerment: Stories of educators and students questioning traditional approaches to grading, remediation, and learning to create equitable opportunities for all.
- Flash Forward: Fillmore’s innovative intervention and enrichment model, providing dedicated time within the school day for reteaching, relearning, and advancing student success.
- Transformational Leadership: Insights from Superintendent Christine Sheffer Lee, Principal Keith Derrick, and educators at Fillmore Unified on shifting from transactional to transformational improvement.
- District-Wide Alignment: How Fillmore is ensuring coherence and equity across all schools through shared standards, common assessments, and a unified commitment to high expectations.
Key Highlights
- Rethinking Remediation: By eliminating remediation classes and embedding interventions during the school day, Fillmore has increased Algebra I enrollment from 30% to 92% in just one year.
- Grading with Purpose: Teachers are reexamining grading policies to eliminate practices that discourage students, such as the punitive use of zeros, and focusing on fostering growth.
- Collaboration at All Levels: Fillmore’s Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are fostering trust, shared practices, and data-driven decision-making to create consistency across classrooms and schools.
- Student-Centered Culture: Through intentional system design and transformational language, Fillmore is creating an environment where students feel supported, valued, and inspired to succeed.
Why It Matters
This episode challenges educators and leaders to reflect on the meanings embedded in their systems and practices. By asking better questions and embracing intentional change, Fillmore Unified is demonstrating how districts can transform from within, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Listen Now
🎧 Tune in to Rising from the Margins: Episode 6 to hear how Fillmore Unified is redefining education through the power of meaning.
Stay Connected
For more episodes and resources, visit CCEE. Next time, we’ll head to Bakersfield, California, to explore the Community Engagement Initiative and its impact on local schools and communities.