The Whittier Union High School District has been selected as a “Bright Spot” honoree by the Education Trust for its work with disadvantaged students. The district is being recognized for its work closing opportunity and achievement gaps, advancing equity and strengthening the pipeline for students who have been traditionally underrepresented.
Whittier Union Selected As A ‘Bright Spot’ District
Recognized For Advancing Equity, Closing Achievement Gap
WHITTIER, Calif. – Education Trust has selected the Whittier Union High School District as a “Bright Spot” honoree for making it possible for disadvantaged students to excel academically at each stage of their education, including college, and be prepared for careers later in life.
Advocates for educational justice and high academic achievement of students in pre-k through college, particularly those of color living in poverty, Education Trust recognized the success of the District in advancing equity, closing opportunity and achievement gaps and strengthening the pipeline for traditionally underrepresented students.
Most students at Whittier Union – 88 percent – are Hispanic, more than seven in 10 students are low income and nearly one in 10 are English learners. In 2017, the District had a 97 percent graduation rate. In the last two decades, the school has meticulously analyzed what has worked and what has not worked so that students can live up to their potential in and outside of the classroom.
About 55 percent of the Whittier Union seniors completed the a-g course sequence of classes required for college entrance – eight percentage points higher than the state average. A-g completion rates for Hispanic students are almost 15 percent points higher at Whittier Union than for Latino students statewide.
Whittier Union was recognized along with Pasadena City College and Chula Vista Elementary School District at Ed Trust-West’s 2018 Education Equity Forum for demonstrating a commitment to excellence and implementing strategies and practices that generated positive outcomes for students of color, low-income students, English learners and first-generation college students.
“We have often said that demographics do not determine destiny for students at Whittier Union, and it is a philosophy that our team of teachers, administrators and staff embody every day because we believe that all students deserve the opportunity to go to college and that barriers will not stand in their way,” Superintendent Martin Plourde said.
“We have worked collectively to ensure that our students are equipped with the tools and knowledge to succeed once they graduate and take the next step of their academic careers. It is an honor to recognized for our efforts,” Plourde continued.
Source: Whittier Union High School District
Photo: Whittier Union High School District in September was selected as a Bright Spot honoree by The Education Trust-West for advancing equity, closing opportunity and achievement gaps and increasing college access to traditionally underrepresented students, including students of color, low-income students, English learners and first-generation college students. Pictured are members of the Spanish 2 Best Practices team, one of many collaborative teams across the District that contribute to student success.
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