Black Student Achievement
Information and resources for local educational agencies (LEAs) and educational partners to support academic achievement for Black/African American students.State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced during a virtual press conference on Thursday, October 14, 2021, a new effort to support and improve Black student achievement in the state of California.
"I am committed to the success of all six million of our students, but we feel we are in a moment where we need to be explicit in calling out the opportunity to support Black student achievement,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “This is not a new question. This is a conversation that we have had in every state in this nation for quite some time, yet this achievement and opportunity gap has persisted, and this is our opportunity to be intentional and to do important work about it. We have more than two dozen schools that have some of the highest rates of racial segregation and poverty in our state. These experiences call for us to make a change. We have to overcome environmental injustices, overcome health disparities, overcome racism and all these barriers that have impacted our students."
Webinars/Events
Upcoming Webinars/Events
Upcoming events provide meaningful opportunities to deepen learning, share best practices, and build community.
| Webinar/Event | Date/Time | Description | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinar Strengthening Partnerships Webinar Series: At the Intersection of Race and Disability: Centering Student Voice and Partnering with Families to Improve Outcomes for Black Students |
April 23, 2026, 11 a.m. | How do race and disability intersect to shape students’ experiences and outcomes, and how can systems respond with intentionality, care, and partnership? This session focuses on Black students with disabilities and highlights the voices of parents who are also professionals with lived experience, centering student perspectives throughout. Participants will explore ongoing challenges, celebrate areas of progress, and gain practical strategies to strengthen family engagement and improve outcomes. Designed for educators, parents, and program leaders, the session features a panel of experts including students, educators, system leaders, and family advocates who bring both professional expertise and lived experience to share insights on what is needed to enhance experiences and outcomes for Black students with disabilities. | April 23 Webinar Registration
|
Previously Recorded Webinars
Explore previous webinars and resources.
- Part 2: Highlighting Strategies to Support Equitable Practices in Literacy: California's Commitment to Black Student Success
Recorded January 29, 2026: Recording
(Video; 1:28:13) - Part 1: Highlighting Strategies to Support Equitable Practices in Literacy: California's Commitment to Black Student Success
Recorded December 11, 2025: Recording
(Video; 1:58:44) - Improve Literacy Skills and Unlock Potential with Freedom Schools® Webinar (Dated 14-Sep-2023)
- Webinar to Help Students Read by Third Grade and to Support the Achievement of Black Students (Dated 14-Mar-2023)
Recruitment and Retention
Recruiting and retaining teachers of color is essential to building a more equitable and effective education system, as they bring valuable perspectives and have a positive impact on outcomes for all students. Creating supportive, affirming workplaces ensures teachers of color can thrive and remain in the profession long-term.
Golden State Teacher Grant Program
California Student Aid Commission Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program awards up to $20,000 to students currently enrolled in a professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and working towards earning their preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential.
Diversifying the Teacher Workforce
Increasing representation of educators from different racial, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds helps create more inclusive classrooms, improves student outcomes, and ensures that all students see themselves reflected in their teachers.
Diversifying the Teacher Workforce Series 2022
The CDE Diversifying the Teacher Workforce Series 2022 consists of three recorded webinars. The first webinar highlights key findings and recommendations from the CDE’s Educator Diversity Advisory Group. The second webinar describes how to braid federal and state funds to support diversification efforts. The final webinar presents diversification efforts throughout the state from members of the CDE’s Diversifying the Teacher Workforce Community of Practice.
How to Increase California’s Educator Workforce
(Video; 49:55)
Braiding Federal and State Funds
(Video; 56:16)
Statewide Diversification Efforts
(Video; 55:18)
Recruiting Teachers of Color
Research-based strategies and articles related to diversifying the teacher workforce.
Asset-Based Pedagogies
Asset-Based Pedagogies focus on the strengths that diverse students bring to the classroom. It is a direct response to deficit-based models to education of the past.
Research-based strategies for retaining teachers of color.
Instruction and Student Supports
High-quality instructional resources and student supports are essential for meeting the diverse needs of all learners, particularly students of color who have historically faced inequitable access to opportunities. When educators are equipped with practical, evidence-based supports, they are better positioned to help all students.
Creating Equitable Early Learning Environments for Young Boys of Color - Resources (PDF)
Roadmap for improving racial equity through strengthening racial awareness, addressing implicit bias, and creating culturally responsive environments that are safe, affirming, and engaging for boys of color and their families.
Combating Excessive Suspensions in Schools | Taylor’s Market’s Message on Mental Health and Addiction | Outstanding Women Leaders
(Dated 20-Mar-2023)
Capital Public Radio recording on combating excessive suspensions in K-12 schools and Taylor Market's message on mental health and outstanding women leaders.
Reducing Disproportionate Discipline in Schools (Dated 21-Feb-2023)
Letter to County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators regarding reducing disproportionate discipline in schools.
Promoting Equitable Access to Teachers
Resources to assist LEAs with gathering data and reporting disproportionate access to effective, experienced, and appropriately assigned teachers by low-income and minority students as required under ESSA.
Ethnic Studies Professional Development
General information regarding professional development and resources to support ethnic studies courses.
Information regarding the Antibias Education Grant Program.
Resources
Below are additional resources to support and inform educational partners.
Press Releases
Newsletters
February 2026 (Coming Soon)
January 2026 (Coming Soon)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Black student achievement?
Black student achievement refers to the academic performance, educational progress, and outcomes of Black students in schools and higher education.
2. Why is there a focus on Black student achievement?
Data has shown persistent gaps in educational outcomes between Black students and other student groups. Addressing these gaps helps promote fairness, opportunity, and overall student success.
3. What are achievement gaps?
Achievement gaps refer to differences in academic performance between groups of students, often measured by test scores, graduation rates, or other indicators. These gaps can reflect broader social and educational inequalities.
4. How can schools support Black student achievement?
Schools can help by:
- Providing culturally responsive teaching
- Hiring diverse educators and staff
- Offering academic and emotional support programs
- Creating inclusive and safe learning environments
- Engaging families and communities
5. Are there successful strategies that improve outcomes?
Yes. Strategies like early intervention, mentoring programs, equitable funding, and high expectations for all students have been shown to improve outcomes when implemented effectively.
6. How can I join the BSA listserv?
To receive updates about BSA, please join the BSA listserv by sending a blank email to subscribe-blackstudentachievement@mlist.cde.ca.gov.