Innovate Public Schools Publications
Innovate publishes data briefs and research reports to inform parents, educators and decision-makers. We highlight schools that are excelling, address critical problems within school systems, and present the most effective solutions for improving schools to make sure that all students have access to a world-class education.
Latest Publications
2025 TOP PUBLIC SCHOOLS
September 2025
The Top Schools report celebrates the schools closing opportunity gaps for Black and Latino students across California. The purpose of the report is to: identify and celebrate schools in California that are closing opportunity gaps for Black and Latino students, learn and demonstrate what is possible and drive all schools to do better for underserved students, and make data on school quality and equity publicly accessible to families and educators.
LITERACY IS LIFE: POLICY BRIEF
May 2025
The Literacy is Life Policy Brief was developed in collaboration with the Black Parent Network (BPN). It explores what high-quality literacy means for Black students in California, the systemic barriers they face, and what they need to succeed.
HIGH-IMPACT TUTORING: FAMILY AND CAREGIVER TOOLKIT
May 2024
The National Student Support Accelerator and Innovate Public Schools created this tool to help families
understand and advocate for high-impact tutoring in their communities. By equipping families with this
tool, we aim to foster greater parent leadership and engagement with high-impact tutoring to support
students across the nation.
FAMILY GUIDE TO THE LAUSD STRATEGIC PLAN
November 2023
This guide was created by Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) parents and families who recognize the crucial role parents play in shaping a child’s education. We believe that together, we can empower our children to reach their full potential.
FAMILY GUIDE TO AFTERSCHOOL FOR ALL IN CALIFORNIA
October 2023
California is investing $4 billion every year in afterschool and summer learning programs. Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, nearly all students should have access to these programs. This is a tool for families to understand what the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) is and how to advocate for programs that will best support their children’s and community’s learning and well-being.
THE PEOPLE’S PLAYBOOK TO THE VALIDATED PLAN
Promoting equity and access for black students.
The Validated Plan: Promoting and Access for Black Students is a commitment and plan to make Black student achievement a top priority in Local District South. This blueprint describes how schools will promote equity and access for Black students so that they can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. The creation of this plan was made possible by Black parents, educators, community members, and district leaders.
To Address Pandemic and Teacher Shortage Impacts, SFUSD Students Need Tutoring Now, 2022
August 2022
More and more students are disconnecting from school and falling further behind. SFUSD district and school leaders are running out of time to help students recover and thrive. The district is also running out of time to spend millions of dollars in recovery funds it received. This brief outlines why tutoring is needed and effective, what the funding and policy opportunities are, and families’ recommendations for implementing high-quality tutoring across the district.
Students in San Jose Need More High Quality Tutoring Options Now
June 2022
Hundreds of parents across San Jose Unifed School District (SJUSD) and other districts in San Jose* are coming together to urge district, city, county, and state leaders to work collectively to expand access to high quality tutoring and afterschool programs. In this datasheet, we look at student outcomes in San Jose Unifed between 2017-18 and 2020-21, outline why high-quality tutoring is needed, and share what parents, families, and community leaders have accomplished thus far.
To Address Pandemic and Teacher Shortage Impacts, LAUSD Students Need Tutoring Now, 2022
June 2022
Students are becoming increasingly disengaged from school and falling further behind. More than half of Los Angeles Unified students have been chronically absent, and there were 420 unfulfilled teacher positions across the district. This only adds to the learning loss students experienced during school closures. The district is running out of time to spend the millions of dollars in recovery funds it received and help students thrive.
Here’s why tutoring is needed and effective, what the funding and policy opportunities are, and families’ recommendations for implementing high-quality tutoring across the district.
10 Elements of High Quality Tutoring, 2022
June 2022
Covid-19 shed light on many inequalities that exist within the educational system, including the opportunity gap, the digital divide, and the socio-emotional issues that disproportionately impact low-income students and students of color.
The harmful consequences of learning loss have been well documented. Now, it’s time to focus on solutions that can help accelerate learning and encourage students to thrive long-term. Decades of research have proven that high-quality tutoring is one of the best ways to help students progress academically.
Seen and Affirmed: What Black Educators and Students Need to Thrive, 2021
February 2021
There are too few schools closing the opportunity gap for Black students in Los Angeles County. And, there are not enough Black educators, even though research clearly shows that all students benefit from having educators of color. This report outlines best practices for schools and school systems on how to create conditions for Black educators to thrive and how to embed transformational teaching practices that affirm and are centered around Black students.
The Black Educators Advocates Network (BEAN) is an advocacy initiative focused on transforming the environment, practices, and policies that affect the educational experiences of Black educators, administrators, students, and parents. To learn more about BEAN visit www.blackeducatorsadvocate.org.
San Francisco Unified School District Spotlight, 2020
What are the latest educational outcomes in SFUSD?
December 2020
This data sheet shows how San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is serving its students of diverse backgrounds (Latino, African American, English learners, and students with special needs), based on the latest state test scores in English language arts (ELA) and math. It also shows the percentage of students who are graduating from the district and the percentage of graduates who have completed the coursework necessary to apply to a University of California or California State University, as of 2018-19.
See past reports: 2018 | 2017 (African American Students) | 2017 (Latino Students)
Spotlight on Spanish-Speaking English Learners in SFUSD, 2020
What are the educational outcomes for Spanish-Speaking English Learners in SFUSD?
September 2020
This datasheet shows how San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is serving its 8,200 Spanish-speaking English Learners (ELs), who make up 15% of students enrolled in the district. English Learners bring a wealth of cultural and linguistic assets and have the capacity to succeed academically.
Spotlight on Schools within San Jose Boundaries, 2020
What are the latest educational outcomes in SJUSD?
June 2020
Learn more about how public schools located within San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) boundaries served Latino and African American students, students with special needs, and English learners (ELs) in the 2018-19 academic year, before the coronavirus pandemic.
See past reports: 2018 | 2017 (Latino Students)
Redwood City Data Sheet, 2020
What are the latest educational outcomes in Redwood City?
August 2020
Learn more about how students are performing in Redwood City Elementary School District.
See past reports: 2018 | 2017 (Latino Students)
A Parent’s Guide to Supporting the Whole Child in Schools, 2020
June 2020
Whole child-centered learning is the idea that children learn best when all of their needs are met. This guide is a tool to introduce the latest understanding of what works, what to look for, and where to push to make sure your school and community support all children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Top Bay Area Public Schools for Underserved Students, 2020
Which Bay Area public schools had the best educational outcomes for underserved students in 2020?
May 2020
The schools highlighted in our annual report are supporting their low-income Latino or African American students to beat the 2018-19 statewide average for all students in math and/or English language arts proficiency and college eligibility.
Top LA County Public Schools for Underserved Students, 2020
Which LA County public schools had the best educational outcomes for underserved students in 2020?
May 2020
The schools highlighted in our annual report are supporting their low-income Latino or African American students to beat the 2018-19 statewide average for all students in math and/or English language arts proficiency and college eligibility.
See past reports: 2019
SELA Rising, 2020
How are Southeast Los Angeles schools serving low-income Latino students and English learners?
2020
Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) is a resilient and rapidly growing region made up of several cities and neighborhoods. More than 60,000 students attend the 89 public schools in SELA, the majority of whom are low-income and Latino.
The Road to College, 2019
How can parents make sure their child is on track by supporting them at home and advocating to make sure their school is preparing them for success?
December 2019
Most California students want to attend college, but currently, only half graduate high school with the requirements to go to a public state university. This guide for parents helps you learn how to make sure your child is on track by supporting at home and advocating at school.
Spotlight on African American Students in Los Angeles, 2019
See how schools in Los Angeles Unified are serving African American students
April 2019
This data brief provides a snapshot of how schools in Los Angeles Unified are serving African American students based on the latest state test scores in English and math, graduation rates, and UC/CSU eligibility rates. This brief is a collaboration between Innovate Public Schools and the First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME).
Spotlight on Southeast Los Angeles Unified, 2018
See how schools in Southeast Los Angeles Unified are serving Latino students
November 2018
Schools in Southeast Los Angeles Unified serve over 60,000 students. Low-income Latino students make up the large majority of the student population and over a quarter are English learners. Out of 89 schools in Southeast Los Angeles, only nine reach the statewide average in English and math. This brief provides a snapshot of how schools in the southeast area of LAUSD Board District 5 are serving Latino students based on the latest state test scores in English and math, graduation rates, and UC/CSU eligibility rates.
An Advocate’s Guide to Transforming Special Education, 2018
Creating Schools Where All Students Can Thrive
August 2018
Most students – both with and without disabilities – can learn rigorous, grade-level content and graduate from high school ready for college or a career of their choice. We prepared this guide to help parents and advocates understand what educational opportunity looks like for students with disabilities. The guide is meant to assist those fighting for systemic change by providing concrete examples, interviews and school profiles that show what’s possible.
San Jose Unified Snapshot: Students with Disabilities, 2017 (UPDATED)
An overview of how SJUSD is doing in serving students with disabilities
December 2017
Students with disabilities in all public schools should receive the academic and social-emotional support they need to be prepared for meaningful opportunities in career, college, and life. Right now, the reality is that this is not happening in most places in California.
Franklin-McKinley Compact Progress Reports, 2017
See how Franklin-McKinley schools are tracking towards their goals
May 2017
In 2013, the Franklin-McKinley School District, local charter schools, and several community partners kicked off a collaborative partnership to help boost student and school performance. The progress reports below help educators, community leaders and parents track progress towards their goals.
How World-class Schools Deliver for All Students, 2015
Six practices that drive high-performing schools to success
December 2015
World-class schools are vibrant and inspiring places that set a high bar for all students, and consistently support each and every one to reach his or her full potential. While no two schools are alike, this report outlines six school practices that drive their success that you can put to work right now in your own school community.
Struggling Schools, Promising Solutions, 2014
Silicon Valley’s Lowest-Performing Schools and Solutions for the Students That Attend Them
November 2014
More than 15,000 students in Silicon Valley are currently attending schools that have been persistently low-performing for years. “Struggling Schools, Promising Solutions” calls on local communities, especially superintendents and school boards, to take swift action to find lasting solutions for the students attending the 28 schools singled out in the report. It summarizes research from across the country on how to effectively turn around struggling schools and highlights examples of successful schools and turnaround efforts that can inform and inspire efforts in Silicon Valley.
Broken Promises, 2014
The Children Left Behind in Silicon Valley Schools
January 2014
Innovate Public Schools first research report, released in 2013 with an updated edition in 2014, is the first comprehensive look at the performance of public schools and districts in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, with special attention on the achievement of underserved groups of students. The report found low percentages of college readiness for Latino, African-American, and Pacific Islander students, as well as low-income students and English learners, across the entire region.
About Innovate Public Schools
Innovate Public Schools is a nonprofit organization focused on ensuring that all Bay Area students, including low-income students and students of color, receive an excellent education. We’re building a movement of families, educators, and business and elected leaders who together will make this vision a reality.
We build the capacity of parents and educators to innovate and act together to create world-class public schools, and we publish easy-to-understand school quality data and research that highlights both problems and solutions.