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The International Center for Leadership in Education Names Washington Elementary a 2023 Model School for Inspiring Greatness to Impact Student Learnin


Media Release

Washington Elementary will share key strategies from its inspiring journey at the 31st Annual Model Schools Conference, June 25-June 28 in Orlando, FL

Compton, CaliforniaThe International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE), whose mission is to celebrate, inspire, and support today’s K-12 educators, has named Washington Elementary a 2023 Model School for its focus on relationships and rigorous and relevant academics to impact students. The team at Washington recognizes opportunities for growth, fosters a strong culture, and holds high expectations for all students.

Washington is one of 30 Model Schools, including elementary, middle, and high school, from across the United States that will share best practices at ICLE’s 31st Annual Model Schools Conference. The event provides the inspiration thousands of passionate teachers and leaders need to validate and affirm the great work they do, and to challenge them to share replicable and creative strategies that can produce results in any school.

Simple and strategic implementations coupled with accountability measures have led to a shift in both the culture and the narrative of this Title I school. In just one year, Washington Elementary went from being the lowest-performing elementary school in the district to being recognized for its best practices, academic gains, and even becoming a California Exemplary Arts Education School. In their presentation at the conference, staff will unpack how systems around instructional design, data analytics, intervention, staff/parent communication, clear expectations, and strong relationships all contributed to the turnaround of this school. The team will share its strategies and procedures for increasing student achievement and building and sustaining a positive school culture among staff, students, and families. Topics include rigorous work, interdisciplinary instruction, integration of social-emotional learning, enrichment opportunities through partnerships, and more.

“Model Schools are passionate about kids—and their educators are persistent about creating effective learning environments to benefit the students and communities they serve,” says Dr. Linda Lucey, Program Chair and ICLE Associate Partner. “Each of the 2023 Model Schools is proud to share its story of perseverance and strategies others can take away and make their own.”

"Staff, students, and families are extremely proud of Washington Elementary for being recognized as a Model School. We are dedicated to fostering a learning environment where students feel challenged, supported, inspired, and are exposed to a plethora of opportunities to help develop them as a whole person. Washington is the true definition of a team whose top priority is the success of our students and the success of one another. We look forward to sharing our best practices with fellow educators from across the nation at the Model Schools Conference and to have the opportunity to showcase why this school is such as special place." Alicia Weyeneth, Principal

“We are honored to be sharing our practices and story of transformation as a nationally recognized Model School. Washington Elementary exemplifies what is possible when you center students and establish a culture of high expectations. For some, this may seem surprising, but for us, we know that it is a product of hard work, commitment and a belief in our students, families and staff. On behalf of the CUSD Board of Trustees and the Compton Unified School District, we congratulate Principal Weyeneth and are exceedingly proud of her for leading such a transformation.” CUSD Board of Trustees President, Charles Davis.

“A passion for learning is what makes the Model Schools Conference a celebration for educators,” says Dr. Lucey. “The energy attendees bring to the conference—as well as the concrete and tangible strategies they learn from others—inspires impactful student learning."

The International Center for Leadership in Education is a division of the learning company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

To learn more about the 31st Annual Model Schools Conference, please visit ModelSchoolsConference.com.

About the International Center for Leadership in Education

The International Center for Leadership in Education, established in 1991, is one of the most influential education consulting companies in America. It is best known for identifying and disseminating successful practices to assist all students in achieving higher standards. The leadership team and consultants at ICLE have assisted numerous state education agencies and hundreds of schools and districts in their improvement initiatives. For more information, please visit www.hmhco.com/ICLE.

Contact: Alicia Weyeneth, Principal
Phone: 310-898-6390
E-Mail: aweyeneth@compton.k12.ca.us