Over the past seven years United To Learn has created a program to provide a relationship between 27 elementary schools located in the area known as the Northwest Cluster of Dallas ISD and community partners (i.e., private schools, faith-based organizations and businesses) working together “to accelerate student achievement, develop purposeful leaders and create a united and thriving community.”
The program has “focused on four research-driven and Dallas ISD-aligned pillars:
- Improve elementary schools’ social emotional health
- Create more aspirational campus environments
- Support greater literacy student achievement
- Develop an informed community empowered to advocate for education equity from a culturally competent perspective.”
It’s been so successful that Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa stated, “United to Learn’s unique approach serves as an outstanding model in how to best support our students and schools. The way United to Learn staff mobilize volunteers, businesses and community partners boosts student achievement and helps improve campuses in a way that aligns with our district vision and priorities.”
Such success has resulted in news that United To Learn is adding 25 new elementary schools to its program.
According to United To Learn Board Chair Dave Monaco, “After continued requests from Executive Directors to the Superintendent’s office across the District, our team embarked on a strategic plan to evaluate the possibility of expanding our efforts. Thanks to general encouragement from the broader community, I am pleased that United to Learn will be expanding our campus partnerships citywide.”
In addition to the expansion of schools, United To Learn has added the following people to its boards:
- Board of directors — Dr. Pamela Lear and Miguel Solis
- Advisory Board — Dr. Joan Hill, Sophia Johnson, Ben Leal, Byron Sanders, Dottie Smith and Dawne Tribolet
* Graphic and photo courtesy of United To Learn