When the Val Verde Unified School District (VVUSD) looked at the data on their suspension rates, the numbers were not where they needed to be compared to state and county averages. In 2019, VVUSD's California School Dashboard displayed a suspension rate of nearly 5% which was represented by "orange" on the Dashboard with several student groups over 10% with “red” and “orange” performance levels.

As a result, a dedicated team of educators decided to develop a new program targeted at addressing this challenge. Enter, the VVUSD RISE (Restorative Interventions Supporting Empowerment) Program.

The innovative solution not only takes into account the effect of suspension on the student’s mindset and motivation to return to school, but also the impact of the suspension on the parents and their family dynamic. The program incorporates methods to help students make better decisions that might prevent suspensions, and even includes home visits with targeted resources and proposed solutions.

On the 2023 California School Dashboard, VVUSD reduced suspensions to a 3.5% rate which was represented by "green" on the Dashboard, with no student groups with a "red" performance level.

In this episode of LCAP Live!, the spotlight shines on the RISE team, and students who are supported by the program that is lowering suspension rates and increasing attendance.

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