UCLA Community School: Celebrating Language, Culture, and Community

Language and culture are central to learning and human development, as they shape the ways in which people all learn and grow together. Individuals learn as members of a community that values their participation and is respectful, productive, and inclusive. This report tells the story of the UCLA Community School (UCLA-CS), a public school in central Los Angeles. This report draws from a portfolio of research-practice partnerships at UCLA-CS, and it documents the norms, structures, and practices present on campus. By providing practitioners with an example of a community school that prioritizes the needs of students in immigrant communities, this report demonstrates an approach that can serve all students. The study of UCLA-CS indicates that the following six key practices at the school contribute to its success. UCLA Community School: (1) Knows and builds on a community's history, assets, and culture; (2) Develops and articulates desired core competencies for students; (3) Nurtures shared leadership and collective agency; (4) Creates space for collaborative inquiry, professional autonomy, and teacher development; (5) Uses data and stories to elevate the school's vision and track progress; and (6) Affirms the important role that everyone plays in a community school.