BEST ACADEMIC PRACTICE SCHOOLS (8) PRESENTATION -NORTH CAROLINA OCT 5 2026

Eastern Wayne Elementary, Wintergreen Intermediate, School John R. Griffin Middle School, Wakelon Elementary School, Kimmel Farm Elementary School, Paw Creek Elementary School, Sherrils Ford Elementary School, Macon County Schools (District) Best Academic Practice Models for Black Students In Government Public Schools Effective academic practice models for Black students are grounded in equality, equity, cultural responsiveness, high expectations, and supportive school climates. These models do more than address achievement gaps; they create learning environments where Black students are academically challenged, culturally affirmed, socially supported, and consistently connected to opportunities for advanced learning and leadership. Key Academic and Leadership Frameworks • Culturally Responsive School Leadership: Strong school models explicitly acknowledge race, examine how policies and practices affect Black students, and reject race-evasive approaches that ignore inequities. Leaders build a collectivist school culture by engaging students, families, educators, and community partners in shared responsibility for academic success. • Proficiency and Achievement Spotlighting: Academic success should be measured and celebrated through transparent indicators such as reading proficiency, math proficiency, grade-level performance, access to rigorous coursework, and grade point averages. Models that highlight schools where Black students demonstrate strong academic outcomes help identify practices that can be studied, replicated, and scaled. • Comprehensive Student Support Plans: High-impact models provide layered support through academic counselors, social workers, mental health professionals, climate and culture advocates, and intervention teams. These supports are most effective when they are embedded directly in schools serving large populations of Black students and are connected to clear academic goals. Core Classroom and School Practices • High-Expectations Messaging: Schools should communicate the belief that Black students are capable of excelling in rigorous academic settings. This includes expanding access to gifted programs, honors classes, Advanced Placement courses, enrichment opportunities, and college and career pathways rather than limiting students through low expectations or tracking. • Inclusive and Affirming Curriculum: Curriculum should reflect the histories, literature, scientific contributions, cultural achievements, and leadership of Black people across subject areas. Representation should not be limited to isolated heritage months; it should be integrated throughout the school year in ways that strengthen identity, relevance, and academic engagement. • Restorative and Relationship-Centered Practices: Schools can reduce exclusionary discipline by replacing overly punitive responses with restorative justice, conflict resolution, mediation, community circles, and relationship-building practices. These approaches help students remain connected to instruction while developing accountability, communication, and problem-solving skills. • Diverse Leadership and Staffing: Recruiting, mentoring, and retaining Black teachers, counselors, school leaders, and district administrators strengthens representation and trust. Diverse staffing also supports culturally informed decision-making and gives students access to role models who can affirm their potential and lived experiences. Family and Community Engagement • Shared Governance: Families and community organizations should be included as meaningful decision-makers in school improvement planning, budget priorities, curriculum review, discipline policies, and accountability structures. Shared governance helps ensure that school decisions reflect the needs, experiences, and aspirations of Black students and families. • Empowered Student Advisories: Schools can strengthen belonging and academic focus by supporting Black Student Unions, culturally focused advisory periods, mentorship groups, and leadership cohorts. These spaces can promote cultural pride, peer connection, academic monitoring, goal setting, and student voice. • Community-Based Partnerships: Partnerships with local colleges, faith-based organizations, civic groups, cultural institutions, and professional networks can expand tutoring, mentoring, internships, college preparation, career exposure, and family support services. When implemented together, these practices create a schoolwide model that combines academic rigor with cultural affirmation, student support, restorative relationships, and authentic family partnership. The goal is not only to improve proficiency outcomes, but also to ensure that Black students experience school as a place where they are valued, challenged, protected, and prepared for long-term success.