Cibola High School

Demographics

Percentage of students*

Why Cibola High School was nominated

For the past four years, Cibola High School, one of six high schools in Yuma Union High School district, has been reimagining education by putting systems in place to support learner-centered practices. Key in the shift is a focus on mastery learning and an expectation of student success – no matter what it takes. Three years ago, a small group of teachers and the principal began studying and applying standards-based grading principles. Today, over 60 percent of the staff participate. The shift has evolved into equitable systems of grading and assessment across the campus, resulting in student agency and ownership of the learning. Students know the vision is for them to attain the highest level of proficiency/mastery. If they don’t succeed on the first attempt, they’ll have choice and opportunity to reassess. The staff believes that all students can succeed, and they insist on rigor by not allowing them to fail. Students own their learning and share their data with parents in regular emails. Collaboration, project-based learning, and flexible seating environment enable learners to flourish academically. Developing leadership and ensuring voice are critical at Cibola. The Courtesy Corps of student leaders in each classroom greet visitors and explain the focus of the day’s learning. Administration ensures student voice shapes the school culture. For example, a student focus group will roll out the new Portrait of a Graduate to the student body and provide ideas on systems to embed the POG in Cibola daily life. Adult agency has grown from teachers learning from teachers (TLFT). Teachers lead professional learning opportunities, participate in peer-to-peer classroom observations and feedback loops, and choose their personal learning pathways to grow their practice. Leaders provide time and support for the adult learning; as a result, teachers completed 82 digital PCBL learning modules in November. The Culture and Climate at Cibola High School has purposefully shifted. Staff believes that all students can succeed, and the focus is on developing the “whole student”, with student growth being the priority.

Student experience design

A Culture of Learner Agency. At Cibola High School, teachers are empowered to design learning opportunities and experiences that impact the “whole student.” Instruction is aligned to the standards with equitable assessment and grading practices. Teachers are given autonomy and highly encouraged to take risks, learn from each other, and share instructional strategies that support learner-centered practices. Flexible learning environments encourage our students to have a voice in the learning process, collaborate with peers, and own their learning by choosing the learning resources, asking questions, managing progress, and determining whether or not they’ve mastered the standards. At Cibola High School, students have become active participants in supporting the implementation of our Portrait of a Graduate by breaking down the key attributes and competencies in student-led staff development workshops. Furthermore, students often play critical roles in providing community tours of our school, showcasing the various ways in which staff and students work together to prepare all students for life after high school.

Core Practices

Core Practices	Length of Use
Advancement On Mastery	3-4 years
Competency/mastery-based Education	3-4 years
Grading Policies Focus On Mastery	3-4 years
Individual Learning Paths	3-4 years
Project-based Learning	3-4 years

All Practices

Student Advisories

Assessments For Deeper Learning

Blended Learning

Career Prep And Work-based Learning

Co-leadership

Community And Business Partnerships

Family And Community Support Services

Disaggregated Data On Student Participation

Early College High School

Extended Learning Opportunities

Flexible Staffing & Alternative Teaching Roles

Hiring For Equity And Inclusion Values

All Courses Designed For Inclusion

Students Earn Industry Credentials

Interdisciplinary

Mental Health Services

Multi-age Classrooms

No Tracked Classes

Multiple Opportunities To Demonstrate Mastery

Peer To Peer Support

Performance Based Assessment

SEL Integration School-wide

Students Access Their Own Data

Self-paced Learning

Students Develop Projects

Trauma-informed Practices

Tutoring

key reasons for innovating

Artifacts

Portrait/Profile of a Graduate Resource 2023 - 1