Networks > African American Student Success
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Network Driver
Network Driver
Dr. Ashley Benjamin
Director, Curriculum & Instruction
abenjamin@smmusd.org
By The Numbers
By The Numbers
Enrollment: 8,623
English Learners: 5.8%
SWD: 14.8%
SED: 31.1%
African American: 6.5%
Problem of Practice
Problem of Practice
With a small African American student population, the SMMUSD team have identified a need to increase a sense of belonging among these students as their problem of practice.
Our Strategies
Our Strategies
Deepening data analysis: We are disaggregating our data to better understand patterns and trends for our Black students.
Gathering student input: We are developing processes and protocols to collect meaningful feedback from Black students to help refine student supports.
Engaging students in decision-making: We are creating opportunities for students to contribute to instructional decision-making.
Desired Student Outcomes
Desired Student Outcomes
Increasing a sense of belonging for African American students
Decreasing period truancy
Improving attendance rates
Why we joined the Network
Why we joined the Network
We joined the African American Student Success Network (AASSN) in late 2025 after examining student data that showed African American students reporting a lower sense of belonging. This pattern was also reflected in higher rates of truancy in certain classes, lower overall attendance, and higher rates of failing grades.
Selected Data
Selected Data
Learn more about our Networks
Learn more about our Networks
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