Improvement Projects

Improvement Projects are designed to strengthen systems and close achievement gaps through a collaborative, data-driven process. FCSS partners with local educational agencies (LEAs) identified for Differentiated Assistance (DA) as part of California’s System of Support, and LEAs with schools identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), using Improvement Science to guide deep inquiry into student outcomes and system-level challenges. Improvement journeys can take many forms: an individual district or charter journey, a Networked Improvement Community (NIC), or a Breakthrough Series Collaborative, each grounded in cycles of learning and continuous growth. By identifying root causes and co-developing scalable strategies, these projects help build lasting capacity within districts. Through this approach, FCSS and LEAs work together to ensure every student has access to a high-quality, equitable education.

Student Empowerment 

Improvement Projects are designed to strengthen systems and close achievement gaps through a collaborative, data-driven process. FCSS partners with local educational agencies (LEAs) identified for Differentiated Assistance (DA) as part of California’s System of Support, and LEAs with schools identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), using Improvement Science to guide deep inquiry into student outcomes and system-level challenges. Improvement journeys can take many forms: an individual district or charter journey, a Networked Improvement Community (NIC), or a Breakthrough Series Collaborative, each grounded in cycles of learning and continuous growth. By identifying root causes and co-developing scalable strategies, these projects help build lasting capacity within districts. Through this approach, FCSS and LEAs work together to ensure every student has access to a high-quality, equitable education.

Student Empowerment places students at the center of educational transformation by actively engaging them in leadership, advocacy, and decision-making. FCSS supports students as partners in improvement, encouraging them to use data, share their lived experiences, and help shape more inclusive and effective school systems. Some examples of current student empowerment projects are:

• Student Advisory Council: provides a platform for students to influence local education efforts and become change agents.
• Student Leadership Conference: committed to building student voice, self-advocacy, and confidence.
• The LEAD Pathway: developed in partnership with Fresno State and Bulldog Bound, offers a structured college-going experience that guarantees admission to Fresno State for students who successfully complete the pathway.

Together, these efforts foster empowered students who are equipped to lead in their schools, communities, and beyond.

TEACH Pathway

TEACH Pathway is focused on building more equitable and representative education systems. FCSS is committed to increasing the diversity of the educator workforce through initiatives like the Teachers of Color Pipeline, which supports the recruitment and development of underrepresented candidates. By addressing barriers to access and providing intentional support, this work fosters inclusive practices and cultural responsiveness across schools. The approach integrates cultural competency, recognizing that progress requires both structural shifts and a deep commitment to equity at every level of the system.

Program Evaluation

The Continuous Improvement team offers program evaluation services to community organizations and agencies serving youth, helping them analyze data, understand their systems, and develop a clear theory for improvement.  Partners are also able to access the CI team in support of the implementation of their theory.   FCSS supports partners translate insights into action, improving outcomes and strengthening impact across Fresno County.