This video is available as a NAESPA membership benefit or for a limited time as a conference attendee.
|
60 :
58
Strengthening Instruction Through Shared Practice: How PLCs Drove Gains in CA District
This presentation shares how Santa Maria-Bonita School District (SMBSD) redesigned Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to foster a community dedicated to improving student learning through instructional growth using VITAL Collaboration. VITAL PLCs serve as engines of improvement by making teaching practice visible and embedding feedback into teaching and learning cycles. In these cycles teachers analyze lessons, observe instruction, examine student work, and adjust practice in response to evidence. Teams strengthen their collective expertise and build the conditions for sustained instructional improvement, leading to improved outcomes for students. In SMBSD, educators report gains in collaborative practices, instructional improvement, and morale. In addition, ELA CAASPP show a 1.7 percentage point increase in proficiency and percentage of students meeting their reading growth targets on the NWEA MAP GROWTH increased from 46.0% to 51.3% after one year of implementation.
This talk was presented at:
2026 National ESEA Conference
February 2026
in
Denver, CO
For more information:
https://vital.wested.org/
Speakers
Katie Salcido
As Director of Teaching and Learning in a TK–8 district serving 17,500 students—60% of whom are English Learners—Dr. Salcido has led efforts to strengthen literacy instruction through high-functioning PLCs. Over the past two years, she has overseen implementation at over half the district’s schools, with a focus on improving literacy outcomes for Multilingual Learners. This work has been supported by two years of LETRS training in early grades, deepening educators’ understanding of the science of reading and equipping them with effective, research-based practices. The district remains committed to collaborative learning, data-informed instruction, and equity-focused approaches to ensure strong literacy foundations for all students.
Melissa Strand
Melissa co-leads WestEd’s VITAL Collaboration initiative, helping schools and districts use PLCs to strengthen instruction, deepen collaborative inquiry, and improve student learning through shared leadership and evidence-based practices.
Niccole Wiseman
In my role as Director for School Support in a TK-8 district serving 17,500 students across 21 school sites (60% English Learners), I have supported district efforts through support and coaching of site leadership to strengthen literacy instruction through high functioning Professional Learning Communities. Over the past two years in partnership with West Ed, we have implemented the VITAL PLC model at 13 sites with all 21 sites being involved in this work for the 25-26 school year. Over the past 5 years, we've had a strong focus on collaborative learning focused on high quality first instruction. We continue to focus on being data informed with equity driven approaches to ensure strong literacy foundations for all students.
ESEA Network
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators is dedicated to building the capacity of education professionals to provide disadvantaged children with a high quality education. Their ESEA Network website provides a host of resources to educators at all levels.
Connect With Us
 |
 |
 |
 |
Contact Us
admin@eseanetwork.org | 800-256-6452
532 North Franklin Street | Fort Bragg, CA 95437
About Us
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (formerly the National Title I Association) is dedicated to building the capacity of education professionals to provide disadvantaged children with a high quality education. Their ESEA Network website provides a host of resources to educators at all levels.
Connect with Us
|
|
|
|
