Los Angeles Unified School District
Leading Educators is partnering with Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to strengthen math instruction across 20+ schools over four years as educators work to implement Illustrative Mathematics (IM) and ensure all students experience knowledge-rich math instruction.
Math allows us to make sense of our world. When we help students see the power and joy in mathematics—not just the steps—they can use math knowledge and problem-solving skills to build the lives they dream about.
About the Partnership
Helping Teachers Center Students in Learning
Los Angeles Unified School District wants all students to identify as mathematicians, see the beauty and joy in mathematics, and use their math knowledge and skills as tools for empowerment and liberation.
Over the past three years, Leading Educators has provided direct support to 20+ schools across LAUSD’s Regions, North and West, to strengthen Illustrative Mathematics (IM) implementation. This collaboration has focused on ongoing professional learning, coaching, classroom observations, and strategic advising, with a focus on creating sustainable, systemic improvements.
Our ongoing partnership aims to drive the following outcomes:
- Improved systems and school conditions that support student success
- Increased coherence across schools and stakeholders
- Enhanced teacher knowledge and instructional capacity
- Positive growth in students’ daily math experiences and outcomes
Illustrative Mathematics takes a problem-based approach to math, which requires a shift in how teachers teach. Thus, we design ongoing learning to help teachers and leaders internalize and practice what makes IM effective.
Building the system & New Habits
Building upon LAUSD’s PDSA Cycles (Plan-Do-Study-Act), we have structured our support around continuous improvement. This process will continue to serve as a model, especially in developing instructional coaches and leaders. In the 2024-2025 school year, an intentional focus on coaching will further strengthen coaches’ knowledge of research-based math instruction and coaching strategies to support teachers in delivering high-quality math lessons.
Coaches engage in relevant, reflective professional learning sessions that spark discussions, support practice, and offer opportunities for progress monitoring. By gathering feedback from each session, Leading Educators works to continuously refine and improve our approach, ensuring it remains responsive to the needs of LAUSD educators.
The first two years of partnership set up leaders for success curriculum implementation. In our third year, the focal point is on planning for sustainability.
District leaders, school leaders, and math ILTs are actively engaged in building their knowledge of Illustrative Mathematics (IM). The emphasis is placed on three key areas: planning, curricular resources, and instructional routines.
Professional learning sessions are specifically designed for leaders with the ultimate goal of equipping them to effectively deliver this knowledge to teachers.
Creating sustainable structures for Professional Learning through an aligned continuous improvement cycle. (PDSA Cycles)
Intensifying our efforts to develop instructional coaches and leaders, equipping them with research-based pedagogical practices and coaching strategies to enhance math instruction across the district.
Partnership by the Numbers
19 schools
have adopted Illustrative Mathematics in the first year.
15,000+ students
are experiencing problem-based math rooted in Illustrative Mathematics materials.
627+ teachers
are using Illustrative Mathematics materials to plan challenging lessons.
90% of principals
have developed a plan to support their staff in transitioning to IM.
Looking Ahead
As our partnership enters its final year in 2023-24, LAUSD is committed to ensuring the sustainability of the IM implementation beyond the grant’s conclusion. The upcoming year will concentrate on consolidating and strengthening systems to guarantee that LAUSD remains firmly positioned to maintain the momentum of IM implementation, maintaining the focus on empowering educators and advancing math education.
Meet the Team
Dr. Lakita D. McKinney
Monique Wright
George Werres
Ginny James
Kristina Rubio
About Dr. Lakita D. McKinney
Before joining Leading Educators, Lakita was the Senior Director at Leading Elephants where she provided support for leaders through individual and group executive coaching, the design and facilitation of adult learning experiences, and customized organizational consulting. She previously served as the Senior Director of Leadership Development for the Tennessee Department of Education in the Human Capital Division and redesigned the leadership academy for new principals and assistant principals. She also previously served as New Leaders’ Executive Director for the Midwest Region where she provided strategic direction and program development input to support districts in addressing leadership development needs. Lakita began her career teaching in Chicago Public Schools and went on to successfully execute the start of a new contract school in Chicago.
Lakita holds a Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College; two Master’s degrees, one in Curriculum & Instruction and the other in Administration & Supervision. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Florida A&M University. Lakita enjoys spending quality time with her family in Naperville, IL. She loves to travel and is a self-proclaimed foodie.
Dr. Lakita D. McKinney in the news
About Monique Wright
Before joining Leading Educators, Monique has worked for charter management and non-profit organizations as a teacher, school leader, and effectiveness coach.
Monique is a Teach For America alumna and has earned a B.A. from Temple University and a M.S. in Teaching and Early Childhood Leadership from Pace University and Bank Street College of Education. Monique lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and three children. In between family dance parties, Monique loves indoor cycling and cooking new recipes.
About George Werres
Prior to joining the LE staff, he worked at Teach for America training and supporting instructional coaches and corps members. During his 12 years in the classroom, he spent the majority of his time teaching 3rd and 4th grade, and he spent multiple years as a Director of Curriculum and Instruction supporting grades 3-8. LE has a special place in his heart, as he was also a member of LE’s 2012 Cohort.
George has a Masters in Elementary Education and BS in Psychology from Indiana University. He lives in New Orleans and is active in multiple Stonewall Sports leagues. He enjoys playing video games and walking his dog, Rex, on the bayou.
George Werres in the news
About Ginny James
Before joining Leading Educators, Ginny worked as the Special Education Manager for KIPP SoCal, supporting teachers to provide inclusive, strengths-based instruction for students in both general and special education settings. She started her career as a teacher at the University of Chicago Charter School serving students with various learning needs. She then worked as an Instructional Coach for the Academy of Urban School Leadership coaching and providing professional learning to teachers within the Chicago Public School district.
Ginny holds a Masters Degree in Childhood and Special Education from New York University. She currently lives in Long Beach, CA where she and her husband share their love of travel, sports, and food with their 2 daughters.
About Kristina Rubio
Previously, Kristina served the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles on behalf of the American Cancer Society via Relay for Life events where she empowered volunteers to engage with their communities to continue the fight against cancer. Additionally, she led the planning and execution of special events for the Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Kristina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tennessee and a Masters of Education in College Student Personnel Administration from James Madison University. She currently resides in Los Angeles where she can typically be found working on her yoga practice, trying to find the best breakfast burrito around, and planning which part of the world to explore next.
Learn About Other Partnerships
LAUSD is just one of a dozen partnerships across the country that are pushing the boundaries of what schools can offer students. Learn more about how we customize our supports to meet the needs and strengths of visionary districts.
