In a small school, each student is noticed, and each student
matters. Students can get to know their peers and teachers on a
more personal level. Teachers work together in teams. In the
Sacramento City Unified School District, students, teachers,
parents, administrators, and community members are restructuring
large schools into Small Learning Communities as part of the e21
program. These SLCs are organized around career themes. By
combining academic instruction with work based learning
opportunities and career information, the SLC’s will connect
students to their adult lives. Small Learning Community projects
have led education improvement successes in school districts
all over California and the United States. The results of these
programs are dramatic, including lower drop out rates,
improved test scores, and happier, involved students.