Case Studies
**Austin, J., Schwartz, R., & Suesse, J. (2004, June). Long Beach Unified School District (A): Change That Leads to Improvement (1992-2002). (PEL-006). Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Publishing. Available at http://pelp.fas.harvard.edu/files/hbs-test/files/pel006p2.pdf?m=1441050956
This case study examines changes that occurred in Long Beach under the leadership of Superintendent Carl Cohn. It documents various reforms, such as changes in governance, the implementation of a mandatory uniform policy, and the development of instructional standards. Additionally, it chronicles changes in the central office, including the expansion of the research and special education departments.
**Austin, J., Schwartz, R., & Suesse, J. (2004, Sept). Long Beach Unified School District (B): Working to Sustain Improvement (2002-2004). (PEL-007). Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Publishing. Available at http://pelp.fas.harvard.edu/files/hbs-test/files/pel007p2.pdf?m=1441050930
This case study presents a more recent historical account of Long Beach Unified School District. It details the evolution of leadership within the district, including the selection of Chris Steinhauser, reviews challenges faced by the district, and examines ongoing instructional reforms. It closes with reflections about the current administration, drawing comparisons with previous district leaders.
**Austin, J., Grossman, A., Schwartz, R., & Suesse, J. (2006, August). Managing at Scale in Long Beach Unified School District. (PEL-041). Boston, MA: Public Education Leadership Project at Harvard University. Available at http://www.aypf.org/documents/ManagingAtScaleLongBeach2.pdf
In this case study, the authors provide an in-depth review of Long Beach Unified School District. They first outline the district's structure and organizational focus, reviewing student achievement and budget trends. The authors also interview several principals and three district supervisors. These interviews provide key details regarding the philosophy, goals, and management style of Long Beach Unified.
Long Beach Unified Overview
- Long Beach Unified School District Mission Statement. Available at http://www.broadprize.org/asset/913-missionstatmntdist.pdf
- Power Point presentation for the 2007 Broad Prize Site Visit. Not available online.
- Long Beach Unified Organization Chart 2006-07. Not available online.
- List of Schools and Configuration. Not available online.
Long Beach Unified Demographics and Achievement
- District Enrollment Data. Available at http://dq.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/
- District Demographic Data. Available at http://dq.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/
- Teacher Certification and Degree Information (provided for the 2007 Broad Prize visit). Not available online.
- 2006 API, AYP, and Program Improvement information. Available at http://dq.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/
- CAHSEE Passing Rates (provided for the 2007 Broad Prize visit). Not available online.
**This document is considered a priority reading.