San Bernardino City USD wins Golden Bell award

San Bernardino City Unified School District has received a Golden Bell Award in the Special Education category. The award, given out by the California School Boards Association, recognized the district’s Securing Independence: The Basics Curriculum Framework.

The Basics Curriculum Framework, developed by San Bernardino City USD in 2002, addresses the unique educational needs of students in the Moderate/Severe Special Education program. Initiated by teachers seeking better alternatives, the framework integrates academic and life skills across five domains: functional academic, vocational, community, domestic, and recreation and leisure. It aims to foster independence, self-advocacy and overall quality of life for our students with moderate and severe disabilities.

The California School Boards Association’s Golden Bell Awards program promotes excellence in education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices of school boards in school districts and county offices of education throughout California. The Golden Bell Awards reflect the depth and breadth of education programs and governance decisions supporting these programs that are necessary to address students’ changing needs.

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the San Bernardino California School Boards Association recognized San Bernardino City USD and the other seven winners throughout the county during their annual meeting in February.

“We are incredibly proud of the exceptional programs our districts are creating throughout the County,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “From STEM education and the Arts to afterschool programs and wellness, this year’s award-winning programs are transforming lives through education.”