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Berkeley Unified School District — Policy Analysis 2026

Berkeley, CA · https://www.berkeleyschools.net/
Grand Total
92 / 106
86.8%
Base Score
83 / 96
Extra Credit
9 / 10

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Score by Section

SectionScoreMaxNotes
Culturally Responsive Training48Notes
Clear & Consistent Policies68Notes
Restorative Justice Practices78Notes
Bias Awareness & Mitigation68Notes
Culturally Relevant Curriculum88Notes
Community Engagement & Collaboration88Notes
Professional Development on Equity & Inclusion68Notes
Mental Health & Trauma-Informed Practices78Notes
Data Collection & Analysis88Notes
Student Voice & Leadership78Notes
Equitable Access to Support Services88Notes
Continuous Evaluation & Improvement88Notes
Extra Credit910Notes

Suggestions to Improve the Score

Every item below its maximum, worst gap first, with the reviewer's own notes as the rationale.

Show suggestions (12)
  • 1.4 [Culturally Responsive Training]: Regular feedback/measurement on training effectiveness — Currently: Not Implemented (0/2 pts). No public documentation was found of a formal process to measure or collect feedback on the effectiveness of cultural competency/equity trainings.
  • 7.4 [Professional Development on Equity & Inclusion]: Participation in equity-focused conferences — Currently: Not Implemented (0/2 pts). No public documentation was found confirming district-sponsored or funded staff participation in external equity-focused conferences.
  • 1.1 [Culturally Responsive Training]: Mandatory cultural competency training for all staff — Currently: In-work (1/2 pts). A past 3-day cultural competency course was offered to all teachers but not all classified staff, and LCAP actions reference 'teacher and principal participation in cultural competency training,' but no evidence confirms a current mandatory, district-wide training for all staff. Recent state findings (Sept 2025) also prompted the district to add more antisemitism-related staff training…
  • 1.3 [Culturally Responsive Training]: Culturally relevant PD resources in staff learning — Currently: In-work (1/2 pts). The district maintains a webpage of curated readings/PDFs on culturally and linguistically responsive teaching, but it is a static resource list rather than confirmed structured/mandatory PD.
  • 2.3 [Clear & Consistent Policies]: Staff training on consistent application — Currently: In-work (1/2 pts). The Positive Behavior Matrix instructs administrators to weigh several factors for consistent, equitable application, and PD days have included crisis-response and behavior-related trainings, but no district-wide mandatory training specifically on consistent code-of-conduct application was confirmed.
  • 2.4 [Clear & Consistent Policies]: Centralized documentation of incidents/outcomes — Currently: In-work (1/2 pts). Classified staff are trained on the Illuminate Student Information portal used for attendance/grades/data, and the district issues Data Newsletters with suspension data, suggesting a centralized system, though a dedicated 'incident and outcome' documentation system was not explicitly confirmed.
  • 3.4 [Restorative Justice Practices]: Peer mediation program — Currently: In-work (1/2 pts). The district's RJ program describes building student capacity to co-facilitate restorative circles, and Berkeley Law's Community Restorative Justice Project supports RJ as an alternative to suspension at Berkeley High, but a fully independent, formal peer-mediation program was not clearly confirmed as district-wide.
  • 4.1 [Bias Awareness & Mitigation]: Implicit bias training for staff — Currently: In-work (1/2 pts). A secondary source states the district trains staff in 'eliminating biases during instruction' as part of Equity PD, and LCAP funds cultural competency training, but no evidence confirms mandatory, recurring implicit-bias training for all staff.
  • 4.3 [Bias Awareness & Mitigation]: Cultural competence checks in hiring — Currently: In-work (1/2 pts). HR's stated vision is to 'recruit, hire, develop, support, and retain the most qualified and culturally competent staff,' but no specific hiring rubric, bias-check, or interview protocol was found to confirm a formal cultural-competence screening step.
  • 8.3 [Mental Health & Trauma-Informed Practices]: Trauma-informed staff training — Currently: In-work (1/2 pts). BUSD piloted Trauma Informed Systems and Trauma Informed Care training for educators at select elementary, middle, and preschool sites via city-funded grants, but evidence indicates this was a multi-school pilot rather than a confirmed mandatory district-wide program.
  • 10.3 [Student Voice & Leadership]: Students facilitate restorative processes — Currently: In-work (1/2 pts). The district states it is building student capacity to co-facilitate restorative circles alongside staff, but clear, independent evidence of students formally facilitating full restorative conferences district-wide was not found.
  • EC5 [Extra Credit]: Two student directors seated on the BUSD Board of Education (from Berkeley High School and Berkeley Technology Academy), giving students a formal voice in district governance beyond typical advisory roles. — Currently: In-work (1/2 pts). Uncommon structural inclusion of student voice directly in board governance, though student directors' voting/formal powers are limited by state law.

Source Documents Used

Show source documents (94)
DocumentDateLocal CopySource
AB-1919 Pupil discipline: suspension: restorative justice practices (California Legislature)2026Open filehttps://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1919
BUSD Student Code of Conduct - Assuring a Safe Place to Learn2023-07-11Open filehttps://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1751608489/berkleyschoolsorg/dcl8hecgurvtdkpwx0ik/student_code_of_conduct.pdf
CDE Restorative Practices and School Discipline (School Environment)2026Open filehttps://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/se/restorativepractices.asp
Strategic Plan Lcap Community Engagement Events January 2024 Eventos De Involucramiento Comunitario Enero 2024 Plan Estrategico Y Lcap2024-01-08Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2023/12/strategic-plan-lcap-community-engagement-events-january-2024-eventos-de-involucramiento-comunitario-enero-2024-plan-estrategico-y-lcap/
BUSD Student Services Department page (discipline alternatives, behavioral supports)2026-01-13Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/student-services/
BUSD Board Policy 5144.3 - Expulsion2016-06-29Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BP-5144.3-Expulsion-.pdf
BUSD Restorative Justice Program (Teaching and Learning)2015-10-20Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/teaching-and-learning/restorative-justice/
Director Of Student Services Honored By Seeds For Work In Restorative Justice2018-07-09Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2013/11/director-of-student-services-honored-by-seeds-for-work-in-restorative-justice/
2024-2025: English | Español 2023-2024: English | Español 2022-2023: English | Español 2021-2022: English | Español 20202024-07-30Open filehttp://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-2025-BUSD-Parent–Student-Handbook-English.pdf
2024-2025: English | Español 2023-2024: English | Español 2022-2023: English | Español 2021-2022: English | Español 20202023-08-14Open filehttp://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2023-2024-BUSD-Parent–Student-Handbook-revised-1.pdf
2024-2025: English | Español 2023-2024: English | Español 2022-2023: English | Español 2021-2022: English | Español 20202021-08-05Open filehttp://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-22-BUSD-Parent–Student-Handbook.pdf
2024-2025: English | Español 2023-2024: English | Español 2022-2023: English | Español 2021-2022: English | Español 20202015-09-18Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Parent-Student-Handbook-2015-2016.pdf
2025-2026: English | Espanol2025-08-18Open filehttp://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-2026-BUSD-Parent-Student-Handbook-English-FINAL-August-2025-Revision-3.pdf
African American Success Framework: Academic Year Three in Review2025-06-18Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/BUSD-AASF-Yr3-At-A-Glance-v3.pdf
Berkeley Unified 2025 LCAP (LCFF Budget Overview for Parents)2025-06-13Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Berkeley-Unified-2025-LCAP-061325-1.pdf
Board Policy2021-02-19Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Anti-Bullying-BP-5131.2.pdf
BUSD 2022-23 Positive Behavior Matrix, Secondary Grades 6-122022-08-03Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2022-23-BUSD-Positive-Behavior-Matrix-SECONDARY-GRADES-6-12-revised-8.2.22.pdf
BUSD 2024-2027 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)2024-06-14Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-2027-BUSD-LCAP.pdf
BUSD 2024-25 Local Performance Indicator Self-Reflection (LCAP Local Indicators)2024-06-04Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BUSD-2024-LCAP-Local-Indicators.pdf
BUSD 2025-26 Positive Behavior Matrix, Secondary Grades 6-122025-08-15Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-26-BUSD-Positive-Behavior-Matrix-SECONDARY-GRADES-6-12-revised-7-2025.pdf
BUSD Data Newsletter Fall 2025 (Suspension/Graduation Data by Subgroup)2025-10-01Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Copy-of-BHS-Data-Newsletter-Fall-2025.pdf
BUSD Reparations Task Force Report and Recommendations2024-06-05Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BUSD-Reparations-Task-Force-Report-and-Recommendations-proposed-final.pdf
Español2024-07-30Open filehttp://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-2025-BUSD-Parent–Student-HANDBOOK_SPANISH.pdf
Español2022-08-25Open filehttp://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2023-24-BUSD-Parent–Student-HANDBOOK_SPANISH-revised-1.pdf
Español2022-05-03Open filehttp://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2021-22-BUSD-Parent–Student-HANDBOOK_SPANISH.docx.pdf
Español2015-09-29Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Parent-Student-Handbook-2015-2016-Spanish.pdf
Parent-Student Handbook (English)2023-08-14Open filehttp://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-2024-BUSD-Parent%E2%80%93Student-Handbook-English.pdf
Parent-Student Handbook (Spanish)2023-08-15Open filehttp://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-2024-BUSD-Parent%E2%80%93Student-Handbook-Spanish.pdf
Share the Event PDF2022-01-12Open filehttp://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/AASF-January-Flyer_community-engagement_part-1.pdf
View a PDF of this flyer here.2024-11-13Open filehttp://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Family-Engagement-Flyer-1.pdf
View PDF2020-12-08Open filehttp://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Parent-Student-Handbook-2020-2021-v2.pdf
View PDF2019-12-02Open filehttp://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Parent-Student-Handbook-2019-2020-v4.pdf
View PDF2019-06-11Open filehttp://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Parent-Student-Handbook-2018-2019-v5.pdf
View PDF2017-11-22Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Parent-Student-Handbook-2017-2018.pdf
View PDF2016-09-06Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/2016-17-Parent-Student-Handbook.pdf
2014 20152018-09-13Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/district-english-learner-advisory-committee/2014-2015/
2015 20162018-09-13Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/district-english-learner-advisory-committee/2015-2016/
2016 20172018-09-13Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/district-english-learner-advisory-committee/2016-2017/
2017 20182018-09-13Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/district-english-learner-advisory-committee/2017-2018/
2018 20192020-05-22Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/district-english-learner-advisory-committee/2018-2019/
2019 20202020-08-28Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/district-english-learner-advisory-committee/2019-2020/
2020 20212021-10-19Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/district-english-learner-advisory-committee/2020-2021/
2023 2024 Parent Student Handbook Now Available In English And Spanish El Manual De Padres Y Estudiantes 2023 2024 Se Encuentra Disponible En Ingles Y Espanol2023-08-15Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2023/08/2023-2024-parent-student-handbook-now-available-in-english-and-spanish-el-manual-de-padres-y-estudiantes-2023-2024-se-encuentra-disponible-en-ingles-y-espanol/
2026 27 Parent Student Handbook2026-08-07Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/3d-flip-book/2026-27-parent-student-handbook/
African American Success Framework Aasf News And January Community Engagement Meetings2021-12-21Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2021/12/african-american-success-framework-aasf-news-and-january-community-engagement-meetings/
African American Success Framework Virtual Community Engagement Listening Session January 262022-01-22Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2022/01/african-american-success-framework-virtual-community-engagement-listening-session-january-26/
Berkeley High School Health Center2024-08-19Open filehttps://bhs.berkeleyschools.net/health-center/
Berkeley Unified California School Dashboard page2017-05-16Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/california-school-dashboard/
Black History Month At Busd And February 24 Community Engagement Listening Session2022-03-06Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2022/02/black-history-month-at-busd-and-february-24-community-engagement-listening-session/
BUSD African American Resources / African American Success Framework (AASF) page2026-08-03Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/african-american-resources/
BUSD Board Policies (GAMUT database access page)2023-03-13Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/schoolboard/policies/
BUSD Committees page (GESHAC, LCAP PAC, SARB, Policy Subcommittee, etc.)2025-08-29Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/schoolboard/committees/
BUSD Curriculum and Instruction Department page2026-07-20Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/educational-services/curriculum-and-instruction/
BUSD District Advisory Council (DAC) page2014-02-06Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/district-advisory-committee-dac/
BUSD Ethnic Studies program page2026-08-26Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/ethnic-studies/
BUSD Local Control (LCAP) page2026-06-23Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/local-control/
BUSD Mental Health Student Services Act (MHSSA) page2023-11-05Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/student-services/mental-health-student-services-act-mhssa/
Busd Middle School Student Assignment Policy Community Engagement Plan Phase Iii April June 2022 Politica De Inscripcion Para La Escuela Secundaria Middle En Busd Plan De Involucramiento De2022-04-15Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2022/04/busd-middle-school-student-assignment-policy-community-engagement-plan-phase-iii-april-june-2022-politica-de-inscripcion-para-la-escuela-secundaria-middle-en-busd-plan-de-involucramiento-de/
CDE Behavioral Intervention Strategies and Supports2026Open filehttps://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/se/behaviorialintervention.asp
CDE Letter: State Guidance for New Laws on Discipline2021-08-19Open filehttps://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/el/le/yr21ltr0819.asp
CDE School Discipline Information and Resources (EC 48900 et seq., MTSS/restorative/trauma-informed requirements)2026-07-22Open filehttps://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/se/schooldiscipline.asp
Community Engagement Opportunities2024-03-06Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/calendar/community-engagement-opportunities/
Delac Meeting Information 2021 222022-10-03Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/district-english-learner-advisory-committee/delac-meeting-information-2021-22/
Delac Meeting Information 2022 232023-10-06Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/district-english-learner-advisory-committee/delac-meeting-information-2022-23/
Delac Meeting Information 2023 242024-09-26Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/district-english-learner-advisory-committee/delac-meeting-information-2023-24/
Delac Meeting Information 2023 24 22025-10-01Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/district-english-learner-advisory-committee/delac-meeting-information-2023-24-2/
Director of Student Services, Dr. Susan Craig, is the recipient of SEEDS Community Resolution Center’s 2013 Community Pa2013-11-25Open sourcehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DSC07819-e1385397495233.jpg
District English Learner Advisory Committee2026-05-11Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/district-english-learner-advisory-committee/
Family Engagement Equity2014-09-25Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/
Family Engagement Seminar Flyer2026Open filehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1T6sQkM4AOy6_MutLl6Hb1LT7KXIw-2Z2/view?usp=sharing
Family Engagement Seminar Series2021-10-01Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2021/09/family-engagement-seminar-series/
Family Engagement Seminar Series 2021 20222021-05-11Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2021/05/family-engagement-seminar-series-2021-2022/
Family Engagement Workshop November 19 Taller Educativo De Involucramiento Familiar Noviembre 192024-11-15Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2024/11/family-engagement-workshop-november-19-taller-educativo-de-involucramiento-familiar-noviembre-19/
Latinos Unidos Para Nuestros Adolescentes Luna2014-02-06Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/latinos-unidos-para-nuestros-adolescentes-luna/
Lcap Planning And Budgeting Community Engagement Process Planificacion Y Elaboracion Del Presupuesto Del Lcap De Busd Proceso De Involucramiento De La Comunidad2021-04-17Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2021/04/lcap-planning-and-budgeting-community-engagement-process-planificacion-y-elaboracion-del-presupuesto-del-lcap-de-busd-proceso-de-involucramiento-de-la-comunidad/
Lcap Update Community Engagement2018-07-09Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2015/06/lcap-update-community-engagement/
March 25 Event Presentation Of Reparations Task Force Community Engagement Survey Results Evento Marzo 25 Presentacion De Los Resultados De La Encuesta De Participacion Comunitaria Del Grupo De Trab2024-03-18Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2024/03/march-25-event-presentation-of-reparations-task-force-community-engagement-survey-results-evento-marzo-25-presentacion-de-los-resultados-de-la-encuesta-de-participacion-comunitaria-del-grupo-de-trab/
Monday December 6 Family Engagement Series Navigating The Journey To Special Education2021-12-01Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2021/11/monday-december-6-family-engagement-series-navigating-the-journey-to-special-education/
Next Weeks Family Engagement Workshop Postponed Se Pospone El Taller De Participacion Familiar De La Proxima Semana2024-11-15Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2024/11/next-weeks-family-engagement-workshop-postponed-se-pospone-el-taller-de-participacion-familiar-de-la-proxima-semana/
Office of Family Engagement & Equity (OFEE)2026-09-22Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/family/
Parent Education Involvement2024-04-22Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/
Parent Liaison Program2014-02-06Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-liaison-program/
Parent Student Handbook2026-08-11Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/handbook/
Parent Student Handbook Important Information For All Families2018-07-09Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2015/09/parent-student-handbook-important-information-for-all-families/
Parents Ready For School Pr4S2014-02-06Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/family-engagement-equity/parent-education-involvement/parents-ready-for-school-pr4s/
Please Complete The Busd Reparations Task Force Community Engagement Survey Por Favor Complete La Encuesta De Involucramiento Comunitario Del Grupo De Trabajo De Reparaciones Reparations Task Force2024-01-16Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2024/01/please-complete-the-busd-reparations-task-force-community-engagement-survey-por-favor-complete-la-encuesta-de-involucramiento-comunitario-del-grupo-de-trabajo-de-reparaciones-reparations-task-force/
Reminder Complete The Busd Reparations Task Force Community Engagement Survey Recordatorio Complete La Encuesta De Participacion Comunitaria Del Busd Reparations Task Force2024-01-16Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2024/01/reminder-complete-the-busd-reparations-task-force-community-engagement-survey-recordatorio-complete-la-encuesta-de-participacion-comunitaria-del-busd-reparations-task-force/
Rtf Community Engagement 09.07.23.Png2023-11-30Open sourcehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RTF-Community-Engagement-09.07.23.png
Rtf Community Engagement 09.13.23 2.Png2023-11-30Open sourcehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RTF-Community-Engagement-09.13.23_2.png
Rtf Community Engagement 09.13.23.Png2023-11-30Open sourcehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RTF-Community-Engagement-09.13.23.png
Social Emotional Learning Curriculum For K 6 Students2018-07-09Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2014/08/social-emotional-learning-curriculum-for-k-6-students/
Toolbox: Social Emotional Learning Curriculum for K-6 Students2025-09-18Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/toolbox/
Vaccination Or Testing Requirement And Community Engagement Opportunities Requisito De Vacunacion O Pruebas Y Oportunidades De Participacion Comunitaria2021-12-04Open filehttps://www.berkeleyschools.net/2021/12/vaccination-or-testing-requirement-and-community-engagement-opportunities-requisito-de-vacunacion-o-pruebas-y-oportunidades-de-participacion-comunitaria/
Berkeley Unified School District Scoring Sheet2026Open filefile:///C:/_CSSD/CSSDWebsite/cssdisc.org_htdocs/DistrictPolicies/Berkeley_Unified_School_District/2026/Berkeley_Unified_School_District_Scoring_Sheet.xlsx