CLASS SIZE REDUCTION
$3,415,500 – 46% of Overall Funding
Few educational practices have the potential for greater impact than learning in a classroom with fewer students. Both parents and teachers consistently prioritize the importance of Class Size Reduction (CSR) as instrumental in a student’s educational experience. MBEF supports lower class sizes in general, and allocates significant funding to ensure that the number of students is lower in specific core classes in critical grade levels. With severely diminished state funding this year, MBEF directed more funds to secure reasonable class sizes for all grade levels.
Elementary General Class Size Reduction – $625,000
State guidelines provide for a maximum of 24 students per class in grades TK-3, but there are no class size guidelines for grades 4-5. MBEF support of CSR in our elementary schools ensures that students are receiving access to differentiated learning in the classroom.
Fourth and Fifth Grade Class Size Reduction – $250,000
In addition to the Elementary General CSR, MBEF provides funding that ensures an average maximum of 30 students per class in grades 4-5. Students at this age are beginning to identify their strengths, as well as their challenge areas. Keeping class sizes smaller allows teachers to personalize their support of each student to advance their growth and achievement
Middle School General Class Size Reduction – $445,500
There are no state guidelines for class size in sixth, seventh or eighth grade, making support from MBEF imperative to ensure class sizes are below what the limited state funding provides. Without this directed grant from MBEF, all core classes at MBMS would have approximately three more students in each class.
Middle School English/Humanities & Math Class Size Reduction – $200,000
MBEF directs CSR funding specifically to English/Humanities and Math in grades 6-8 to ensure that the average class size is 30 students or below. The transition to middle school can be challenging, and providing more space for differentiated learning in core subjects ensures our students have the support they need.
High School General Class Size Reduction – $1,380,000
When there are limited resources to fund teacher positions and no specific state maximums, class sizes increase dramatically in high school. This significant funding directed towards class size at Mira Costa High School reduces the average number of students per class by seven.
Ninth Grade English & Math Class Size Reduction – $100,000
Ninth grade is a critical juncture as students transition into high school and level up their skills. Accordingly, MBEF directs CSR funding toward reducing class size specifically in English and Math in 9th grade to ensure the average number of students is 30 or below. This provides more individual attention in these critical core subjects to better equip them with a solid foundation as they progress toward graduation.
Zero Period – $415,000
This grant provides all high school students with the option to add an extra period to their schedule to fulfill course requirements and benefit from the array of additional elective course options. More than 30% of MCHS students take advantage of the additional period each day.
COUNSELING AND SUPPORT
$1,528,000 – 21% of Overall Funding
Levels of stress, anxiety and depression in students throughout the country are at historic highs. It is more important than ever to provide our students with both the advocates and tools to help recognize and cope with their emotional wellness and academic success. In the 2021 California Healthy Kids Survey, a confidential survey of school climate and safety, student wellness, and youth resiliency, 29% of MBUSD students in grades 7, 9 and 11 had experienced chronic sadness in the past twelve months. A robust school counseling program provides critical social-emotional and academic support to set students on a path for postsecondary success.
School Counselors – $955,000
Counselors foster a sense of connection on campus, create a positive learning environment, and play an essential role in guiding students in their planning. Research shows that smaller student to counselor ratios support increases in standardized test performance, attendance, GPA and graduation rates, as well as decreased disciplinary infractions. The average student to-counselor ratio in California schools is exceptionally high at 527:1, well above the American School Counselor Association’s recommendation of 250:1. MBEF’s growing investment in counseling has played a critical role in adequately supporting the needs of students.
- Three Additional School Counselors at MBMS – 300:1 Student-to-Counselor Ratio
- Four Additional School Counselors at MCHS – 312:1 Student-to-Counselor Ratio
Our counselors have more time to help students set important goals, mentor them on time management and organization, reduce and resolve conflicts, and monitor academic progress.
College & Career Center Counselors – $345,000
MBEF funds the experts in the MCHS College & Career Center (CCC) who are devoted to helping our high school students navigate the college application process and define post-graduation pathways. From individual counseling and application assessment, to hosting college admission visits and other events on campus, to an abundance of resources and materials on hand at the CCC, this program is an essential part of setting students on a path for postsecondary success. Parents are welcome to take advantage of the extensive CCC services as well, with both day and evening appointments available.
Middle School Student Success Counselor On Special Assignment (COSA) – $156,500
Middle school is a challenging time that requires significant mentoring and support as students explore their interests and focus on development. This COSA works on building academic success and a climate of care to better meet the diverse needs of our students at a critical transition in their lives. The Student Success COSA leads programs such as the nationally recognized mentoring program, Where Everybody Belongs (WEB), coordinates professional development for staff, develops learning experiences for all students, and strengthens parent partnerships.
Educator Grants – $27,500
The MBEF Educator Grant Program supports excellence in our schools by empowering MBUSD educators to implement projects that will enhance teaching and learning throughout the district. The gap from state funding this year forced MBEF to divert the majority of this funding to the highest stakeholder priority of class size reduction. A directed grant from the Siddhartha Family has ensured that all elementary students at each of the five school sites will participate in two cultural arts experiences each year to share in our diverse global cultures. The Educator Grants Program will also continue to fund the districtwide Literacy Bowl at every elementary school and the annual International Day each spring.
Teacher of the Year Awards – $4,500
Each year, MBUSD recognizes one teacher from each school as the Teacher of the Year, one of whom is selected as the Districtwide Teacher of the Year. All MBUSD Teachers of the Year receive a small monetary award made possible by an endowment fund sponsored by the Nickell Family.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
$490,000 – 6% of Overall Funding
While the state mandates students receive 100 minutes per week of PE, it does not provide funding for physical education teachers. MBEF is proud to support credentialed physical education teachers at our elementary schools to provide high-quality physical education and sportsmanship instruction each week. In addition to the health benefits, research shows that physical activity can help improve concentration, memory, and behavior in the classroom. Funding for certificated PE teachers also ensures that MBUSD classroom teachers can utilize the time each week as lesson preparation time rather than teaching PE themselves.
LITERACY & WRITING
$345,000 – 5% of Overall Funding
Literacy is the foundation of all other academic knowledge and skills. Our educators have prioritized personalized literacy support at every level. In addition to the curriculum in the classroom, our students have access to a dedicated campus library with resources to focus on developing this key tenet of learning.
Library Resource Specialists – $345,000
Having access to a school library and knowing how to use technology to access credible sources provides endless discoveries for students. MBEF supports Library Resource Specialists at the elementary and middle school grade levels to help develop research and media literacy skills, as well as foster a passion for reading and learning that will serve them throughout their lives. The libraries have become a hub of information on each campus, providing students with a quiet place to read during recess and lunch, and a vibrant center of activity at other times.
STEAM: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS & MATH
$1,114,000 – 15% of Overall Funding
Project-based learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) for students at the elementary, middle and high school levels has been a significant priority for our community. The important foundational concepts learned in STEAM-based classrooms and programs promote strategic critical thinking and innovative problem-solving to ensure our students can navigate and engage in a 21st century global society.
Secondary Math Teachers On Special Assignment (TOSA) – $94,000
Our educators are tasked with the challenge of prioritizing student-centered learning, experiential learning and conceptual understanding over the traditional algorithmic set of mathematic principles. MBEF funds a classroom educator to serve as a part-time Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) to collaborate on best practices in instructional design and methods with teachers across the mathematics departments at the middle and high school to foster student success in math districtwide.
STEAM Program Support – $100,000
Directed funding from Chevron to support curriculum, materials and collaboration related to the implementation of districtwide STEAM programs.
MakerSpace Specialists – $155,000
The unique MakerSpace environments throughout our elementary schools provide innovative lab experiences for our students in grades TK-5. Empowering students to learn problem-solving skills through trial and error, helps develop their ability to think creatively and visualize solutions. MBEF funds MakerSpace Specialists who support program implementation by preparing materials, facilitating lessons, and organizing the Maker Labs.
Science Lab Teachers – $456,000
This grant supports credentialed science teachers to provide all elementary students with hands-on lab experiences and project-based learning opportunities that strengthen the passion for science. Trained in nationally recognized Project Lead the Way (PLTW), the specialists engage students in real-world learning 21 that connects science curriculum with engaging, hands-on activities, projects and problems.
STEAM Pathway Electives – $250,000
MBEF has been at the forefront of pioneering programs that challenge even our youngest students with hands-on learning in MakerSpace and Science Lab. As students progress to middle school, their passion for STEAM can continue to flourish with new and exciting pathways that will bridge into advanced high school programs. MBEF supports a year-long STEAM elective for students in grades 7-8 partially funded by Northrop Grumman, as well as a STEAM wheel option with a focus on FabLab, Marine Biology and advanced STEAM specific unit. The options expand into a variety of advanced courses in high school.
Science Lab Assistant – $59,000
The Science Lab Assistant at MCHS provides critical support for our advanced lab science teachers by preparing materials and resources to make lab instruction organized, efficient and innovative.
VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS PATHWAYS
$510,000 – 7% of Overall Funding
A quality visual and performing arts education is an essential part of a comprehensive academic program. Art education fosters lifelong learning skills — creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving — and improves the psychological and creative aptitude of all students. Our students have the option to participate in sequential and comprehensive arts education programs that encourage active learning and a deeper appreciation of the arts. This year, additional funding from California’s Proposition 28 will support additional courses and experiences for our students.
Music Program – $350,000
The District’s nationally recognized music program begins in grades 1-5 when students are introduced to a comprehensive music program with instruction in vocal, wind and string instruments. Taught by certificated music instructors, the program fosters a love of music and serves as the foundation for our award-winning middle and high school programs. At the secondary level, students can specialize in the instrument of their choice and participate in a variety of programs.
Visual and Performing Arts Pathway Electives – $160,000
The enhanced elective program in middle and high school offers students a wide range of options in visual and performing arts. Specialized courses that celebrate the arts, such as Advanced Film, Band, Ceramics, Choir, Cinematic Arts, Drama, Graphic Design, Orchestra, Printmaking, Technical Theater, and Yearbook, are offered to encourage further exploration or proficiency.
