Educational Services
Our department's mission is to provide leadership and support for HSD students, staff and parents by ensuring that students are the focus of all decisions by coordinating the development, alignment, and implementation of standards, curriculum, instruction, professional learning, assessments and support services to ensure each student achieves educational excellence and is ready for college, university and careers.
The Hawthorne School District offers a rigorous curriculum program to meet the needs of and challenge our students.
Our department supports our K-8 schools to implement research-based curriculum aligned to the California State Content Standards, coordinates instructional materials adoptions and resources, and provides research-based professional development for teachers and administrators to ensure that they receive the necessary support to effectively address the needs of our diverse student population.
We also oversee the administration, and monitor the implementation of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System which includes Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC) for ELA and Math, California Science Test (CAST), the California Alternate Assessments (CAA) for ELA, Math and Science, the Interim Assessments Blocks (IABs) in ELA and Math. Additional annual assessment and accountability activities includes English Language- Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), Physical Fitness Test (PFT), and the School Accountability Report Cards (SARC), and among others.
Areas of Focus
Expanded Learning Programs
Expanded Learning Programs enrich and extend students' educational experiences beyond the school day through after-school and intersession programs.
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
Our GATE program offers a unique learning experience for students across all grade levels, providing special opportunities for accelerated learning, enrichment, and in-depth exploration.
State Assessments
State assessments provide administrators, educators, parents, and educational partners a snapshot of student performance, enabling informed decisions about instruction, resources, and educational support.
Curriculum and Instruction
We offer a wide range of supports during the regular school day to ensure each student's success. From our textbook selection to our learning loss mitigation team, we aim to provide the instruction and support students need to succeed in school and in life.
WASC Accreditation
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is one of six regional accrediting associations in the United States. Our high school, the Hawthorne Math and Science Academy has been granted full accreditation by WASC.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Erika Ayala
Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services
310-676-2276 ext. 3969
Kathy Carbajal
Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) Coordinator
Jessica Charles
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Coordinator
310-676-2276 ext. 3954
Jennifer Annett
Director of Special Projects
310-676-2276 ext. 3974
Maritza Cruz-Brown
Preschool Programs Coordinator