K a rlin g

A g u ilera -F o rt

246 28th Street #4, San Francisco, CA 94131 | Aguilera-fortk1@sfusd.edu
Work Experience:
Assistant Superintendent Elementary Schools 2015 (SFUSD) Acting Chief of Early
Education .
Design the Balanced Score Card (Plan) for a set of 16 elementary schools including
eight of the 16 schools identified as Tier 3 or in high need, 4 of the schools performing
at the average level and the remaining 4 excelling or the top performers of the district.
Differentiation was a key component of the plan as we planned our professional
development and support for these schools. We paid attention to implementation of
programs and co-designed support plans for schools with high percentage of students
receiving English language services or special educational services in different areas or
programs. Our focus in the plan is implementation of Common Core Standards (CCSS)
with attention to the curriculum, instruction and assessment shifts that are necessary.
A Comprehensive Approach to Literacy is our literacy framework along with Fountas
and Pinnell and Scholastic Reading Inventory as the assessments to measure progress.
On the culture/ climate domains we have put our efforts in continuing to promote
behavior RTI and restorative practices. Our accountability system progress monitors
our goals on qualitative and quantitative indicators. The qualitative indicators are the 5
essential supports (Leadership, Instructional Guidance, Professional Learning,
Professional Capacity, Family and Community Engagement) delineated by Bryk in his
study of the Chicago schools and the quantitative indicators range from SBAC to growth
mindset. Our administrator institute and the opening of schools has been a huge
success as evidenced by the feedback forms.
Assistant Superintendent of the Superintendents Zone Mission District (SFUSD)
K-12: 2012- 2015
Served on the Superintendents Cabinet for strategic planning in implementing the
Districts priority areas prek-12. Responsible for the oversight and direction of the
districts diverse set of Pre K -12 schools in the Superintendents Zone including a K-8
school with a Spanish Dual Language Program, and a high school with Academy and
Career Pathway Lab programs as well as other elementary and middle schools with
language pathways. The diversity of programs and school levels helped me learn the
complexities at each school level as I extended my expertise and supervised the
schools. Managed a 45 million dollar budget received through the School Improvement
Grant (SIG). Also, managed to assist in getting and implementing the Mission Promise
Neighborhood grant which helps some of the schools get monies and resources post SIG.
Designed and provided coaching and professional development for principals, assistant
principals, and leadership teams. Co-designed and co-facilitated workshop style
meetings with other district leaders to share best practices for the districts key
initiatives: Access and Equity, Implementation of CCSS, and adopting a School Quality
Accountability Index that measures performance and growth in the academic, cultureclimate and social-emotional domains. Our professional development for Instructional
Leadership Teams and our implementation of Instructional Rounds was applauded as a
model and is now being replicated district-wide. Hired, supervised and evaluated the
principals, assistant principals and Superintendents Zone central staff. Aligned data
needs with focus areas for professional development in CCSS, Algebra, Special Ed,

English language learners, credit recovery, College and Career, and A-G graduation
requirements while focusing on the opportunity gap and meeting the needs of the most
underserved students at each school.
Turnaround Principal Leonard R Flynn Elementary School: 2010-2012
Was responsible for taking over the only school in the Superintendents Zone without
the financial resources allocated to other schools and declared as a school in turmoil
academically and in its culture/climate with its teachers and the community. Reshaped a message to the entire school community that allowed the co-development of a
common vision. Delivered a message of collaboration and team approach that
eliminated the different fractions and divisions amongst the different constituencies of
the school community. Evaluated and implemented the Spanish Dual Language
Program to serve all students in a rigorous and supportive learning environment.
Collaborated with school team in order to align services for students with special
educational needs in the context of the general education settings. Aligned the
components of the Primary Years Program (PYP) with the components of Balanced
Literacy. Promoted and implemented a project based learning promoting a more
integrated approach to teaching and learning. Implemented and facilitated structures
and systems for grade level collaboration, coaching and professional development for
staff. Made progress monitoring and accountability a focus and ensured evidence-based
decision making school-wide.
Assistant Superintendent Learning and Equity (Curriculum & Instruction) San
Francisco Unified 2008-2010
Managed and supervised budget of 200 million to be allocated in seven departments in
the Curriculum and Instruction unit. Developed guidelines to ensure cohesive and
sustainable implementation of instructional approaches across schools in the entire
PK-12 system. Reviewed, approved new programs and recommended modifications on
existing programs for school board approval as necessary. Planned and developed
instructional methods and content for educational, professional development, or
student activity programs in Special Education, for English Learners and for Standard
English Learners. Reviewed and interpreted government codes and established
programs to ensure adherence to codes and facility safety, security and maintenance.
Convened parents and staff to discuss educational activities, policies, related to student
behavior and or learning differences. Developed and implemented strategies to meet
the needs of students with a variety of handicapping conditions. Coordinated forums
about placement of students with special needs in the least restrictive environments as
part of a district wide effort, the Inclusive Practices approach. Developed and
monitored division budget for personnel, equipment and other resources at the school
and district level. Successfully monitored compliance with Federal and State laws and
Board of Education policies and administrative regulations. Directed and coordinated
professional development for teachers, administrators and support staff working with
external partners.

Principal, Fairmount Elementary School San Francisco Unified School District:

2003-2008

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Brought stability to the schools after 4 principals in a period of 2 years. Brought

together a divided community with a clear vision of collaboration and team approach
on behalf of all students. Brought consistency in leadership and teaching staff. Lead the
school to graduate from State Assistance Intervention Team. (SAIT) by showing growth
on all measured indicators. Collaborated with groups of parents and nonprofit
organizations to create one after school program that would serve students regardless
of their income or socio-economic status. Doubled the demand of the school as a first
choice for many parents city wide and especially those in the neighborhood.

School Principal, Fairmount Elementary School, SFUSD 2003 2008

5-8 Director, Garfield Charter School Redwood City.
Director/Principal, Garfield Charter School, San Francisco, SFUSD
2001 2003 .
Curriculum Support/Assistant Principal, Buena Vista Elementary School, SFUSD
2000 2001
Spanish Bilingual Special Education Teacher, Sanchez Elementary School,
SFUSD 1996 2000
Teacher on Special Assignment, Special Education Department National Division
1995 1996
Special Education Teacher, Evaluation and Treatment Center for Children with
Learning Disabilities 1991 1995
Professor of Special Education, University College AVEPANE 1991 1996
Teacher of students with Learning Disabilities, El Bosque Educational Institute
1989 - 1991
Pre-K Kindergarten teacher. Juan Toro Children Center.
1987 - 1989

Other professional Work History.

Instructor/Lecturer, Principal Leadership Institute. University of California,

Berkeley 2005- 2011-2015.
Member of the Standard Assessment and Instruction( SAI) Leadership Team for
the California Office of School Reform (CORE).
Trained in facilitating and conducting Instructional Rounds: Graduate School of
Education. Harvard University.
Participant in the Public Education Leadership Project as a member of the SFUSD
Cabinet Team: Harvard University (Certificate of participation)
Experience facilitating community meetings to address instructional and social
needs of students of diverse background.
Trained in Primary Years Program Curriculum Approach (Denver, Colorado
USA)
.

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Education
Graduate School of Education, University of California, Berkeley.CA.
M.A in Educational Leadership. 2002.
San Jose State University, San Jose, California. Special Education
Teaching Credential Program.
Universidad Catlica Andrs Bello. Caracas, Venezuela. Coursework
completed MA Educational Administration. 1995
Universidad Jos Mara Vargas, BA in Special Education. Learning
Disabilities Major. 1992
AFFILIATIONS
President California Association for Bilingual Education Board of Directors.
Present
Member of the Mission Education Development Agency (MEDA) Governing
Board. Present.
President, California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) Board of
Directors. 2008-2010
Vice President, Association of Latino Administrators and Supervisors, SFUSD
Chapter 2007-2010
Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS)
International Reading Association.
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
President Latin American Teachers Association. 2000-2002. Member.

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