Case Study: Merced Union High School District cuts suspension-related lost instruction by 73% with CharacterStrong

Merced Union High School District cuts lost instruction from suspensions by 73% with CharacterStrong

Merced Union High School District was facing behavior challenges and inconsistent discipline practices across its nine high schools, leading to uneven outcomes and lost instructional time. They partnered with CharacterStrong to implement a coherent, districtwide approach using its three-tiered supports for social, emotional, and behavioral development.

CharacterStrong provided a comprehensive Tier 1 curriculum and implementation guidance to create consistency. The solution emphasized Tier 2 small-group supports, which helped students build regulation skills and strengthen adult relationships. As a result, Merced achieved a 73% overall decrease in lost instruction due to suspensions districtwide, alongside measurable gains in student self-efficacy and emotion regulation.

Merced Union High School District