Partnering for a Better Summer

National Partnership for Educational Access Annual Conference 2013

April 11, 2013

Presenters: Cornelia Calliste & Katryna Andrusik, PhD

Photos Inserted here

Photos Inserted here

Who We Are: Higher Achievement

Higher Achievement is a nonprofit organization that provides an

intensive afterschool and summer academic program for middle school

youth in underserved communities

Higher Achievement services scholars from 5th through 8th grade

spending 650 hours a year learning an advanced curriculum that is

aligned to state standards.

Who We Are: Higher Achievement • Afterschool Academy includes core subjects, such as

literature and mathematics, as well as seminars, artistic electives, field trips, and opportunities to engage in community service.

• Summer Academy includes coursework in literature, science, mathematics, social studies, and electives, as well as a three-day trip to a college. Small classes and mentoring sessions encourage intellectual curiosity and teach both basic skills and critical thinking.

• The program culminates with high school placement services, which help scholars advance to top academic high schools. In addition to helping scholars identify schools that fit their needs, Higher Achievement helps them prepare for placement tests, practice interview skills, complete applications, and identify resources for financial assistance.

Who We Are: Urban Teacher Center

Urban Teacher Center (UTC) prepares new teachers through an alternative certification route in Baltimore and D.C.

We are unique:

• Full residency year (Summer-Summer) • Full immersion in a host classroom combined with 4-5 courses per semester with clinical expectations• Dual Master of Education from Lesley University • Certification after 2 years, dependent on student

progress

Who We Are: Urban Teacher Center

Overall, UTC has over 85 teachers in Baltimore and D.C. Public and Charter schools in Pre-K through 9th grade classrooms

Of 86 UTC residents who entered the program in Summer 2012:

• 40 were placed with HA• 2 did not continue into the fall• 4 additional residents have since left the program

• 71 still in classrooms

• Vetted support staff provided to Higher Achievement

• Learning opportunities provided for residents at UTC

• Students are provided with leadership models

• Non-profits can learn from and with like-minded partners

Why Work Together?

Communication

Preparation

Flexibility

Recognition of Mutual Benefice

What Works Well?

Mutually Beneficial

UTC gains:

• Real classrooms in which residents can perform clinical assignments and work directly with children

• Opportunities to observe residents as they encounter

the stresses of first year teaching (social, emotional, academic skills)

• Feedback from an organization with dedicated staff who know urban children well

Mutually Beneficial Higher Achievement gains:

• Life learner partnerships, building rapport with students through mentoring

• A small teacher student ratio: classes of no more than 15 middle school students for six weeks

• Prepared teachers: Most teachers have 2-3 classes and 1-2 subjects

Mutually Beneficial UTC and Higher Achievement gain:

• Regular classroom observations and feedback to improve teaching. The opportunity to have ongoing conversations about improving student learning experiences.

• Multiple opportunities to observe peer teachers and build teaching skills.

The opportunity to learn from colleagues in real time and to build professional learning communities.

Mutually Beneficial The students gain:

• Opportunities to build relationships with multiple role models • A culture in which success and achievement are expected, prized

and valued

• The chance to minimize, or even reverse, the trend of summer learning loss

• Academic, social, and leadership focused instruction from teachers and staff who care deeply about their opportunities for success

Mutually Beneficial

Higher Achievement’s partnership with UTC dramatically improves the achievement of our scholars. On average, scholars who complete the program:

• increase at least one grade point in their average • graduate middle school with a B average• show improved attendance, life and social skills

Outcomes

Outcomes

The program’s proven model provides a rigorous year-round learning

environment, caring role models, and a culture of high expectations,

resulting in college-bound scholars with the character, confidence,

and skills to succeed.

On average, 95 percent of scholars who complete Higher

Achievement advance to top academic high school programs and 93

percent advance to college

“Higher Achievement provided me with excellent experiences for the fall.”

“Higher Achievement was a great place to hone my skills as an urban teacher!”

“Higher Achievement Staff was extremely supportive. They constantly offered feedback and advice and were always wiling to see what could be done about any issues that arose.”

From UTC Residents:

Want to learn more?

Urbanteachercenter.org

Higherachievement.org