1999 
MAYOR’S EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP GRANTS

PROJECT SUMMARIES 

This project was constructed to increase reading, writing and math achievement through various mediums.  The project developed students’ critical thinking skills through music, art, literature and physical activities.  Two hundred students participated in the program.  School administration reported that test scores in writing increased by 35% and math scores improved significantly with several students increasing by two letter grades.  Students improved their ability to get up before a group and speak with confidence improved 85% according to their score sheets.  

Forty-five Grand Avenue Elementary School second and third grade students meet three days a week for an hour and a half after school for 23 weeks for instruction and to practice the skills taught by professional teachers of drama, creative movement, elocution and mime.  The students learned how to write scripts based on the classical literature and fairy tales this project provided.  The students participating in this program had to maintain above average grades and excellent attendance in order to continue as a member of the Drama team.  As a result of the positive experiences the students shared during the performances they were able to read and tell stores clearly and effectively, work as a team to learn complicated dance patterns and dialog and they learned to be self-confident.  

This project was designed to build a positive working relationship with parents and students by providing resources and strategies that can be used to improve academic achievement and self-esteem.  In addition, it promoted leisure reading and extracurricular activities.  Approximately 200 students grades third through fifth and over 150 parents participated in the program.  The school’s principal reports this project helped her get parents involved in their child’s education.  Parents were able to work with their children and tutors assisted both the parent and student to improve skills in math, reading and writing.  As a result several non-working parents achieved the skills necessary to obtain employment and over half of the students participating in the program grades improved by one or more letter grades in both math and reading.

The Connect All Beavers Tutorial via technology was designed to provide an intensive, rich and stimulating integration of reading through technology.  This project achieved three goals: (1) increased reading scores on standardized test; (2) increased reading comprehension skills; and (3) provided additional integration of reading through the use of technology.  Approximately 125 students in 4^th and 5^th grade participated in the project.  Members of the Rock Lake Neighborhood Association and retired teachers from Phi Delta Kappa Sorority assisted with the project by providing tutoring and mentoring for the students.  According to school administration 80% of the students who participated in the project scored higher on a teacher-made post test in reading and writing.  In addition, students’ interest in reading increased and they read at least two books of their choice each week.

This project was designed to implement a program that fostered a love of learning between parents, children and the community.  Students were tutored in reading, writing and math according to their needs.  The neighborhood and school staff worked on a volunteer basis to give small group instruction and tutoring to promote, enhance and build academic achievement.  According to the Technology Resource Teacher students who participated in the program developed a school newsletter, which was written and produced by the students.

This project was designed for latchkey students of the Tri-L Christian Academy. The project was a computer based tutorial program within the community providing recreation and education in a safe and drug free environment.  Children in the foundational/primary and developmental years benefited from continued academic advancement through skill development, homework assistance, remedial work and computer literacy.  The project accomplished its objectives to provide a safe and controlled environment for students to get assistance with reading, writing, math and language development.  Because of this program neighbors witnessed a decrease in crime and drug abuse among youth in the immediately community. 

This program consisted of training in areas of cultural dance, music, theater and art for youth living in the Ivey Lane/Royal Ivey Gardens area.  Students learned costuming, theatrical make-up, set design and video production.   Approximately 50 students from the Ivey Lane Estates Neighborhood participated in the program.  When asked of the positive outcomes the Project Leader stated “at least 60% if the students turned in copies of their report cards showing grades letter changes from C to B in Math and Language.

Project Direction provided career counseling for students at Colonial High School Ninth Center.  Parents and school faculty provided mentoring and tutoring.  “Project Direction” assisted 190 students with career counseling and increased self-esteem.  Once students became aware of the many career opportunities they realized the importance of good grades.  At least 25% of the students increased their overall G.P.A and were enlisted on the Dean’s Honor Roll List.