ACADEMIC RIGOR

Readers Writers Workshop Project in Seattle Public Schools
Readers-Writers Workshop Project is a program championed by teachers throughout Seattle Public Schools.  Originating with Columbia Teacher’s College, the program is designed to increase the number of students in prekindergarten through eighth grade who meet or exceed proficiency standards in reading and writing. The Alliance for Education has supported the expansion of Readers Writers Workshop into 50 elementary and K-8 schools.

Seattle College Access Network (SCAN)

The Seattle College Access Network, otherwise known as SCAN, is a coalition of organizations working together toward the goal of significantly increasing the number of students graduating from Seattle Public Schools and pursuing a post-secondary education. Although SCAN works with all schools and serves all students in SPS, we focus most on first-generation, low income, and students of color.  SCAN is convened by the Alliance and consists of individuals from higher education, workforce development, community-based organizations, district and school staff and agencies.   Click here for a full list of partners.

By 2018 it is expected that 80% of living wage jobs will require some form of post-secondary education, which includes two- and four-year colleges, trade and technical schools and programs. In 2008 the Alliance, the Northwest Education Loan Association (NELA), the College Success Foundation and the University of Washington founded the network and engaged individuals from across the city in pursuit of a shared goal. Since that time the network has grown to include more than 70 individuals representing over 40 organizations, institutions, schools and agencies.

Initially the network focused on aligning and coordinating efforts in the schools, reducing redundancies and addressing gaps in service, sharing best practices, and advocacy. In the 2010-11 school year SCAN members shifted to setting specific targets around scholarship sign-ups and FAFSA completion.  In February 2011, SCAN embarked on an effort which by June resulted in almost 100% of eligible SPS 8th graders enrolling in Washington State’s College Bound scholarship program.   This represented a 20% increase in completion rates since last year and more than 40% increase from when the program started four years ago.

In the 2011-2012 school year, SCAN’s goal is to achieve a 100% College Bound Scholarship enrollment rate and a significant increase in the FAFSA completion rate.  SCAN members are currently working with the Higher Education Coordinating (HEC) Board to set targets for the network.  FAFSA Is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and is a critical step for low-income students on the path to postsecondary education. In a 2010 survey, students in SPS cited finances as the #1 barrier to starting and completing college.

SCAN members provide a variety of supports for students on the path to college from tutoring to transitions. For more information contact Karen Tollenaar Demorest at karen@alliance4ed.org or by phone at 206-205-0333.

The Alliance for Education and Seattle Public Schools thank the Lumina Foundation, College Spark Washington, and the Public Education Network for their generous support of this work.

Intensive School Partnerships (ISP)

Over the past several years, the Alliance has worked with Seattle Public Schools district staff and community partners to explore and refine an Intensive School Partnership (ISP) strategy. This innovative education strategy is intended to improve academic outcomes for youth by integrating academics, youth development, family engagement, health and social services, and community connections in order to enhance learning and build stronger bonds among families, schools and communities.

Using public schools as the central hub for students, ISPs bring multiple partners together to offer a range of supports and opportunities to students in the schools. In general, partners work to achieve these results:

• Children are ready to learn when they enter school and every day thereafter.

• Graduating students leave school prepared for college career and life.

• Parents and community members are involved with the school and their own life-long learning.

In the early days of this work, it was not known how many partners were in each school and what they were providing. The Alliance has done an inventory of what programs and services are available to students and families within the Seattle Public Schools system. This inventory is now available as a web-based Student Services Directory for students, families, school staff, and teachers to identify what programs can support students and help make those necessary connections.

In addition, the Alliance advocated for a position within SPS to build a consistent structure across the schools, and leverage strong partners to expand learning opportunities and provide necessary supports for students. The position created in 2010 for a Community Partnerships Manager now leads the work and has developed a consistent framework for how partnerships should be identified and supported to best meet the needs of students in any particular school.

Evaluations of 20 Intensive Partnership initiatives nationwide confirm that they have a positive impact on what matters most to students, parents, communities and schools. The report (Making the Difference) summarizing these studies concludes that:

• Student learning improves.

• Parent and family participation in their children’s education increases.

• Principals and teachers have more time for quality instruction because the school’s partners help address non-academic barriers to learning.

• Families have more opportunities and support in caring for and helping to educate their children, and in contributing to their community.

For more information about this program contact Karen Tollenaar Demorest at karen@alliance4ed.org, or by phone at 206-205-0333.

¹Making the Difference: Research and Practice in Community Schools http://www.communityschools.org