We are lucky to have a guest blogger Michele Molitor, California GEAR UP School Services Coach, share with us some of the systemic success at Everett Middle School in San Francisco.

Everett Middle School, located in the Mission District of San Francisco, continues to lead the way as a “School on the Move” for California GEAR UP!  Everett has set some big goals, and has had amazing results, including an increase API of 40 and 54 points over the last two years respectively. (insert dramatic pause here, these are MASSIVE API gains) This spring has been a busy time for them as they have engaged their staff and students in a variety of College Going Culture activities.  Their latest success story was College Week – held March 8^th through March 15^th.

They had a terrific line up of activities for parents and students alike.  They kicked College Week off on Friday evening with Parent University.  This involved inviting parents, students and community members to attend a dinner and college presentation.  There were a variety of providers that shared information on college going programs and college information, which was relevant in helping their students prepare for college.  The community partners included:

• Mission Beacon
• Aim High
• SF Promise
• Aspire
• Strengthening Families for Success
• Mission Graduates
• PODER
• Instituto Familiar de La Raza
• SF Ed Fund
• 100% College
• Good Samaritan
• Young Community Developers

There was so much enthusiasm for all the terrific information being shared, dinner was delayed so everyone could soak it all up! While everyone shared in a meal together, a powerpoint presentation was shared, reviewing the A-G requirements, college entrance requirements, where to go for help and information about the upcoming college week on campus.

Earlier in the day, all students received the “College Making It Happen” booklet along with additional information on college and curriculum from their homeroom teachers on how to find the answers to important college prep questions.

Starting on Monday, there was a series of different activities each day for the students.  They received a Student Passport, which they were to fill out during the week as they attended the different activities. A completely filled out passport earned them an A-G t-shirt given out by SF Promise.

Here is just a snapshot of the fun activities they had for the students:

• Each day homeroom teachers encouraged students to fill out their passport and learn more about what it takes to go to college, plus they had different college talk points to share with them as well.
• There was a lunch time “rapper” that talked about college and the A-G requirements
• Students had a chance to get their faces painted with different school logos and take a picture with their high school graduation year as the backdrop.
• Students had the opportunity to join different college clubs.
• There was even a booth there about credit cards, to warn students of the interest rates when they borrow money.
• They brought in real “live” college students too. Students had to interview them and fill out their college bingo sheet to win prizes.
• Friday was the big finale with a college debrief in their homeroom, followed by a quick student survey.  The Gear Up leadership team also put on a school wide assembly that included:
  • Review of college week photos
  • A student led video with Q&A about college
  • An A-G powerpoint to continue to engrain these important points for students
  • Raffle winners were announced
  • A “Tell us about your college experience” teacher panel was conducted so students in the audience could ask questions of the five different teachers on the panel.
  • And last but not least, students got to silk screen on their A-G shirts “College is my Hustle” or  “I Hecka Heart College”

Overall, it was a powerful week for teachers and students alike.  Big kudos to the entire GEAR UP leadership team that coordinated all of the efforts and spent 2 months planning all of the activities!

This huge effort was only piece of the puzzle too. Everett has a myriad of other activities going on an any given time to help raise student awareness of what’s needed to go to college, increase parent and community participation and improve student test scores.  It’s no wonder that Everett’s API score increased by 94 points in two years! Under the leadership and direction of Principal Richard Curci, Everett’s faculty and student body continue to raise the bar for success – knowing that when given the information, guidance and support Every Student can have the opportunity to go to college!

If you have questions about Everett’s successful College Week activities, contact:

Tracy Brown-Gallardo

Community Schools Coordinator

Everett Middle School

BrownT1@sfusd.edu

PIQE is one of California GEAR UP‘s long lasting and most trusted partnerships. With our post today we have the pleasure to interview Maria Elena Meraz, Executive Director of PIQE’s Los Angeles regional office. She responsible for program development, quality control, marketing, and training PIQE directors, instructors, coordinators, recruiters, and other personnel. She maintains program supervision, enrollment, attendance, completion, and communication with staff from PIQE school sites.

How did you start working with families and why are you passionate about it?

My work with parents began in 1993 when my son started elementary school. I was new to the country and didn’t know much about how the school system functioned but became involved a parent volunteer. My son has an orthopedic condition and I wanted to make sure he was being accommodated. There, I was also involved with the School Site Council. In addition I helped to organize workshops for parents with special needs. In 1996 I participated in the PIQE program as a parent and instantly fell in love with the program. It gave me the tools and information I needed to ensure my son was on a path to college. Thereafter I became involved with PIQE as a workshop facilitator. I am passionate about this work because I share the same experience as many of the parents we work with. I was once in their shoes, I was intimidated by the system and had very limited English, I am now the proud parent of a college graduate and a testament to the effectiveness of PIQE.

Why do you think it is important to engage families in the education process?

There is no greater love than a parent’s love for their child. Parents want to see their children succeed and they will go above and beyond to make sure they do. However, many parents, particularly those in underserved communities lack the knowledge about academic expectations, college requirements, and resources available to them and their students. It is when parents are empowered with the proper tools and information that we can begin to close the achievement gap.

What was your experience in middle school like and how were you influenced to go to college?

I attended a private middle school in Mexico. I constantly received messages from my parents and family that college was the expectation.

What do you think are some of the most important factors that will contribute to preparation for and student success in college?

I believe that raising expectations is one of the most important factors that will contribute to preparation for and student success in college. When students receive messages from school and from home that college is the standard, particularly during their most formative years, we begin to see changes in student behavior and in their motivation to succeed academically. It is also important that there are services, like the California GEAR UP, in the community to supplement students with resources that parents are not able to provide.

What are some of the most effective ways to get families involved with their school community?

The most effective way for a family to get involved in their school community is by becoming familiar with the school system so that they are comfortable about making contact with teachers and counselors. This will enable them to learn about their child’s math and reading level, ensure that their child is on the right track, and if not to develop a strategy to intervene and make positive steps towards college readiness.

Tell us about some of the  PIQE initiatives  you are most proud of.

PIQE’s partnership with California GEAR UP is one our most important partnerships, it allows us to focus our work at the middle school level. As part of the 6-year initiative, PIQE will be provide to parents the 9-week Parent Engagement in Education Program, the 4-month Follow-Up Program, and the Teacher Workshop. PIQE-LA has worked with over 600 school teachers through the PIQE Teacher Workshop. We are excited to include this as part of the GEAR UP partnership because it allows us to connect parents and teachers so that they are working towards the same goal.

When did you first start working with GEAR UP and why is the work important?

I first met the California GEAR UP team in 2000 at a meeting at Drew Middle School. Our partnership is important because it allows us to focus our work at the middle school level. The middle school level is critical to a student’s academic success. Research shows that planning and college preparation needs to start as early as the 6^th grade so that they are ready for A-G coursework in High School.

What is your favorite part of your work?

PIQE is a program that is constantly evolving and growing to better serve the community. I enjoy that every year we see new accomplishments.

Anything else you would like to share with the GEAR UP Community?

Thank you for considering me for the spotlight. California GEAR UP has always been an avid supporter of PIQE, we truly value our partnership and look forward to seeing positive change in our schools.

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California GEAR UP works with partnership organizations across the state to achieve the five outcomes at each school listed HERE and HERE (spanish) Partnerships are essential for sustaining school improvement and a college-going culture, and for increasing the opportunities for students to succeed. As a result of participation in the California GEAR UP program, middle schools are expected to take advantage of the resources provided, and utilize other resources available to the school.

For more information on PIQE, please visit their website.

We are pleased to share the second featured GEAR UP Student Ambassador, Rosemarie Correa, an extremely forward thinking and intelligent tenth grade student at Monterey Trail High School in Elk Grove, CA. We were lucky enough to meet Rosemarie at the National GEAR UP Week celebration in Elk Grove where she was a featured speaker. Rosemarie was a recipient of a California GEAR UP Education Trust Award while a student at Harris Middle School and has since been an advocate for early college readiness, steadfast academic pursuit, and believing in her dreams. Harris Middle School has been a California GEAR UP school since 2006 and receives school-wide services to create a college-going culture by focusing on the adults within the school. One aspect of the services are the Education Trust Awards each school receives to distribute to a select group of students.

How did receiving the Education Trust Award effect your educational path?

Receiving the Educational Trust Award in middle school made me even more motivated to strive for my goals and that I am that much closer to going to the college of my dreams. Receiving the award in middle school was important because it helped me and my family to start thinking about college early.

How did your friends and family respond to you receiving the Education Trust Award in middle school since most college awards are usually given out in high school?

My friends and family were so proud of me! It also reminded me that anything is possible as long as you keep yourself motivated and remain positive.

What were some of the challenges in middle school and how have you overcome them?

A challenge I faced in middle school was not being very sociable. I was able to overcome my bashfulness by participating in different activities like GEAR UP college events, and by doing so I started to feel more comfortable talking to others. My teachers and parents were very supportive of me which helped greatly.

What is some advice you can give current middle and high school students that will help them stay on the road to college?

I would advise current middle and high school students that grades are very important and to remain motivated by focusing on your long term goals. If you don’t think about your future and all that you need to get done before hand, then you will most likely not push yourself and will not strive for your goals. Planning ahead of time is important, especially with your family and supporters at your school.

What are your college dreams?

My college dream is to go to The University of the Pacific and to get my Bachelors in Business. It is important to go to college so you can become successful in life. College is where you discover who you are and who you want to truly be. If you go to college, there are more opportunities and it’s also the place where all of your hard work pays off because it is the begining of your entire future.

What can you tell younger students that will help them be more prepared for high school?

Do not procrastinate on any homework no matter how much it may be, because it weighs heavily. They must be ready to take a lot of notes especially Cornell notes. As long as they maintain high grades and work hard they will succeed.

Anything else you want to share with us?

If you believe you will achieve.

Rosemarie’s philosophy of studying hard, staying focused on her goals, and relying on her family and school supports to achieve her college dreams are the true embodiment of GEAR UP school culture. Her passion and drive are an inspiration to all students and families with college aspirations.

For more information on California GEAR UP whole school services, Education Trust Awards, and inspirational stories from students, schools, and families please visit our website. If you are a former recipient of an Education Trust Award you can call our ETA line 916-479-6742, or email Gear-Up@csac.ca.gov.

Keep checking for updates, we will keep you apprised of Rosemarie’s continued success. Look for more GEAR UP success stories here on the blog or nationally on the GEAR UP Works! blog hosted by NCCEP.

If you have an inspiring college dreams story, please contact us here: sean.brennan@ucop.edu

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SACRAMENTO—Sharing the vision of California GEAR UP in the vital importance of parent involvement in the success of students, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today released a new, free publication, Family Engagement Framework, a Tool for California School Districts, to help school districts engage families in their children’s education.

“Parents are every child’s first teachers,” Torlakson said. “The good news is you don’t need an advanced degree to help your child succeed at school. It’s the little things that make a big difference—reading at home, talking with your child about school, and setting high expectations. Our Family Engagement Framework provides practical ways to help schools support parents to stay involved and help their children learn.”

The Family Engagement Framework is the culmination of nearly a decade of collaboration between the California Department of Education (CDE), an informal Title I advisory group to the CDE called Family Area Network, and the California Comprehensive Center at WestEd, California GEAR UP strategic partner and evaluator.  Funding for the project was provided through a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The development of the Framework is authorized under Title I of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act and CaliforniaEducation Code Section 11503.

The Framework describes 18 principles that are essential for family and community involvement with the school district. These principles are grouped into five action areas to:

(1) help school districts build the skills and confidence of parents,(2) demonstrate leadership, (3) use resources, (4) monitor progress, and (5) ensure access and equity for everyone. Specific actions to engage families and the community are described for each principle, ranging from basic to progressive to innovative. The Framework is outlined in a way to help school districts evaluate their progress and plan for improvements.

“This new resource from the department will be a valuable addition to our family engagement initiatives and we will share this tool with GEAR UP schools across the State.  In collaboration with our partners, we provide statewide services to families because we know that “Families Make the Difference”.

-Shelley Davis

Director, CA GEAR UP

The California Comprehensive Center did a thorough review of literature showing a strong link between parental involvement activities and student achievement. The research is summarized in the Framework, coupled with specific examples of what schools, communities, and parents can do to help students succeed. The publication also contains a list of articles that school administrators and teachers can read to create effective, research-based practices in family engagement. For example, the Framework can guide districts in planning and coordinating family engagement programs more effectively and includes examples of communications to families that may be copied or adapted for use in newsletters, e-mails, and other outreach efforts.

Copies of the Framework will be distributed to all school districts in California and will also be posted on the California Comprehensive Center Web site at http://www.wested.org/online_pubs/cpei/family-engagement-framework.pdf

The Family Initiatives Project is designed to encourage a partnership between families, schools, and communities in the educational process, especially but not exclusively for African-American families. Five-week sessions or one Saturday Family University offer college and career information and connect families to local community and social services. Through interactive sessions that increase understanding of the school system, family members enhance their knowledge of the middle school years, the “road to college”, and their critical role as support for their children. This greater knowledge and understanding is expected to enhance their ability to be effective advocates for their children in the school system.

FIP brings together families, schools and communities as partners in the education process. FIP services are based on recommendations from the GEAR UP school leadership team and the unique contributions of each school community.

Here are some comments from families who attended this weeks Family University at Harris Middle School in Sacramento:

Keep up the great information – parent from Harris.

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge, the information was very helpful. – Parent.

Excellent program, good information great opportunity to network with other parents and good resources – Parent.

Share with us what you are doing at your school to engage families by commenting on this post or contacting us here.

For mor information on FIP. please read our FIP policy brief on our website.

California GEAR UP Family Initiatives Project (FIP) offers five-week sessions or one day, 5 hour sessions at selected schools based on the need for family programming strategies to enhance the participation of English speaking families at California GEAR UP schools. Schools take the lead in making community connections to ensure full participation. GEAR UP facilitators lead the interactive sessions. FIP Family University sample outcomes:

• FIP provides families with support, information and resources to increase family participation with the school and community so they can help their children succeed in school for a better future.
• The family gatherings focus on family involvement and positive proactive communication
• Helping families navigate the school system on the pathway to college.
• Discuss financial aid, A-G  and graduation requirements
• Positive family communication and interaction
• College: Making it Happen materials.
• Priority application status for FIP graduates at California State University campuses

Here are some comments from attendees:

“Very good keep it up:  Thank you for coming.”

“Thank you for making this workshop fun and very informative.”

“From this workshop I am better equipped to help my son and family with college and personal affairs.”

“Thank you one of the best meetings I have been to. Thank you.”

“This is a very informative and excellent seminar for parents and students.  Thank you very much.”

“This workshop was very informative with lots of information that will be very useful in preparing for college.  I am going to set up that college account.”

“I feel that the workshop was really educational for myself and child.  Real helpful information thank you for your support.”

“Extremely informative and engaging workshop, we need to  present this same information at the beginning of the school year.  Details about how to conduct parent conference were helpful.  African American parents felt heard and validated.”

“The workshop was very informative, educational and exciting.  It wasn’t boring kept me entertained.”

“I think the presentation was good and informative and done at a good pace.  Presenters were well prepared and handouts were excellent.”

Todays event at Everett MS featured laptop giveaway, excellent participation, and a tasty breakfast and lunch for all attendees.

Latptops and continual support for Everett was provided by Extreme Learning/Avanza Online.

THIS weekend MLK Jr Technology Academy proudly hosts Family Initiatives Project Family University, a California GEAR UP family engagement  program.

If you would like to attend or have questions regarding MLK Jr GEAR UP, please contact Ms. Adebanji: 916-286-4713

Special thanks to Ms. Adebanji, whose GEAR UP page is amazing!