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Planning Phase Spring 2009

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During spring 2009, California GEAR UP provides a number of services to incoming middle schools in preparation for the two years of intensive services during 2009-2011.  All the following Planning Phase activities prepare school staff to take full advantage of GEAR UP and partner resources:

  • GEAR UP staff provides an orientation at the school site for the principal and School Leadership Team between January and March 2009.
  • GEAR UP staff provides facilitation to explore the school culture with the Leadership Team in a session at each school campus, guiding them in building school consensus around the importance of developing a college-going culture. GEAR UP tools are utilized to assess perceptions and expectations of staff, parents and community.
  • The Regional Coordinator provides training for the Leadership Team and other staff members on the Resources and Materials Clearinghouse.  The Resources and Materials Clearinghouse is a vehicle for disseminating information to middle school educators, families, and students with respect to preparation for college and developing a college-going culture.  The Clearinghouse is the mechanism through which GEAR UP reaches all the schools that participated in the intensive school-based services model and the primary strategy for ensuring that GEAR UP’s efforts will be sustained.
  • GEAR UP staff sponsors several Middle School Counseling Institutes throughout the State of California.  Counselors and teachers from GEAR UP participating middle schools and neighboring middle schools, which may be non-GEAR UP schools, are invited to participate.  This curriculum information encourages counselors in their role as college advocates and strengthens awareness about the importance of academic planning for all students and families.
  • GEAR UP staff offers a Principals’ Institute that concentrates on leadership skills for middle school principals, convened during the spring of 2009.  The Institute focuses on principals as instructional leaders.   Topics included are identifying high quality professional development opportunities for their teaching staff; ensuring resources are available to support the participation of school staff and families; and creating a culture of learning, predicated on professional development opportunities that build strong teams.