Selected Program Initiatives

School-Based Services

School-Based services constitute the foundation of the California GEAR UP program and consist of direct services to selected middle schools with on-site support from GEAR UP regional coordinators and project coordinators. The school-based model provides school specific activities and initiatives conducted collaboratively with program partners including: Professional Development, Support Systems for Families and Communities, Resources and Educational Trust Awards. Outcomes focus on ALL students and the development and sustainability of a college-going culture at the school site.

Community Conference

To be held in March 2011, the conference engages school and university faculty, education practitioners, community leaders, program partners, policymakers, and state and local GEAR UP staff in statewide forums focused on data driven assessment, "Lessons Learned", and recommendations for sustainability of effort. The conference features guest speakers, a student panel, program update, strategy sessions, entertainment and an interactive resource room that showcases California GEAR UP and GEAR UP partnership successes.

Counseling Institute

A series of middle school Counseling Institutes are held throughout the State, inviting counseling staffs from GEAR UP participating middle schools, and neighboring middle schools, which may be non-GEAR UP schools, to participate. The institute encourages counselors in their role as college advocates and strengthens awareness about the importance of academic planning for all students and families. The institute also supports the involvement of faculty from local high schools.

Leadership Training: Principals Institute

The Principals Institute is a GEAR UP sponsored institute that focuses on leadership skills for middle school principals, that is convened at the end of the Planning Phase. As instructional leaders, principals are responsible for: 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.  View Principals Institute Program Overview Abstract

School Recognition Plan

The School Recognition Plan is an initiative to engage, challenge, and reward GEAR UP schools to develop a college-going culture and to provide opportunities for sharing and being recognized for their successes. Selected "Schools On The Move" present best practices from their schools, as defined by the six conditions of the School Self-Assessment Rubric (SSAR), at the Institutes and Community Conferences; and are featured in newsletters and on the web site.