Special Programs
Orton-Gillingham
The Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) was founded as a resource to provide educational professionals with effective tools for teaching the English language. Based on current research, The IMSE believes that a multi-sensory approach is the key to success in teaching reading, writing, and comprehension. Such an approach combines a strong literature program that includes a rich mixture of written and oral language with organized, direct instruction to meet the needs of the emergent reader. (Ortho-Institute for- multisensory education 2016 IMSE)
AVID Elementary
AVID SCHOOLWIDE
What began decades ago with one teacher in one classroom preparing students for the rigors of postsecondary education quickly outgrew the confines of just one class. The successes of that teacher drove the expansion of the AVID Elective into a model of systemic reform that empowers schools to prepare more college-ready students on their campuses.
How It Works
AVID Schoolwide works through transforming four key domains of operations; Instruction, Systems, Leadership, and Culture. By focusing on these domains, AVID's philosophy and methodologies become deeply ingrained, and the benefits of AVID are widely experienced.
Instruction
It is instruction that incorporates the cornerstones of AVID's foundational tools- Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading. When teachers participate in professional learning opportunities, implement WICOR strategies in their classrooms, and commit to success, they produce a learning environment where all students are equipped to tackle complex issues, problems, and texts.
Systems
AVID Schoolwide works to implement or reform systems that open access to the most rigorous courses in order to support college readiness beyond the AVID Elective. Data collection and analysis, opportunities for teachers to learn and refine their instructional practice, master schedule development, and student and parent outreach are examples of systems touched by AVID Schoolwide.
Leadership
Leadership sets the vision and tone that promotes college readiness and high expectations for all students in the schools. The principal and a calibrated leadership team-including representatives from the AVID site team-work together to ensure that the school's mission and vision statements align with AVID's philosophy of open and equal access to rigorous courses and that resources are allocated to promote college readiness and high expectations for all students.
Culture
It is evident that AVID Schoolwide transforms a school when the AVID philosophy progressively shifts beliefs and behaviors, resulting in an increase of students meeting college-readiness requirements. A site builds this intentional culture by engaging parents, students, and teachers; focusing on community support; and establishing a mindset that all students can benefit from rigorous and challenging coursework.
(AVID Elementary Foundation)
P.S. Arts
P.S. ARTS is dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing arts education to underserved public schools and communities. P.S. ARTS is the only organization in Southern and Central California that provides high quality arts education in dance, music, theater, and visual arts to every child in a school during the regular school day and after-school. Without our programs, children in these underfunded school districts would not have access to the arts. P.S. ARTS also coordinates with school administrators and parent groups to provide community outreach services designed to increase the community’s capacity to advocate for educational equity and to provide critical cultural experiences for the entire family. P.S. ARTS programs help level the educational playing field by teaching creative and cognitive skills to students struggling to overcome economic, ability, or literacy barriers that will better equip them to be competitive and successful people. Studies show the arts keep children motivated and engaged, and with the high school dropout rate in Los Angeles County as high as 50% in recent years, the children in our community need the arts now more than ever. (P.S. Arts Mission Website)
Conga Kids
To provide a dynamic partner dance program that develops student’s creative potential, and sets a foundation of respect, teamwork, confidence, and leadership, while also teaching critical inter-personal communication skills. (Conga Kids Mission Website)
B.R.I.D.G.E. Theater
B.R.I.D.G.E.- Building Relationships and Inspiring Dialogue through Global Exchange- is an arts organization offering play writing and acting programs to communities worldwide, providing opportunities for cultural exchange and artistic communion on an international scale.
Our aim is to resolve conflict through theatre and promote peace through shared experiences. (B.R.I.D.G.E. Theatre Project website)
S.T.A.R.
For Elementary School students identified as gifted and talented (GATE) by the District, these hands-on workshops offer students project and inquiry based experiences that are intellectually stimulating. Teamwork and critical thinking skills are developed through troubleshooting and working with teacher mentors to apply the Design Process, developing the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate an increasingly connected and complex world. (STAR Resource Station)
Think Together Program
Afterschool Expanded Learning Programs
Think Together’s Afterschool Expanded Learning Programs provide meaningful academic and enrichment activities to K-8 students. Afterschool programs keep kids safe, provide them with homework support and dynamic learning time, while helping working families. Think Together’s curriculum is focused on English Language Arts, Math, STEM, Youth Development, and Arts & Enrichment. Parents have seen improvements in their children’s behavior, school attendance, and school performance when they participate in afterschool programs. Expanded Learning Programs are one way Think Together is partnering with schools and communities to close the Achievement Gap. (Think Together Website)