FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 4, 2000
CONTACT: John Flores, Director,
Comprehensive School Reform 670-4590
RESOURCE: Sheila Jordan, County Superintendent 670-4140Graham Elementary School Improvement Action Plan Report to be Presented to Newark School Boardd
After six months of hard work by teachers, parents, community members, school administrators and an External Evaluation Team from the Alameda County Office of Education, an Action Plan for Graham Elementary School Improvement will be presented to the Newark Board of Education on April 4 at 7 p.m.
County Superintendent of Schools Sheila Jordan said, "The Immediate Intervention -- Under-performing Schools Program outlined the process for improving student achievement. I commend all who worked so well as a team in using that process to develop this comprehensive plan to improve teaching and learning for every child at Graham Elementary School."
The Action Plan focuses on three main areas: instructional strategies for English Language Learners, increasing parent participation, and customizing staff development programs for teachers.
The Plan recommends positions for a Literacy Coordinator and a Math Coordinator to lead these activities and oversee the implementation. It also calls for integrating other programs into a comprehensive school plan to address the basic areas of need. These programs include increasing after-school activities for students, early intervention for at-risk students, reading recovery, an emphasis on parent involvement, and greater use of tutors.
Belen Magers, principal at Graham Elementary, said, "Graham staff, teachers, parents, and community members worked very hard with the Alameda County Office of Education staff to complete this document. We arrived at our decisions through a data-driven, research-based, collaborative process. We will continue working with all members of our educational community toward improved student achievement."
The school team, in collaboration with the County Office External Evaluation members, have until April 15 to make any changes to the Action Plan. The document is then sent to the California Department of Education for approval. The school will be notified by May 15 if their Action Plan is approved.
"They have done an excellent job," said Jordan, "and I know they are looking forward to implementing their plan for making Graham an exemplary school."
Alameda
County Office of Education
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