2006-2009 Learning Technology Grant Program
Abstract
Abstracts are posted as submitted by the LTG award winners
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Address1 Fordham Plaza
City NYC / StateNY / Zip10458
Contact PersonMaryann Clark / Telephone w area code 718-583-6266
E-mail Address / Fax w area code
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Pre-K-4
X Grades 5-8
Grades 9-12
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Arts / XMathematics
Career Development & Occupational Studies / Physical Education
English Language Arts / Science
Family & Consumer Sciences / Social Studies
Health Education / Technology Education
Languages Other Than English
Learning Technology Grant 2006-09 Abstract: (type in the shaded area, also please note that
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Middle School 229, SURR School (grades 5-8) is an ethnically diverse corrective action school of just over 512 students located in the Fordham section of the Bronx. 41.4 % of our students are Spanish speaking (including new immigrants or first generation Americans from the Caribbean, Central, South and North America); 1.0% are from South-East Asia and China, 57.2 are African Americans, and 0.4% are white. 51.4% are male, 48.6% are female. And since our school serves one of the poorest neighborhoods in New York City, 78.4% of our boys and girls are eligible for free lunch. Many of the children entering Middle School 229 are deficient in basic math and reading skills, and their scores reflect that: 78% scored at level one and two in Reading and Math. MS 229 is fortunate to have a dedicated, experienced, and well trained staff of 53 teachers, 100% of whom are certified and licensed. Nearly half of them, 45.3%, have more than five years teaching experience and 81.1% hold a Masters degree or higher. We are confident that with the right tools at our disposal and the right training for our teachers, that we can make real, measurable progress toward improving our students’ performance.
Holy Spirit is our non-public school partner that hosts students of the same demographics with 100% of its students eligible for free lunch. As its grade level classes are concentrated with one teacher teaching several subjects, their students perform slightly above grade level in mathematics and science as recorded by Iowa Basic Skills Test results. 84.7% of Holy Spirits students score level’s 2 & 3 on the English Language Arts exam and respectively in mathematics for grades 4 and 8 with only 9.7 % scoring in level 3.
Both schools are committed to improving student scores on the State standardized math test by implementing staff development programs based on standard-setting learning and aimed at improving mathematics teaching and student achievement in math in all grades. Both schools hope to meet the above goals through a partnership with the Ocean of Know,. Teachers College Columbia University will provide assessment. Training in peer review and self assessment are key components of the staff development program and both schools understand the importance of applying these strategies with the goal of improving student performance on standardized tests.
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