A new report by LFA and Grunwald Associates, with support from AT&T, examines how parents perceive the value of mobile devices, how they see their children using mobiles, and what they think of the possibilities for mobile learning.
Arlington's Community Involvement Helps Students Succeed
Story posted March, 2008
Results:
• 95% of parents attending ESL classes related to the school attend parent-teacher conferences
• 400% growth in the number of children attending after-school enrichment programs, with 80% of those students showing academic gains
Imagine a school where teachers and parents work together to help children learn and develop; a place where local arts groups, businesses, faith-based organizations and county services all come together to improve the lives of young people and their families. At Carlin Springs Elementary School, in Arlington, VA, students are thriving because the school, county and the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families have come together to create a place that does all of this and more.
The school's 22204 zip code has been described as "a world in a zip code," due to its ethnic diversity: ninety percent of Carlin Springs' students come from immigrant families from 35 countries. Sixty-three percent of students are considered English language learners. Carlin Springs' diverse student body also includes 81% of students who are eligible for free and reduced-price lunch, as well a high rate of student mobility. In this dynamic environment, the Carlin Springs Community School has built an international community of families, staff, and partners.
The above-mentioned factors sometimes spell trouble for schools. But at Carlin Springs, students are succeeding and developing a lifelong passion for learning. They learn in ways that bring the curriculum to life. For example, the student-run branch of the Arlington VA Federal Credit Union and the banking club sponsored by E*Trade Bank integrate real-world issues into the curriculum. Building on the economics units in grades 2-5, students learn all aspects of savings, budgeting, and the functioning of credit unions and banks.
As is often the case at a community school, parents are also thriving. Carlin Springs extends education opportunities to parents, including English and computer literacy classes, parenting classes, and workshops on education-related topics. Parents have been trained to review immunization records at community health fairs and encourage other families to have their children immunized. Forty-two parents and 33 community volunteers assist in the school on a weekly or even daily basis.
To support family partnerships, teachers conduct home visits to strengthen their connection to more isolated families. To facilitate visits, teachers bring scrapbook materials-and a translator when necessary-to work with the student and his or her family to create a book that the student can share with the class. During home visits, teachers learn about how to better support learning, and teachers learn about the hopes and dreams that parents have for their children. These visits also encourage the family to take advantage of the opportunities available at the school through its community partners.
Carlin Springs has blossomed as a community school since it hired a full-time Community Coordinator. The Principal and Community School Coordinator work together to integrate the many parts of this initiative into a well-coordinated approach to raising student achievement and strengthening families.
Carlin Springs Elementary made AYP for the first time in 05-06. Although they did not make it the following year, it was due to a change on a federal mandate involving English language learners. This year, Carlin Springs Elementary will use an alternative reporting method for its ELL population; the school is trying to make AYP again.
Over the last 3 years, the number of students staying after school for enrichment programs jumped from 60 to 250; and 80% of these students showed academic improvements.
Among parents attending ESL classes focused on understanding the school system, 95% attended their parent-teacher conferences.
Further details about this story can be found in our source:
www.CommunitySchools.org
For more information on this story, please contact:
Anne Vor der Bruegge
Community School Coordinator
703-228-8409
avorderb@arlington.k12.va.us
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