Presented at the 2013 NPEA conference by: Urban Teacher Center, Higher Achievement Baltimore http://www.educational-access.org/npea_conference_speakers2013.php

1. Partnering for a Better Summer
National Partnership for Educational Access
Annual Conference 2013
April 11, 2013
Presenters: Cornelia Calliste & Katryna Andrusik, PhD

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3. Photos Inserted here

4. Who We Are: Higher Achievement
Higher Achievement is a nonprofit organization that provides an
intensive afterschool and summer academic program for middle school
youth in underserved communities
Higher Achievement services scholars from 5th through 8th grade
spending 650 hours a year learning an advanced curriculum that is
aligned to state standards.

5. Who We Are: Higher Achievement
•Afterschool Academy includes core subjects, such as literature and
mathematics, as well as seminars, artistic electives, field trips, and
opportunities to engage in community service.
•Summer Academy includes coursework in
literature, science, mathematics, social studies, and electives, as well
as a three-day trip to a college. Small classes and mentoring sessions
encourage intellectual curiosity and teach both basic skills and critical
thinking.
•The program culminates with high school placement
services, which help scholars advance to top academic high schools.
In addition to helping scholars identify schools that fit their
needs, Higher Achievement helps them prepare for placement
tests, practice interview skills, complete applications, and identify
resources for financial assistance.

6. Who We Are: Urban Teacher Center
Urban Teacher Center (UTC) prepares new teachers
through an alternative certification route in Baltimore and
D.C.
We are unique:
•Full residency year (Summer-Summer)
•Full immersion in a host classroom combined with 4-5
courses per semester with clinical expectations
•Dual Master of Education from Lesley University
•Certification after 2 years, dependent on student progress

7. Who We Are: Urban Teacher Center
Overall, UTC has over 85 teachers in Baltimore and D.C.
Public and Charter schools in Pre-K through 9th grade
classrooms
Of 86 UTC residents who entered the program in Summer
2012:
•40 were placed with HA
•2 did not continue into the fall
•4 additional residents have since left the program
•71 still in classrooms

8. Why Work Together?
• Vetted support staff provided to Higher Achievement
• Learning opportunities provided for residents at UTC
• Students are provided with leadership models
• Non-profits can learn from and with like-minded partners

9. What Works Well?
Communication
Preparation
Flexibility
Recognition of Mutual Benefice

10. Mutually Beneficial
UTC gains:
•Real classrooms in which residents can perform clinical
assignments and work directly with children
•Opportunities to observe residents as they encounter the
stresses of first year teaching (social, emotional, academic
skills)
•Feedback from an organization with dedicated staff who
know urban children well

11. Mutually Beneficial
Higher Achievement gains:
•Life learner partnerships, building rapport with students through
mentoring
•A small teacher student ratio: classes of no more than 15 middle
school students for six weeks
•Prepared teachers: Most teachers have 2-3 classes and 1-2 subjects

12. Mutually Beneficial
UTC and Higher Achievement gain:
•Regular classroom observations and feedback to improve teaching.
The opportunity to have ongoing conversations about improving
student learning experiences.
•Multiple opportunities to observe peer teachers and build teaching
skills.
The opportunity to learn from colleagues in real time and to build
professional learning communities.

13. Mutually Beneficial
The students gain:
•Opportunities to build relationships with multiple role models
• A culture in which success and achievement are expected, prized and
valued
•The chance to minimize, or even reverse, the trend of summer
learning loss
•Academic, social, and leadership focused instruction from teachers
and staff who care deeply about their opportunities for success

14. Mutually Beneficial
Higher Achievement’s partnership with UTC dramatically
improves the achievement of our scholars. On average, scholars
who complete the program:
•increase at least one grade point in their average
•graduate middle school with a B average
•show improved attendance, life and social skills

15. Outcomes
The program’s proven model provides a rigorous year-round learning
environment, caring role models, and a culture of high
expectations, resulting in college-bound scholars with the
character, confidence, and skills to succeed.
On average, 95 percent of scholars who complete Higher
Achievement advance to top academic high school programs and 93
percent advance to college

16. From UTC Residents:
“Higher Achievement provided me with excellent
experiences for the fall.”
“Higher Achievement was a great place to hone my skills
as an urban teacher!”
“Higher Achievement Staff was extremely supportive.
They constantly offered feedback and advice and were
always wiling to see what could be done about any
issues that arose.”

17. Want to learn more?
Higherachievement.org
Urbanteachercenter.org