Closing the Learning Gap: Steps That Work
Presenters
Joe Medina (Primary)
Principal
Torch Middle School
Robert Reyes (Primary)
Assistant Principal
Torch Middle School
Senior Research Analyst
American Institutes for Research (AIR)
Description
Torch Middle School in Los Angeles County, California serves a high poverty, high minority student population that performs well above its peers and has received a “similar schools ranking” of 10 (on a 10-point scale) on the California Academic Performance Index (API) for the past two years. In 2007, Torch was recognized as one of only three California Schools to Watch. While 31% of 8th grade Hispanic students scored proficient or above statewide, 54% of Hispanic 8th grade students at Torch scored proficient or above. Principal Joe Medina and Assistant Principal Robert Reyes will share the actual steps they have taken in moving the school from a decile 1 state ranking in 2000 to a decile 6 state ranking in 2007. This webinar is presented by the American Institutes for Research and WestEd as partners in the California Comprehensive Center to highlight high performing schools making a difference in student achievement. To learn more about Torch, please read the school profile.
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"This experience helped validate some of the observations made and work being done at my school. We also appreciate the ideas presented for moving past the needs assessment phase, particularly the constancy to purpose piece. I believe that’s the aspect we need to address. Thank you."
—Webinar Participant
Webinar Resources
- Chat Log for webinar, "Closing the Learning Gap: Steps That Work."
- MP3 audio recording for the webinar,"Closing the Learning Gap: Steps That Work.”
- Poll Responses for webinar, "Closing the Learning Gap: Steps That Work.”
- Powerpoint for Webinar:"Closing the Learning Gap: Steps That Work."
- Resources Suggested by Webinar Participants on 12-3-08
Other SchoolsMovingUp Resources that May be of Interest
From WestEd.org
The Map of Standards for English Learners, Set
"The Map of Standards has proved invaluable in helping classroom teachers understand the ELD standards. We are using the maps in all our EL PDI institutes and have requests for more copies."–Claudia Lockwood, Director of Multilingual Education, San Joaquin County Office of Education
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