Camarillo, California, November 21, 2002 - University Preparation School at California State University Channel Islands (UPS at CSUCI) was awarded $400,000 recently to develop and implement an innovative educational program that embodies research-based elements and is adapted to ensure high levels of achievement for every student from Kindergarten through 5th grade. The 356 children attending the school since September, come from families of diverse ethnic and linguistic backgrounds and economic means as well as reflect the variety of special needs children from the entire region of Ventura County.
The grant team of UPS teachers and CSUCI faculty was headed by Principal, Linda Ngarupe and CSUCI Assistant Professor of Education, Dr. Merilyn Buchanan. Some of the strategies to be employed with these students and evaluated for future broader use include: assessment-driven standards-based instruction, dual language instruction, arts and technology integration, learning centers in all classrooms, the use of university students as tutors, after school homework club and tutoring center, parental involvement and leadership development, and family literacy.
The source of the funding is the California Public Charter Schools Grant Program which originates from federal charter school grant money. The initial award will be issued in early February, 2003 and all funds will be expended by November, 2004. Successful grantees were required to clearly demonstrate a compelling vision, educational capacity, collaboration and networking and business capacity.
Lead agency, Pleasant Valley School District Superintendent Dr. Howard Hamilton, summarized the collaborative nature of the project, “After two years of intense study and creative application of 'best practices' in education, the University Preparation School was born. It is a partnership with the newly established California State University Channel Islands and sixteen elementary school districts in Ventura County.
”Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Charles Weis emphasized the evaluation and research strengths of the partnership, “the University Preparation School will serve as an experimental ground for professors and students from CSU Channel Islands. In partnership with our Beginning Teacher Support Program (BTSA) and our Curriculum and Instruction program, students at the University will try their hand at teaching by leading standards-based classroom lessons in their subjects of expertise. Innovative programs for learning will be tested, modified and refined. This format will support continuous improvement in both student learning and in the CSUCI teacher education programs.”
“University Preparation School at California State University Channel Islands is an effective way to strengthen the linkages among the education sectors and benefit students and teachers in Ventura County,” commented Dr. Richard Rush, President of CSU Channel Islands.
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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.