Calendar April 5, 12

Supplemental Educational
Services Regional Workshops,
sponsored by the U.S. Department
of Education. This series provides
QA & G L O S S A R Y
To be eligible, school districts must have
schools serving grades 6–12 with at least
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
ED PUBS
P.O. BOX 1398
JESSUP, MD 20794-1398
The

VOL.6, NO.4 APRIL 2007

PRESORTED
FIRST- CLASS MAIL
UNITED STATES POSTAGE PAID
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD
PERMIT NO. 557
The
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
free technical assistance for organ- 75 percent of their students qualifying for free
What is the Department and reduced-price lunches. The funds must be
izations interested in becoming VOL.6, NO.4 APRIL 2007 www.ed.gov
used for: research-based programs designed to
approved providers of supple- doing to help high school improve basic reading skills, vocabulary, fluency
mental educational services for
disadvantaged students. Locations
students who are struggling
to read?
and comprehension; professional development
opportunities that are aligned with scientifi-
Dialogue Focuses on Making
College Affordable, Accountable
Spellings Convenes National
and dates include: April 5, Little
Rock, Ark.; and April 12, Lexing-
ton, Ky. Visit http://www.ed.gov T
he U.S. Department of Education is
seeking to improve the literacy skills
of struggling adolescent readers
cally based reading research; valid and reliable
reading assessments; and the design and imple-
mentation of a rigorous program evaluation.
and Accessible
Summit on Higher Education
O
and select “No Child Left Behind,” First created in 2005, Striving Readers has n March 23, U.S. Secretary of Education nontraditional students; and 5) enhancing afford-
through a new grant program called Striving
supported eight projects across the country, Margaret Spellings continued the national ability, decreasing costs and promoting I N S I D E
then “Choices for Parents” and Readers. According to the latest Nation’s
each averaging $3 million over a five-year peri- dialogue on higher education, which she productivity.
“Getting Students Help”; or call Report Card, the average 12th-grade reading
od. President Bush is requesting an additional initiated in 2005 when she created the Secretary’s The commission’s findings were the basis for the
1-800-USA-LEARN. score was the lowest it has been since 1992.
$100 million in his 2008 budget to continue Commission on the Future of Higher Education, action plan, announced in a speech by the secre- 2 Spellings Addresses
A complement to the successful Reading
funding these as well as new projects. by convening leaders and stakeholders tary to the National Press Club in September Higher Education Summit
First program for younger students, Striving
For more information, visit from across the country for a summit 2006, to improve America’s higher educa-
Readers supports research-based reading
http://www.ed.gov and select “Programs,” in Washington, D.C., “A Test of Lead- tion system and provide students and Around the Country—
April 15 – 21 interventions for middle and high school
then “Title” for “Striving Readers”; or call ership: Committing to Advance families with more information and Ohio and Oregon
National Volunteer Week, students in Title I-eligible schools that are
202-205-6272. Postsecondary Education for All more affordable access to higher
struggling to meet the adequate yearly
sponsored by the Points of
progress (AYP) requirements under the
( Americans.” education. A key component of that 5 Calendar

(
Light Foundation and the The summit focused on action plan was to convene a summit
Volunteer Center National
No Child Left Behind Act. The program seeks Striving Readers: items based on five key recommen- to bring stakeholders and policy-
to raise the overall academic achievement Q&A—Striving Readers
A U.S. Department of Education grant dations from the Secretary’s makers together to discuss the
Network since 1974. This year, of these students by enhancing the quality Grant Program
program that supports research-based commission to improve college commission’s recommendations,
Target Corporation joined the of literacy instruction across all subject
interventions for middle and high school access, affordability and accountability. progress, responsibilities and future Education News Parents
partnership to recognize mil- areas and by building a scientific research
students reading below grade level. These action items are: 1) aligning K–12 actions. Another priority was to streamline Can Use
lions of volunteers who are base around specific reading strategies that
improve adolescent literacy skills. Finding What Works in Education and higher education expectations; 2) increasing the process by which students apply for federal
helping to solve social problems need-based aid for access and success; 3) using student aid using the Free Application for Federal 6 Finding What Works in
in communities nationwide. accreditation to support and emphasize student Student Aid (FAFSA).
Education
Visit http://www.1-800- News Show Looks at Charters, School Choice learning outcomes; 4) serving adults and other In late March, the secretary announced the

T
he current nationwide emphasis http://www.whatworks.ed.gov, the What
VOLUNTEER.org, or call > continued on page 2
empower parents to on ensuring that all students and Works Clearinghouse offers a set of easily

T
1-800-VOLUNTEER. he latest
ensure that their children schools meet high standards has accessible databases and user-friendly U.S. Department of Education Noble Street
resources and
have access to a high-qual- increased the demand for evidence of reports that provide education consumers 400 Maryland Ave. S.W.
options avail-
April 19 – 20
National Mathematics
able to parents under
the No Child Left
ity education, regardless
of race, income or zip
what works in education. The What
Works Clearinghouse, established in
with high-quality reviews of the effective-
ness of education interventions (programs,
Washington, DC 20202

The Achiever is a monthly publication

Chicago Charter High School Creates a Culture of
Advisory Panel Meeting,
the sixth in a series of public
Behind Act, including
charter schools and
code. In addition, the
broadcast will feature
2002 by the U.S. Department of Educa-
tion’s Institute of Education Sciences,
products, practices and policies) intended
to improve student outcomes. The reports,
for parents and community leaders from
the Office of Communications and
Outreach, U.S. Department of Education
Learning to Pave the Road to Higher Education
hearings sponsored by the U.S. high-performing charter which are developed by a group of leading (ED). Margaret Spellings, secretary.
school choice, will be provides educators, policymakers, Jasmine Alamo has changed her family legacy. Though the youngest of five siblings,

‘‘
Department of Education. This the focus of the April schools and districtwide researchers and the public with a central experts according to standards for review- Comments? Contact Nicole Ashby,
editor, at 202-401-0689 (fax), or at
she will be the first to go to college.
meeting will be held at the Illi- edition of Education school choice programs and trusted source of scientific evidence ing and synthesizing research, point out [email protected]. Alamo, who plans to attend Loyola University this fall and later pur-
nois Math and Science Academy News Parents Can Use, from across the country to help them make informed decisions when an intervention brings about the Address changes and subscriptions? sue a career as a police officer or pilot, credits her pioneering success to
that demonstrate how
in Aurora. Created a year ago,
the panel will advise President
the U.S. Department of
Education’s monthly families have benefited
from parent options
about student achievement.
Available online at
changes desired in student learning or
behavior. Also included under a new rating
Contact 1-877-4ED-PUBS, or
[email protected]. Noble ... Noble Street College Prep, a public charter high school in Chicago. Had
she been enrolled in a different school, she is certain
television program. system is an “improvement index” that Information on ED programs, resources
Bush and Secretary Spellings on
the best use of scientifically
No Child Left Behind
provides parents with more information
under No Child Left Behind.
Each month, Education News Parents
quantifies the intervention’s impact.
Most recently, the What Works Clearing-
and events? Contact 1-800-USA-LEARN,
or [email protected]. teaches you things would have turned out much differently.
“I hear every day [at one of the other area high
schools] there are fights
based research on teaching and
learning math. Visit
about schools than ever before, and it gives
them an expanding list of options that work
Can Use showcases: schools and school dis-
tricts from across the country; conversations
house released reports on early and middle
school math, reading, and preschool curric-
The Achiever contains news and information
about and from public and private organizations
for the reader’s information. Inclusion does not
to focus on breaking out,” said
Alamo. “At Noble, you
http://www.ed.gov and select
“About ED,” then “Boards &
to translate this information into academic
success for their children. April’s show will
with school officials, parents and education
experts; and advice and free resources for
ula and practices. Other studies examined
include character education programs,
constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Depart-
ment of Education of any products or services
offered or views expressed. This publication
your goals. don’t even get dirty
looks, let alone
Commissions”; or e-mail spotlight innovative options—such as char- parents and educators. also contains hyperlinks and URLs created
dropout prevention strategies, and English physical contact from
ter schools, free tutoring programs, public To learn about viewing options, includ- and maintained by outside organizations and
[email protected]. language learner interventions. All reports provided for the reader’s convenience. The people. If I were to go
school choice and private school scholar- ing webcasts, visit http://www.ed.gov and
are compiled from a synopsis of the most Department is not responsible for the accuracy somewhere with that
ships for students in low-performing click on “Parents,” then “News Parents Can of this information.
Use”; or call toll-free 1-800-USA-LEARN. reliable, valid study findings. > continued on page 3
schools—and discuss how these options
page 5 page 6
 > continued from page 1 > continued from page 1

creation of the FAFSA4caster, an online tool teer states—Kentucky, Florida and Minnesota— state consumer Web sites that will enable much violence and that much disregard for More impressively, at least four in five Noble To meet the growing demand, two new
From left to right: Superintendent Michael Milkie speaks with teacher Jimmy Redondo; and teacher
that simplifies the financial aid process for stu- to participate in a pilot study to provide more students to compare institutions in the three education, I don’t know how I’d survive. If I Street graduates progress to college, compared nearby campuses opened last year while
Tim Brown with his advisee, senior Laurence Pommells. On the cover, teacher Ellen Metz with students
dents and families. easily accessible information about higher edu- states. went there, I wouldn’t care as much for my to nine in 20 Chicago Public Schools students. another two are slated to open this fall. Com-
Jasmine Alamo, Raquel Martinez, Pearl Perez and Celeste Caicedo. Photos by John Gress.
Spellings also announced, in the spirit of the cation for students and families, particularly for For more information, visit http://www.ed.gov education and my future as I do now.” Considering that most students arrive at Noble bined with the 480 students at Noble Street
commission’s call to create a “robust culture of adults returning to school and other under- and select “About ED,” then “Boards & Creating a culture Street performing below grade level, this is no College Prep, this will triple enrollment in the
accountability and transparency throughout served populations. The primary outcome of Commissions.” “where kids behave in small feat. Noble Network of Charter High Schools by counterparts, Noble Street also requires stu- To retain the counseling services,
higher education,” the selection of three volun- the pilot study will be three new or upgraded respectful ways con- In addition, Noble Street is one of about next school year. “There were no tears at the dents to earn at least two academic enrichment single-gender advisory
ducive to learning” a dozen high schools in the district that have lottery night for the first time since 1999,” said credits outside of the regular school day. classes were created in
was the primary goal met the state’s adequate yearly progress Noble Street Principal William Olsen. “There’s Although it is a relatively small school, the which a small group of
Secretary Spellings Addresses Higher Education Summit

Photo by Paul Wood

when founders Michael targets for the past two years, and one such a need for high schools here.” By 2009, offerings are plentiful and have given students students remain with the
Milkie and his wife of only a few that does not require the network is expected to reach 3,500 stu- a wider platform for greater achievement. For same teacher throughout
First, when it comes to access, the problems

U .S. Secretary of Education Margaret over 30 years— instance, the Rocket Club finished 41st out their enrollment. The
begin long before a college application is ever raising the Tonya started the test scores for admission. dents annually by expanding to seven
Spellings led a national summit on charter school, he This stellar record of achievement of 100 teams in a 2005 classes, which serve as
higher education, sponsored by the filled out. Despite our best efforts, there are grant to $4,600
said. Such was not the and the promise of a rigorous, world- national competition. And, the morning homeroom
U.S. Department of Education, in Washing- still vast inequities within our K–12 system. next year and
case, he added, at the class education—which includes every last spring, the Poetry Slam period, provide an oppor-
ton, D.C., on March 23. Her remarks follow. With No Child Left Behind we’ve made progress increasing it to
high schools where they previously taught for student learning Russian as well as trips Team gained recognition in a tunity for teachers to track
… Strengthening higher education is criti- in the early grades … . Reading and math $5,400 over
a total of 13 years on the tough south and west to Moscow and St. Petersburg made pos- citywide festival for the poem students’ progress closely
cal to our future competitiveness. But in my scores are at all-time highs for Hispanic and the next five
African-Americans. And, the longstand- years. … sides of Chicago. sible with fundraising support by parents “… Bomb,” an artistic com- and for students to receive
opinion, there’s an even stronger moral case mentary on the fight against the ongoing support
to be made. Helping more ing achievement gap has finally begun Finally, to “I think many good teachers in many regu- and students—have families scrambling
to close. better serve all lar schools are doing great work, but their to get their children into Noble Street. The terrorism. they need.
Americans their junior year,
Unfortunately, in our high schools, our students, work is compromised by the culture. It doesn’t wait list unrolls like a scroll, with more campuses in areas where there are no high Teacher Ellen Metz says the biggest differ- Tim Brown, who
students are assessed every
it’s a much different story. In addition we must inject permit most teachers to really be effective,” than 600 applicants competing for just schools or where existing high schools are ence between a school like Noble Street and has taught at Noble Street since
quarter according to a set of
to an epidemic dropout rate, only half more transparency into our higher education said Michael Milkie. 150 freshmen slots each year. The only underperforming. the typical urban high school “is not with its inception, says he is still in contact with
e college-level standards that benchmark
t a k in g mor of those who graduate are really ready system. … Like any other investment or Since opening in admissions require- When Illinois passed charter school legis- the students. I think that’s a misconception. his first advisory group of students—the
v er a g e are , 12th- for college-level math and science. … enterprise, we need meaningful data to better Students are students. They want to learn. school’s first graduating class from 2003
academic readiness in reading and math.
on a des August 1999 with ment is that lation in 1996, the Milkies decided to put
l gr a duates g higher gra National A good case study can be seen manage and improve the system. … And in They crave structure … support … consis- who will be completing college this year.
And, to give students a taste of the college
choo arnin 2005 one the intent to pre- students reside their money where their mouth was with
hile high s urses and e ins on the EP). On the a’s in the implementation of our new almost every area of our government—from tency. And I feel like Noble provides that for Over the years, they have called him for
experience, Noble Street partners with the
W co a A ric
nging duce g ess (N : Ame pare the city’s in the Chicago regard to high school reform. Soon after, Right Angle Foundation for a summer
challe failed to pro tional Progr Report Card t least a Academic Competitiveness grants. prescription drug programs to welfare to K–12 them. To me, the difference is in the way the advice on what courses to take, whether they
s ca a , largely low- area; the ulti- they joined forces with Northwestern Uni-
grader ent of Edu The Nation’s t completed nt in 2000 These scholarships are designed education—we expect accountability for tax school is operated.” should transfer and other matters. “It’s an
program that sends sophomores to college
e ss m d in rc e n e rc e o f income, Latino mate decision versity Settlement House, a longstanding
Ass
s re porte ates, 68 pe fro m 59 p n e- third to reward Pell [Grant]-eligible dollars. A key factor in running Noble Street ongoing process that makes it all worthwhile
campuses across the country. For three to six
a o
hand, hool Gradu in 2005, up was about population for is made by a community organization that provided the weeks students take classes for which they
h S c lu m e ra g e ’s students who complete a rigor- Yet, when it comes to higher education, productively has been reducing the class size. to me,” he said. “Knowing that my efforts
Hig ricu t av ation higher education, lottery. facility for Noble Street and is currently
rd cur e poin The N 005, ous high school curriculum, we’ve invested hundreds of billions in taxpayer earn credit, visit campus facilities and meet
standa overall grad 1990. c ordin g to
tics 2 e Noble Street managing the business operations of the Metz—whose largest class is 23 students, have allowed them to get a college education
d th e h a n in r, a c h e m a but to date, only half of the money and just hoped for the best. Colleges informally with college students. Two years
an er t d, how
eve Mat west s
inc a stark contrast to her motivates me.”
e high g and . College Prep—formerly Noble Network. (Michael, who served as
a grad e other han ade Readin re was the lo 2002 score total award [amount] has been and universities must be more transparent previous school where In a practical approach to preparing
ago, senior Laurence Pommells took an
On th d: 12th-Gr eading sco f r o m the
s e d that distributed. … about costs, graduation rates and learning out- called Noble Street the school’s principal for six years, is now accelerated course in management informa-
t Car ade r eren t as u r 45 students filled one students for higher education, Noble Street
Repor age 12th-gr ificantly diff ssessment w one-quarte On affordability the story comes so that students and parents can make Charter High School— the network’s superintendent, while Tonya tion systems at the University of Arizona.
e r n a n
the av lbeit not sig hich a new ns, less tha nt. is much the same. Skyrock- more informed choices. … has recorded an is the school’s dean of students.) class—says the smaller offers a class in the senior year that
, a r w rs io ic ie Pommells, who will be attending Pomona
1992 ematics, fo previous ve above prof ut out
for
85-percent gradua- Exercising the freedom charter schools class size enables focuses solely on applying
m a th le t o a t o r w ork c eting tuition increases that To this end, we’re awarding Florida, College to major in computer engineering
In rab red r ty
compa rs sco ave ou a quali tion rate that enjoy over traditional public schools (in teachers to give to college. Under a teacher’s
is not school senio w that we h ation with hild Left have outpaced inflation, Minnesota and Kentucky $100,000 each for
more individualized guidance, students research
and study Russian, Japanese and Korean,
ho n C
of high e reports “s child in this s. “The No lementary family incomes, even consumer information pilots that will make exceeds both exchange for their accountability for aca- says as early as his freshman year he was
T h e s ev ery p e llin g n ’s e attention, which is college prospects and fill out
in g y S atio s e health care costs, have this data more available and useful to families local (73 percent) demic results), Noble Street’s leadership
rovid cretar our n increa .” encouraged to give college a serious look.
us in p n,” said Se to improve act now to ra te s also outpaced many and students. … and national made major changes in the budget, staffing particularly critical in applications for colleges,
tio g t n “The thing about Noble is that it
educa Act is workin nd we mus ve graduatio Americans’ ability to We all have a stake. … This is urgent urban schools where a financial aid and scholar-
d , a ro (71 percent) and curriculum by: extending the school
Behin dle schools ols and imp visit student’s needs can be great. ships. For many whose
teaches you to focus on your goals,” he said.
m id sc h o n s , afford and attend col- work. … Education is the key to our contin- averages. day and year to educate students an addi-
and h atio “It teaches you to stay determined to win
or in our hig two public lege. Consider that in 1975, ued competitiveness and essential to our To make class sizes smaller, funds for parents have not gone to col-
r ig d the se . tional two months; requiring English, math
d.gov the prize.”
To rea nsreportcar the Pell Grant covered 84 percent of democracy. … and science for all four years, including employing guidance counselors were lege, it makes the application process far less
natio
http:// costs—today, [it covers] only 36 percent. a second math course in grade 10; and redirected toward hiring more teachers. daunting, says Michael Milkie. Also, through —BY NICOLE ASHBY
For the full March 23, 2007, remarks, visit
… The president is answering the call to

Noble Street College Prep

earn a degree is not http://www.ed.gov and select “Press Room” and doubling the district’s community service
only important for our economic stand- make college more affordable. His budget requirement from 40 to 80 hours.
then “Speeches.”
ing … it’s essential to reinforcing what our called for the biggest Pell Grant increase in Going above and beyond its traditional
country stands for.
If our nation stands for equality, if we
believe every child deserves access to the
AROUND THE COUNTRY
opportunities education provides, then the OHIO—In late February, approxi- philosophies, after-school programs, test scores, OREGON—As part of a district-led effort ganization is designed to improve academic > Grade Span: 9–12 > Special Education Students: 14%
sad fact that so many of our low-income, mately 13,500 families with school-age and the safety of its facilities. Dayton has an to restructure Central Point’s only high school, achievement and college-going rates through > Locale: Urban > Percentage Proficient: In math, 53%;
minority students are in effect being locked children in Dayton were mailed the My open-enrollment policy that allows children in its school board last month hired four princi- increased accountability and individualized in reading, 49% (based on 11th-graders
> Total Students: 480
out of higher education doesn’t reflect those School Chooser guide profiling 83 of the the city to attend any school in the district. To pals to lead four new schools scheduled to attention to students. The four schools, all assessed on the 2006 state exam).
uniquely American ideals. The very same > Race/Ethnicity Enrollment:
city’s public, private and charter schools. help families navigate these options, parents are open this fall. Designed to be autonomous college preparatory, are: the Renaissance > Interesting Fact: Although most of its
83% Latino, 12% African-American,
issues of access, affordability and accountabil- A joint project of GreatSchools.net, the also receiving one-on-one guidance in citywide small high schools on the Crater High School Academy, an arts and humanities school; the new students enter the school performing
4% white, 1% Asian
ity that make it more difficult for Americans University of Dayton and the Thomas B. workshops cosponsored by the Parents Advanc- campus, they will serve 400 students each. School of Health and Public Services; the below grade level, Noble Street reports
to pursue higher education pose even Fordham Foundation, the guide includes ing Choice in Education and the Dayton chapter Funded through a $1.125 million grant from School of Business, Innovation and Science; > Free and Reduced-Price Lunch an 85-percent graduation rate that
greater hurdles for our neediest students. Eligible: 85% exceeds both local (73 percent) and
information about the schools’ academic of Black Alliance for Education Options. the Oregon Small Schools Initiative, the reor- and the School of Natural Resources.
national (71 percent) averages.
> English Language Learners: 4%
page 2 page 3 page 4
 > continued from page 1 > continued from page 1

creation of the FAFSA4caster, an online tool teer states—Kentucky, Florida and Minnesota— state consumer Web sites that will enable much violence and that much disregard for More impressively, at least four in five Noble To meet the growing demand, two new
From left to right: Superintendent Michael Milkie speaks with teacher Jimmy Redondo; and teacher
that simplifies the financial aid process for stu- to participate in a pilot study to provide more students to compare institutions in the three education, I don’t know how I’d survive. If I Street graduates progress to college, compared nearby campuses opened last year while
Tim Brown with his advisee, senior Laurence Pommells. On the cover, teacher Ellen Metz with students
dents and families. easily accessible information about higher edu- states. went there, I wouldn’t care as much for my to nine in 20 Chicago Public Schools students. another two are slated to open this fall. Com-
Jasmine Alamo, Raquel Martinez, Pearl Perez and Celeste Caicedo. Photos by John Gress.
Spellings also announced, in the spirit of the cation for students and families, particularly for For more information, visit http://www.ed.gov education and my future as I do now.” Considering that most students arrive at Noble bined with the 480 students at Noble Street
commission’s call to create a “robust culture of adults returning to school and other under- and select “About ED,” and then “Boards & Creating a culture Street performing below grade level, this is no College Prep, this will triple enrollment in the
accountability and transparency throughout served populations. The primary outcome of Commissions.” “where kids behave in small feat. Noble Network of Charter High Schools by counterparts, Noble Street also requires stu- To retain the counseling services,
higher education,” the selection of three volun- the pilot study will be three new or upgraded respectful ways con- In addition, Noble Street is one of about next school year. “There were no tears at the dents to earn at least two academic enrichment single-gender advisory
ducive to learning” a dozen high schools in the district that have lottery night for the first time since 1999,” said credits outside of the regular school day. classes were created in
was the primary goal met the state’s adequate yearly progress Noble Street Principal William Olsen. “There’s Although it is a relatively small school, the which a small group of
Secretary Spellings Addresses Higher Education Summit

Photo by Paul Wood

when founders Michael targets for the past two years, and one such a need for high schools here.” By 2009, offerings are plentiful and have given students students remain with the
Milkie and his wife of only a few that does not require the network is expected to reach 3,500 stu- a wider platform for greater achievement. For same teacher throughout

U .S. Secretary of Education Margaret First, when it comes to access, the problems over 30 years— instance, the Rocket Club finished 41st out their enrollment. The
begin long before a college application is ever raising the Tonya started the test scores for admission. dents annually by expanding to seven
Spellings led a national summit on charter school, he This stellar record of achievement of 100 teams in a 2005 classes, which serve as
higher education, sponsored by the filled out. Despite our best efforts, there are grant to $4,600
said. Such was not the and the promise of a rigorous, world- national competition. And, the morning homeroom
U.S. Department of Education, in Washing- still vast inequities within our K–12 system. next year and
case, he added, at the class education—which includes every last spring, the Poetry Slam period, provide an oppor-
ton, D.C., on March 23. Her remarks follow. With No Child Left Behind we’ve made progress increasing it to
high schools where they previously taught for student learning Russian as well as trips Team gained recognition in a tunity for teachers to track
… Strengthening higher education is criti- in the early grades … . Reading and math $5,400 over
a total of 13 years on the tough south and west to Moscow and St. Petersburg made pos- citywide festival for the poem students’ progress closely
cal to our future competitiveness. But in my scores are at all-time highs for Hispanic and the next five
sides of Chicago. sible with fundraising support by parents “… Bomb,” an artistic com- and for students to receive
opinion, there’s an even stronger moral case African-Americans. And, the longstand- years. …
ing achievement gap has finally begun Finally, to “I think many good teachers in many regu- and students—have families scrambling mentary on the fight against the ongoing support
to be made. Helping more terrorism. they need.
Americans to close. better serve all lar schools are doing great work, but their to get their children into Noble Street. The their junior year,
Unfortunately, in our high schools, our students, work is compromised by the culture. It doesn’t wait list unrolls like a scroll, with more campuses in areas where there are no high Teacher Ellen Metz says the biggest differ- Tim Brown, who
ence between a school like Noble Street and students are assessed every
it’s a much different story. In addition we must inject permit most teachers to really be effective,” than 600 applicants competing for just schools or where existing high schools are has taught at Noble Street since
the typical urban high school “is not with quarter according to a set of
to an epidemic dropout rate, only half more transparency into our higher education said Michael Milkie. 150 freshmen slots each year. The only underperforming. its inception, says he is still in contact with
e college-level standards that benchmark
t a k in g mor of those who graduate are really ready system. … Like any other investment or Since opening in admissions require- When Illinois passed charter school legis- the students. I think that’s a misconception. his first advisory group of students—the
v er ag e are , 12th- for college-level math and science. … enterprise, we need meaningful data to better Students are students. They want to learn. school’s first graduating class from 2003
academic readiness in reading and math.
on a des August 1999 with ment is that lation in 1996, the Milkies decided to put
l gr a duates g higher gra National A good case study can be seen manage and improve the system. … And in They crave structure … support … consis- who will be completing college this year.
And, to give students a taste of the college
choo arnin 2005 one the intent to pre- students reside their money where their mouth was with
hile high s urses and e ins on the EP). On the a’s in the implementation of our new almost every area of our government—from tency. And I feel like Noble provides that for Over the years, they have called him for
experience, Noble Street partners with the
W co a A ric
nging duce g ess (N : Ame pare the city’s in the Chicago regard to high school reform. Soon after, Right Angle Foundation for a summer
challe failed to pro tional Progr Report Card t least a Academic Competitiveness grants. prescription drug programs to welfare to K–12
area; the ulti- they joined forces with Northwestern Uni- them. To me, the difference is in the way the advice on what courses to take, whether they
s ca a , largely low-
grader ent of Edu The Nation’s t completed nt in 2000 These scholarships are designed education—we expect accountability for tax school is operated.” should transfer and other matters. “It’s an
program that sends sophomores to college
e ss m d in rc e n e rc e o f income, Latino mate decision versity Settlement House, a longstanding
Ass
s re porte ates, 68 pe fro m 59 p ne - third to reward Pell [Grant]-eligible dollars. A key factor in running Noble Street ongoing process that makes it all worthwhile
campuses across the country. For three to six
a o
hand, hool Gradu in 2005, up was about population for is made by a community organization that provided the weeks students take classes for which they
h S c lu m e ra g e ’s students who complete a rigor- Yet, when it comes to higher education, productively has been reducing the class size. to me,” he said. “Knowing that my efforts
Hig ricu t av ation higher education, lottery. facility for Noble Street and is currently
rd cur e poin The N 005, earn credit, visit campus facilities and meet
standa overall grad 1990. g to ous high school curriculum, we’ve invested hundreds of billions in taxpayer Metz—whose largest class is 23 students, have allowed them to get a college education
e in ccordin atics 2 Noble Street managing the business operations of the informally with college students. Two years
and th higher than , however, a and Mathem est since but to date, only half of the money and just hoped for the best. Colleges a stark contrast to her motivates me.”
e d g w . College Prep—formerly Noble Network. (Michael, who served as
a grad e other han ade Readin re was the lo 2002 score total award [amount] has been and universities must be more transparent previous school where In a practical approach to preparing
ago, senior Laurence Pommells took an
On th d: 12th-Gr eading sco f r o m the
s ed that distributed. … about costs, graduation rates and learning out- called Noble Street the school’s principal for six years, is now accelerated course in management informa-
t Car ade r eren t as u r 45 students filled one students for higher education, Noble Street
Repor age 12th-gr ificantly diff ssessment w one-quarte On affordability the story comes so that students and parents can make Charter High School— the network’s superintendent, while Tonya tion systems at the University of Arizona.
e r n a n
the av lbeit not sig hich a new ns, less tha nt. has recorded an is the school’s dean of students.) class—says the smaller offers a class in the senior year that
, a r w rs io ic ie is much the same. Skyrock- more informed choices. … Pommells, who will be attending Pomona
1992 ematics, fo previous ve above prof ut out
for
85-percent gradua- Exercising the freedom charter schools class size enables focuses solely on applying
m a th le t o a t o r w o rk c eting tuition increases that To this end, we’re awarding Florida, College to major in computer engineering
In rab red r ty
compa rs sco ave ou a quali tion rate that enjoy over traditional public schools (in teachers to give to college. Under a teacher’s
is not school senio w that we h ation with hild Left have outpaced inflation, Minnesota and Kentucky $100,000 each for
more individualized guidance, students research
and study Russian, Japanese and Korean,
ho n C
of high e reports “s child in this s. “The No lementary family incomes, even consumer information pilots that will make exceeds both exchange for their accountability for aca- says as early as his freshman year he was
h e s ery llin g ’s e attention, which is college prospects and fill out
T
ro v id ing ev cretary Spe our nation c re a se health care costs, have this data more available and useful to families local (73 percent) demic results), Noble Street’s leadership encouraged to give college a serious look.
in
us in p n,” said Se to improve act now to ra te s.” also outpaced many and students. … and national made major changes in the budget, staffing particularly critical in applications for colleges,
tio g t n “The thing about Noble is that it
educa Act is workin nd we mus ve graduatio Americans’ ability to We all have a stake. … This is urgent (71 percent) and curriculum by: extending the school urban schools where a financial aid and scholar-
d , a ro
Behin dle schools ols and imp visit student’s needs can be great. ships. For many whose
teaches you to focus on your goals,” he said.
m id sc h o n s , afford and attend col- work. … Education is the key to our contin- averages. day and year to educate students an addi-
and h atio “It teaches you to stay determined to win
or in our hig two public lege. Consider that in 1975, ued competitiveness and essential to our tional two months; requiring English, math To make class sizes smaller, funds for parents have not gone to col-
r ig se .
d the d.gov the prize.”
To rea nsreportcar the Pell Grant covered 84 percent of democracy. … and science for all four years, including employing guidance counselors were lege, it makes the application process far less
natio —BY NICOLE ASHBY
http:// costs—today, [it covers] only 36 percent. a second math course in grade 10; and redirected toward hiring more teachers. daunting, says Michael Milkie. Also, through
For the full March 23, 2007, remarks, visit
… The president is answering the call to

Noble Street College Prep

earn a degree is not http://www.ed.gov and select “Press Room” and doubling the district’s community service
only important for our economic stand- make college more affordable. His budget requirement from 40 to 80 hours.
then “Speeches.”
ing … it’s essential to reinforcing what our called for the biggest Pell Grant increase in Going above and beyond its traditional
country stands for.
If our nation stands for equality, if we
believe every child deserves access to the
AROUND THE COUNTRY
opportunities education provides, then the OHIO—In late February, approxi- philosophies, after-school programs, test scores, OREGON—As part of a district-led effort ganization is designed to improve academic > Grade Span: 9–12 > Special Education Students: 14%
sad fact that so many of our low-income, mately 13,500 families with school-age and the safety of its facilities. Dayton has an to restructure Central Point’s only high school, achievement and college-going rates through > Locale: Urban > Percentage Proficient: In math, 53%;
minority students are in effect being locked children in Dayton were mailed the My open-enrollment policy that allows children in its school board last month hired four princi- increased accountability and individualized in reading, 49% (based on 11th-graders
> Total Students: 480
out of higher education doesn’t reflect those School Chooser guide profiling 83 of the the city to attend any school in the district. To pals to lead four new schools scheduled to attention to students. The four schools, all assessed on the 2006 state exam).
uniquely American ideals. The very same > Race/Ethnicity Enrollment:
city’s public, private and charter schools. help families navigate these options, parents are open this fall. Designed to be autonomous college preparatory, are: the Renaissance > Interesting Fact: Although most of its
83% Latino, 12% African-American,
issues of access, affordability and accountabil- A joint project of GreatSchools.net, the also receiving one-on-one guidance in citywide small high schools on the Crater High School Academy, an arts and humanities school; the new students enter the school performing
4% white, 1% Asian
ity that make it more difficult for Americans University of Dayton and the Thomas B. workshops cosponsored by the Parents Advanc- campus, they will serve 400 students each. School of Health and Public Services; the below grade level, Noble Street reports
to pursue higher education pose even Fordham Foundation, the guide includes ing Choice in Education and the Dayton chapter Funded through a $1.125 million grant from School of Business, Innovation and Science; > Free and Reduced-Price Lunch an 85-percent graduation rate that
greater hurdles for our neediest students. Eligible: 85% exceeds both local (73 percent) and
information about the schools’ academic of Black Alliance for Education Options. the Oregon Small Schools Initiative, the reor- and the School of Natural Resources.
national (71 percent) averages.
> English Language Learners: 4%
page 2 page 3 page 4
 > continued from page 1 > continued from page 1

creation of the FAFSA4caster, an online tool teer states—Kentucky, Florida and Minnesota— state consumer Web sites that will enable much violence and that much disregard for More impressively, at least four in five Noble To meet the growing demand, two new
From left to right: Superintendent Michael Milkie speaks with teacher Jimmy Redondo; and teacher
that simplifies the financial aid process for stu- to participate in a pilot study to provide more students to compare institutions in the three education, I don’t know how I’d survive. If I Street graduates progress to college, compared nearby campuses opened last year while
Tim Brown with his advisee, senior Laurence Pommells. On the cover, teacher Ellen Metz with students
dents and families. easily accessible information about higher edu- states. went there, I wouldn’t care as much for my to nine in 20 Chicago Public Schools students. another two are slated to open this fall. Com-
Jasmine Alamo, Raquel Martinez, Pearl Perez and Celeste Caicedo. Photos by John Gress.
Spellings also announced, in the spirit of the cation for students and families, particularly for For more information, visit http://www.ed.gov education and my future as I do now.” Considering that most students arrive at Noble bined with the 480 students at Noble Street
commission’s call to create a “robust culture of adults returning to school and other under- and select “About ED,” and then “Boards & Creating a culture Street performing below grade level, this is no College Prep, this will triple enrollment in the
accountability and transparency throughout served populations. The primary outcome of Commissions.” “where kids behave in small feat. Noble Network of Charter High Schools by counterparts, Noble Street also requires stu- To retain the counseling services,
higher education,” the selection of three volun- the pilot study will be three new or upgraded respectful ways con- In addition, Noble Street is one of about next school year. “There were no tears at the dents to earn at least two academic enrichment single-gender advisory
ducive to learning” a dozen high schools in the district that have lottery night for the first time since 1999,” said credits outside of the regular school day. classes were created in
was the primary goal met the state’s adequate yearly progress Noble Street Principal William Olsen. “There’s Although it is a relatively small school, the which a small group of
Secretary Spellings Addresses Higher Education Summit

Photo by Paul Wood

when founders Michael targets for the past two years, and one such a need for high schools here.” By 2009, offerings are plentiful and have given students students remain with the
Milkie and his wife of only a few that does not require the network is expected to reach 3,500 stu- a wider platform for greater achievement. For same teacher throughout

U .S. Secretary of Education Margaret First, when it comes to access, the problems over 30 years— instance, the Rocket Club finished 41st out their enrollment. The
begin long before a college application is ever raising the Tonya started the test scores for admission. dents annually by expanding to seven
Spellings led a national summit on charter school, he This stellar record of achievement of 100 teams in a 2005 classes, which serve as
higher education, sponsored by the filled out. Despite our best efforts, there are grant to $4,600
said. Such was not the and the promise of a rigorous, world- national competition. And, the morning homeroom
U.S. Department of Education, in Washing- still vast inequities within our K–12 system. next year and
case, he added, at the class education—which includes every last spring, the Poetry Slam period, provide an oppor-
ton, D.C., on March 23. Her remarks follow. With No Child Left Behind we’ve made progress increasing it to
high schools where they previously taught for student learning Russian as well as trips Team gained recognition in a tunity for teachers to track
… Strengthening higher education is criti- in the early grades … . Reading and math $5,400 over
a total of 13 years on the tough south and west to Moscow and St. Petersburg made pos- citywide festival for the poem students’ progress closely
cal to our future competitiveness. But in my scores are at all-time highs for Hispanic and the next five
sides of Chicago. sible with fundraising support by parents “… Bomb,” an artistic com- and for students to receive
opinion, there’s an even stronger moral case African-Americans. And, the longstand- years. …
ing achievement gap has finally begun Finally, to “I think many good teachers in many regu- and students—have families scrambling mentary on the fight against the ongoing support
to be made. Helping more terrorism. they need.
Americans to close. better serve all lar schools are doing great work, but their to get their children into Noble Street. The their junior year,
Unfortunately, in our high schools, our students, work is compromised by the culture. It doesn’t wait list unrolls like a scroll, with more campuses in areas where there are no high Teacher Ellen Metz says the biggest differ- Tim Brown, who
ence between a school like Noble Street and students are assessed every
it’s a much different story. In addition we must inject permit most teachers to really be effective,” than 600 applicants competing for just schools or where existing high schools are has taught at Noble Street since
the typical urban high school “is not with quarter according to a set of
to an epidemic dropout rate, only half more transparency into our higher education said Michael Milkie. 150 freshmen slots each year. The only underperforming. its inception, says he is still in contact with
e college-level standards that benchmark
t a k in g mor of those who graduate are really ready system. … Like any other investment or Since opening in admissions require- When Illinois passed charter school legis- the students. I think that’s a misconception. his first advisory group of students—the
v er ag e are , 12th- for college-level math and science. … enterprise, we need meaningful data to better Students are students. They want to learn. school’s first graduating class from 2003
academic readiness in reading and math.
on a des August 1999 with ment is that lation in 1996, the Milkies decided to put
l gr a duates g higher gra National A good case study can be seen manage and improve the system. … And in They crave structure … support … consis- who will be completing college this year.
And, to give students a taste of the college
choo arnin 2005 one the intent to pre- students reside their money where their mouth was with
hile high s urses and e ins on the EP). On the a’s in the implementation of our new almost every area of our government—from tency. And I feel like Noble provides that for Over the years, they have called him for
experience, Noble Street partners with the
W co a A ric
nging duce g ess (N : Ame pare the city’s in the Chicago regard to high school reform. Soon after, Right Angle Foundation for a summer
challe failed to pro tional Progr Report Card t least a Academic Competitiveness grants. prescription drug programs to welfare to K–12
area; the ulti- they joined forces with Northwestern Uni- them. To me, the difference is in the way the advice on what courses to take, whether they
s ca a , largely low-
grader ent of Edu The Nation’s t completed nt in 2000 These scholarships are designed education—we expect accountability for tax school is operated.” should transfer and other matters. “It’s an
program that sends sophomores to college
e ss m d in rc e n e rc e o f income, Latino mate decision versity Settlement House, a longstanding
Ass
s re porte ates, 68 pe fro m 59 p ne - third to reward Pell [Grant]-eligible dollars. A key factor in running Noble Street ongoing process that makes it all worthwhile
campuses across the country. For three to six
a o
hand, hool Gradu in 2005, up was about population for is made by a community organization that provided the weeks students take classes for which they
h S c lu m e ra g e ’s students who complete a rigor- Yet, when it comes to higher education, productively has been reducing the class size. to me,” he said. “Knowing that my efforts
Hig ricu t av ation higher education, lottery. facility for Noble Street and is currently
rd cur e poin The N 005, earn credit, visit campus facilities and meet
standa overall grad 1990. g to ous high school curriculum, we’ve invested hundreds of billions in taxpayer Metz—whose largest class is 23 students, have allowed them to get a college education
e in ccordin atics 2 Noble Street managing the business operations of the informally with college students. Two years
and th higher than , however, a and Mathem est since but to date, only half of the money and just hoped for the best. Colleges a stark contrast to her motivates me.”
e d g w . College Prep—formerly Noble Network. (Michael, who served as
a grad e other han ade Readin re was the lo 2002 score total award [amount] has been and universities must be more transparent previous school where In a practical approach to preparing
ago, senior Laurence Pommells took an
On th d: 12th-Gr eading sco f r o m the
s ed that distributed. … about costs, graduation rates and learning out- called Noble Street the school’s principal for six years, is now accelerated course in management informa-
t Car ade r eren t as u r 45 students filled one students for higher education, Noble Street
Repor age 12th-gr ificantly diff ssessment w one-quarte On affordability the story comes so that students and parents can make Charter High School— the network’s superintendent, while Tonya tion systems at the University of Arizona.
e r n a n
the av lbeit not sig hich a new ns, less tha nt. has recorded an is the school’s dean of students.) class—says the smaller offers a class in the senior year that
, a r w rs io ic ie is much the same. Skyrock- more informed choices. … Pommells, who will be attending Pomona
1992 ematics, fo previous ve above prof ut out
for
85-percent gradua- Exercising the freedom charter schools class size enables focuses solely on applying
m a th le t o a t o r w o rk c eting tuition increases that To this end, we’re awarding Florida, College to major in computer engineering
In rab red r ty
compa rs sco ave ou a quali tion rate that enjoy over traditional public schools (in teachers to give to college. Under a teacher’s
is not school senio w that we h ation with hild Left have outpaced inflation, Minnesota and Kentucky $100,000 each for
more individualized guidance, students research
and study Russian, Japanese and Korean,
ho n C
of high e reports “s child in this s. “The No lementary family incomes, even consumer information pilots that will make exceeds both exchange for their accountability for aca- says as early as his freshman year he was
h e s ery llin g ’s e attention, which is college prospects and fill out
T
ro v id ing ev cretary Spe our nation c re a se health care costs, have this data more available and useful to families local (73 percent) demic results), Noble Street’s leadership encouraged to give college a serious look.
in
us in p n,” said Se to improve act now to ra te s.” also outpaced many and students. … and national made major changes in the budget, staffing particularly critical in applications for colleges,
tio g t n “The thing about Noble is that it
educa Act is workin nd we mus ve graduatio Americans’ ability to We all have a stake. … This is urgent (71 percent) and curriculum by: extending the school urban schools where a financial aid and scholar-
d , a ro
Behin dle schools ols and imp visit student’s needs can be great. ships. For many whose
teaches you to focus on your goals,” he said.
m id sc h o n s , afford and attend col- work. … Education is the key to our contin- averages. day and year to educate students an addi-
and h atio “It teaches you to stay determined to win
or in our hig two public lege. Consider that in 1975, ued competitiveness and essential to our tional two months; requiring English, math To make class sizes smaller, funds for parents have not gone to col-
r ig se .
d the d.gov the prize.”
To rea nsreportcar the Pell Grant covered 84 percent of democracy. … and science for all four years, including employing guidance counselors were lege, it makes the application process far less
natio —BY NICOLE ASHBY
http:// costs—today, [it covers] only 36 percent. a second math course in grade 10; and redirected toward hiring more teachers. daunting, says Michael Milkie. Also, through
For the full March 23, 2007, remarks, visit
… The president is answering the call to

Noble Street College Prep

earn a degree is not http://www.ed.gov and select “Press Room” and doubling the district’s community service
only important for our economic stand- make college more affordable. His budget requirement from 40 to 80 hours.
then “Speeches.”
ing … it’s essential to reinforcing what our called for the biggest Pell Grant increase in Going above and beyond its traditional
country stands for.
If our nation stands for equality, if we
believe every child deserves access to the
AROUND THE COUNTRY
opportunities education provides, then the OHIO—In late February, approxi- philosophies, after-school programs, test scores, OREGON—As part of a district-led effort ganization is designed to improve academic > Grade Span: 9–12 > Special Education Students: 14%
sad fact that so many of our low-income, mately 13,500 families with school-age and the safety of its facilities. Dayton has an to restructure Central Point’s only high school, achievement and college-going rates through > Locale: Urban > Percentage Proficient: In math, 53%;
minority students are in effect being locked children in Dayton were mailed the My open-enrollment policy that allows children in its school board last month hired four princi- increased accountability and individualized in reading, 49% (based on 11th-graders
> Total Students: 480
out of higher education doesn’t reflect those School Chooser guide profiling 83 of the the city to attend any school in the district. To pals to lead four new schools scheduled to attention to students. The four schools, all assessed on the 2006 state exam).
uniquely American ideals. The very same > Race/Ethnicity Enrollment:
city’s public, private and charter schools. help families navigate these options, parents are open this fall. Designed to be autonomous college preparatory, are: the Renaissance > Interesting Fact: Although most of its
83% Latino, 12% African-American,
issues of access, affordability and accountabil- A joint project of GreatSchools.net, the also receiving one-on-one guidance in citywide small high schools on the Crater High School Academy, an arts and humanities school; the new students enter the school performing
4% white, 1% Asian
ity that make it more difficult for Americans University of Dayton and the Thomas B. workshops cosponsored by the Parents Advanc- campus, they will serve 400 students each. School of Health and Public Services; the below grade level, Noble Street reports
to pursue higher education pose even Fordham Foundation, the guide includes ing Choice in Education and the Dayton chapter Funded through a $1.125 million grant from School of Business, Innovation and Science; > Free and Reduced-Price Lunch an 85-percent graduation rate that
greater hurdles for our neediest students. Eligible: 85% exceeds both local (73 percent) and
information about the schools’ academic of Black Alliance for Education Options. the Oregon Small Schools Initiative, the reor- and the School of Natural Resources.
national (71 percent) averages.
> English Language Learners: 4%
page 2 page 3 page 4
Calendar April 5, 12
Supplemental Educational
Services Regional Workshops,
sponsored by the U.S. Department
of Education. This series provides
QA & G L O S S A R Y
To be eligible, school districts must have
schools serving grades 6–12 with at least
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
ED PUBS
P.O. BOX 1398
JESSUP, MD 20794-1398
The

VOL.6, NO.4 APRIL 2007

PRESORTED
FIRST- CLASS MAIL
UNITED STATES POSTAGE PAID
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD
PERMIT NO. 557
The
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
free technical assistance for organ- 75 percent of their students qualifying for free
What is the Department and reduced-price lunches. The funds must be
izations interested in becoming VOL.6, NO.4 APRIL 2007 www.ed.gov
used for: research-based programs designed to
approved providers of supple- doing to help high school improve basic reading skills, vocabulary, fluency
mental educational services for
disadvantaged students. Locations
students who are struggling
to read?
and comprehension; professional development
opportunities that are aligned with scientifi-
Dialogue Focuses on Making
College Affordable, Accountable
Spellings Convenes National
and dates include: April 5, Little
Rock, Ark.; and April 12, Lexing-
ton, Ky. Visit http://www.ed.gov T
he U.S. Department of Education is
seeking to improve the literacy skills
of struggling adolescent readers
cally based reading research; valid and reliable
reading assessments; and the design and imple-
mentation of a rigorous program evaluation.
and Accessible
Summit on Higher Education
O
and select “No Child Left Behind,” First created in 2005, Striving Readers has n March 23, U.S. Secretary of Education nontraditional students; and 5) enhancing afford-
through a new grant program called Striving
supported eight projects across the country, Margaret Spellings continued the national ability, decreasing costs and promoting I N S I D E
then “Choices for Parents” and Readers. According to the latest Nation’s
each averaging $3 million over a five-year peri- dialogue on higher education, which she productivity.
“Getting Students Help”; or call Report Card, the average 12th-grade reading
od. President Bush is requesting an additional initiated in 2005 when she created the Secretary’s The commission’s findings were the basis for the
1-800-USA-LEARN. score was the lowest it has been since 1992.
$100 million in his 2008 budget to continue Commission on the Future of Higher Education, action plan, announced in a speech by the secre- 2 Spellings Addresses
A complement to the successful Reading
funding these as well as new projects. by convening leaders and stakeholders tary to the National Press Club in September Higher Education Summit
First program for younger students, Striving
For more information, visit from across the country for a summit 2006, to improve America’s higher educa-
Readers supports research-based reading
http://www.ed.gov and select “Programs,” in Washington, D.C., “A Test of Lead- tion system and provide students and Around the Country—
April 15 – 21 interventions for middle and high school
then “Title” for “Striving Readers”; or call ership: Committing to Advance families with more information and Ohio and Oregon
National Volunteer Week, students in Title I-eligible schools that are
202-205-6272. Postsecondary Education for All more affordable access to higher
struggling to meet the adequate yearly
sponsored by the Points of
progress (AYP) requirements under the
( Americans.” education. A key component of that 5 Calendar

(
Light Foundation and the The summit focused on action plan was to convene a summit
Volunteer Center National
No Child Left Behind Act. The program seeks Striving Readers: items based on five key recommen- to bring stakeholders and policy-
to raise the overall academic achievement Q&A—Striving Readers
A U.S. Department of Education grant dations from the Secretary’s makers together to discuss the
Network since 1974. This year, of these students by enhancing the quality Grant Program
program that supports research-based commission to improve college commission’s recommendations,
Target Corporation joined the of literacy instruction across all subject
interventions for middle and high school access, affordability and accountability. progress, responsibilities and future Education News Parents
partnership to recognize mil- areas and by building a scientific research
students reading below grade level. These action items are: 1) aligning K–12 actions. Another priority was to streamline Can Use
lions of volunteers who are base around specific reading strategies that
improve adolescent literacy skills. Finding What Works in Education and higher education expectations; 2) increasing the process by which students apply for federal
helping to solve social problems need-based aid for access and success; 3) using student aid using the Free Application for Federal 6 Finding What Works in
in communities nationwide. accreditation to support and emphasize student Student Aid (FAFSA).
Education
Visit http://www.1-800- News Show Looks at Charters, School Choice learning outcomes; 4) serving adults and other In late March, the secretary announced the

T
he current nationwide emphasis http://www.whatworks.ed.gov, the What
VOLUNTEER.org, or call > continued on page 2
empower parents to on ensuring that all students and Works Clearinghouse offers a set of easily

T
1-800-VOLUNTEER. he latest
ensure that their children schools meet high standards has accessible databases and user-friendly U.S. Department of Education Noble Street
resources and
have access to a high-qual- increased the demand for evidence of reports that provide education consumers 400 Maryland Ave. S.W.
options avail-
April 19 – 20
National Mathematics
able to parents under
the No Child Left
ity education, regardless
of race, income or zip
what works in education. The What
Works Clearinghouse, established in
with high-quality reviews of the effective-
ness of education interventions (programs,
Washington, DC 20202

The Achiever is a monthly publication

Chicago Charter High School Creates a Cuture of
Advisory Panel Meeting,
the sixth in a series of public
Behind Act, including
charter schools and
code. In addition, the
broadcast will feature
2002 by the U.S. Department of Educa-
tion’s Institute of Education Sciences,
products, practices and policies) intended
to improve student outcomes. The reports,
for parents and community leaders from
the Office of Communications and
Outreach, U.S. Department of Education
Learning to Pave the Road to Higher Education
hearings sponsored by the U.S. high-performing charter which are developed by a group of leading (ED). Margaret Spellings, secretary.
school choice, will be provides educators, policymakers, Jasmine Alamo has changed her family legacy. Though the youngest of five siblings,

‘‘
Department of Education. This the focus of the April schools and districtwide researchers and the public with a central experts according to standards for review- Comments? Contact Nicole Ashby,
editor, at 202-401-0689 (fax), or at
she will be the first to go to college.
meeting will be held at the Illi- edition of Education school choice programs and trusted source of scientific evidence ing and synthesizing research, point out [email protected]. Alamo, who plans to attend Loyola University this fall and later pur-
nois Math and Science Academy News Parents Can Use, from across the country to help them make informed decisions when an intervention brings about the Address changes and subscriptions? sue a career as a police officer or pilot, credits her pioneering success to
that demonstrate how
in Aurora. Created a year ago,
the panel will advise President
the U.S. Department of
Education’s monthly families have benefited
from parent options
about student achievement.
Available online at
changes desired in student learning or
behavior. Also included under a new rating
Contact 1-877-4ED-PUBS, or
[email protected]. Noble ... Noble Street College Prep, a public charter high school in Chicago. Had
she been enrolled in a different school, she is certain
television program. system is an “improvement index” that Information on ED programs, resources
Bush and Secretary Spellings on
the best use of scientifically
No Child Left Behind
provides parents with more information
under No Child Left Behind.
Each month, Education News Parents
quantifies the intervention’s impact.
Most recently, the What Works Clearing-
and events? Contact 1-800-USA-LEARN,
or [email protected]. teaches you things would have turned out much differently.
“I hear every day [at one of the other area high
schools] there are fights
based research on teaching and
learning math. Visit
about schools than ever before, and it gives
them an expanding list of options that work
Can Use showcases: schools and school dis-
tricts from across the country; conversations
house released reports on early and middle
school math, reading, and preschool curric-
The Achiever contains news and information
about and from public and private organizations
for the reader’s information. Inclusion does not
to focus on breaking out,” said
Alamo. “At Noble, you
http://www.ed.gov and select
“About ED,” then “Boards &
to translate this information into academic
success for their children. April’s show will
with school officials, parents and education
experts; and advice and free resources for
ula and practices. Other studies examined
include character education programs,
constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Depart-
ment of Education of any products or services
offered or views expressed. This publication
your goals. don’t even get dirty
looks, let alone
Commissions”; or e-mail spotlight innovative options—such as char- parents and educators. also contains hyperlinks and URLs created
dropout prevention strategies, and English physical contact from
ter schools, free tutoring programs, public To learn about viewing options, includ- and maintained by outside organizations and
[email protected]. language learner interventions. All reports provided for the reader’s convenience. The people. If I were to go
school choice and private school scholar- ing webcasts, visit http://www.ed.gov and
are compiled from a synopsis of the most Department is not responsible for the accuracy somewhere with that
ships for students in low-performing click on “Parents,” then “News Parents Can of this information.
Use”; or call toll-free 1-800-USA-LEARN. reliable, valid study findings. > continued on page 3
schools—and discuss how these options
page 5 page 6
Calendar April 5, 12
Supplemental Educational
Services Regional Workshops,
sponsored by the U.S. Department
of Education. This series provides
QA & G L O S S A R Y
To be eligible, school districts must have
schools serving grades 6–12 with at least
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
ED PUBS
P.O. BOX 1398
JESSUP, MD 20794-1398
The

VOL.6, NO.4 APRIL 2007

PRESORTED
FIRST- CLASS MAIL
UNITED STATES POSTAGE PAID
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD
PERMIT NO. 557
The
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
free technical assistance for organ- 75 percent of their students qualifying for free
What is the Department and reduced-price lunches. The funds must be
izations interested in becoming VOL.6, NO.4 APRIL 2007 www.ed.gov
used for: research-based programs designed to
approved providers of supple- doing to help high school improve basic reading skills, vocabulary, fluency
mental educational services for
disadvantaged students. Locations
students who are struggling
to read?
and comprehension; professional development
opportunities that are aligned with scientifi-
Dialogue Focuses on Making
College Affordable, Accountable
Spellings Convenes National
and dates include: April 5, Little
Rock, Ark.; and April 12, Lexing-
ton, Ky. Visit http://www.ed.gov T
he U.S. Department of Education is
seeking to improve the literacy skills
of struggling adolescent readers
cally based reading research; valid and reliable
reading assessments; and the design and imple-
mentation of a rigorous program evaluation.
and Accessible
Summit on Higher Education
O
and select “No Child Left Behind,” First created in 2005, Striving Readers has n March 23, U.S. Secretary of Education nontraditional students; and 5) enhancing afford-
through a new grant program called Striving
supported eight projects across the country, Margaret Spellings continued the national ability, decreasing costs and promoting I N S I D E
then “Choices for Parents” and Readers. According to the latest Nation’s
each averaging $3 million over a five-year peri- dialogue on higher education, which she productivity.
“Getting Students Help”; or call Report Card, the average 12th-grade reading
od. President Bush is requesting an additional initiated in 2005 when she created the Secretary’s The commission’s findings were the basis for the
1-800-USA-LEARN. score was the lowest it has been since 1992.
$100 million in his 2008 budget to continue Commission on the Future of Higher Education, action plan, announced in a speech by the secre- 2 Spellings Addresses
A complement to the successful Reading
funding these as well as new projects. by convening leaders and stakeholders tary to the National Press Club in September Higher Education Summit
First program for younger students, Striving
For more information, visit from across the country for a summit 2006, to improve America’s higher educa-
Readers supports research-based reading
http://www.ed.gov and select “Programs,” in Washington, D.C., “A Test of Lead- tion system and provide students and Around the Country—
April 15 – 21 interventions for middle and high school
then “Title” for “Striving Readers”; or call ership: Committing to Advance families with more information and Ohio and Oregon
National Volunteer Week, students in Title I-eligible schools that are
202-205-6272. Postsecondary Education for All more affordable access to higher
struggling to meet the adequate yearly
sponsored by the Points of
progress (AYP) requirements under the
( Americans.” education. A key component of that 5 Calendar

(
Light Foundation and the The summit focused on action plan was to convene a summit
Volunteer Center National
No Child Left Behind Act. The program seeks Striving Readers: items based on five key recommen- to bring stakeholders and policy-
to raise the overall academic achievement Q&A—Striving Readers
A U.S. Department of Education grant dations from the Secretary’s makers together to discuss the
Network since 1974. This year, of these students by enhancing the quality Grant Program
program that supports research-based commission to improve college commission’s recommendations,
Target Corporation joined the of literacy instruction across all subject
interventions for middle and high school access, affordability and accountability. progress, responsibilities and future Education News Parents
partnership to recognize mil- areas and by building a scientific research
students reading below grade level. These action items are: 1) aligning K–12 actions. Another priority was to streamline Can Use
lions of volunteers who are base around specific reading strategies that
improve adolescent literacy skills. Finding What Works in Education and higher education expectations; 2) increasing the process by which students apply for federal
helping to solve social problems need-based aid for access and success; 3) using student aid using the Free Application for Federal 6 Finding What Works in
in communities nationwide. accreditation to support and emphasize student Student Aid (FAFSA).
Education
Visit http://www.1-800- News Show Looks at Charters, School Choice learning outcomes; 4) serving adults and other In late March, the secretary announced the

T
he current nationwide emphasis http://www.whatworks.ed.gov, the What
VOLUNTEER.org, or call > continued on page 2
empower parents to on ensuring that all students and Works Clearinghouse offers a set of easily

T
1-800-VOLUNTEER. he latest
ensure that their children schools meet high standards has accessible databases and user-friendly U.S. Department of Education Noble Street
resources and
have access to a high-qual- increased the demand for evidence of reports that provide education consumers 400 Maryland Ave. S.W.
options avail-
April 19 – 20
National Mathematics
able to parents under
the No Child Left
ity education, regardless
of race, income or zip
what works in education. The What
Works Clearinghouse, established in
with high-quality reviews of the effective-
ness of education interventions (programs,
Washington, DC 20202

The Achiever is a monthly publication

Chicago Charter High School Creates a Cuture of
Advisory Panel Meeting,
the sixth in a series of public
Behind Act, including
charter schools and
code. In addition, the
broadcast will feature
2002 by the U.S. Department of Educa-
tion’s Institute of Education Sciences,
products, practices and policies) intended
to improve student outcomes. The reports,
for parents and community leaders from
the Office of Communications and
Outreach, U.S. Department of Education
Learning to Pave the Road to Higher Education
hearings sponsored by the U.S. high-performing charter which are developed by a group of leading (ED). Margaret Spellings, secretary.
school choice, will be provides educators, policymakers, Jasmine Alamo has changed her family legacy. Though the youngest of five siblings,

‘‘
Department of Education. This the focus of the April schools and districtwide researchers and the public with a central experts according to standards for review- Comments? Contact Nicole Ashby,
editor, at 202-401-0689 (fax), or at
she will be the first to go to college.
meeting will be held at the Illi- edition of Education school choice programs and trusted source of scientific evidence ing and synthesizing research, point out [email protected]. Alamo, who plans to attend Loyola University this fall and later pur-
nois Math and Science Academy News Parents Can Use, from across the country to help them make informed decisions when an intervention brings about the Address changes and subscriptions? sue a career as a police officer or pilot, credits her pioneering success to
that demonstrate how
in Aurora. Created a year ago,
the panel will advise President
the U.S. Department of
Education’s monthly families have benefited
from parent options
about student achievement.
Available online at
changes desired in student learning or
behavior. Also included under a new rating
Contact 1-877-4ED-PUBS, or
[email protected]. Noble ... Noble Street College Prep, a public charter high school in Chicago. Had
she been enrolled in a different school, she is certain
television program. system is an “improvement index” that Information on ED programs, resources
Bush and Secretary Spellings on
the best use of scientifically
No Child Left Behind
provides parents with more information
under No Child Left Behind.
Each month, Education News Parents
quantifies the intervention’s impact.
Most recently, the What Works Clearing-
and events? Contact 1-800-USA-LEARN,
or [email protected]. teaches you things would have turned out much differently.
“I hear every day [at one of the other area high
schools] there are fights
based research on teaching and
learning math. Visit
about schools than ever before, and it gives
them an expanding list of options that work
Can Use showcases: schools and school dis-
tricts from across the country; conversations
house released reports on early and middle
school math, reading, and preschool curric-
The Achiever contains news and information
about and from public and private organizations
for the reader’s information. Inclusion does not
to focus on breaking out,” said
Alamo. “At Noble, you
http://www.ed.gov and select
“About ED,” then “Boards &
to translate this information into academic
success for their children. April’s show will
with school officials, parents and education
experts; and advice and free resources for
ula and practices. Other studies examined
include character education programs,
constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Depart-
ment of Education of any products or services
offered or views expressed. This publication
your goals. don’t even get dirty
looks, let alone
Commissions”; or e-mail spotlight innovative options—such as char- parents and educators. also contains hyperlinks and URLs created
dropout prevention strategies, and English physical contact from
ter schools, free tutoring programs, public To learn about viewing options, includ- and maintained by outside organizations and
[email protected]. language learner interventions. All reports provided for the reader’s convenience. The people. If I were to go
school choice and private school scholar- ing webcasts, visit http://www.ed.gov and
are compiled from a synopsis of the most Department is not responsible for the accuracy somewhere with that
ships for students in low-performing click on “Parents,” then “News Parents Can of this information.
Use”; or call toll-free 1-800-USA-LEARN. reliable, valid study findings. > continued on page 3
schools—and discuss how these options
page 5 page 6