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Promising Practices
- Math Coaching Program
Target:High School Students
Purpose:Increase the math achievement levels of high school students.
Activities:
-Math coaches are hired at each high school for two hours after school, four days a week and during evening and weekend hours.
-Coaches work closely with math teachers to track student assignments, tests and math standards yet to be mastered.
-Program closely monitored to ensure that student math performance is significantly increased on assignments, local and state tests.
Results:Students increase their performance levels in math classes and on state math assessments.
Contact:
Julie Blohm Grinolds
CWU Okanogan Valley GEAR UP
(509) 963-3961
grinoldsj@cwu.edu
Full Details Here
- CATS Web Academy
Target:GEAR UP Students
Purpose: Provide education to students from diverse levels of society to strive toward higher education and achievement levels.
Activities:Program included additional education technology and online courses to help students learn more successfully in an online setting. Subjects included reading and math, and a focus on transition-to-work.
Results:Students are self-motivated and become accountable for their work; they explored educational programs that corresponded to their level of literacy, family circumstances and work schedules.
Contact:
John Cerna
Assistant Superintendent
Toppenish School District
(509) 865-4455
Full Details Here
- GEAR UP College Resource Toolboxes
Target:High School Students
Purpose:These toolboxes assist students in organizing materials they collect to help them create their student portfolios and to utilize other college preparation materials.
Activities:Students are provided with a “Toolbox,” which is a portable file box where college planning and preparation materials are stored. Parents and students are given suggestions on how to use it at home, and how easily accessible and useful it is.
Results:Students are more organized with the information they are provided with, as well as are given the ability to go over information with family. It is an accessible resource for both parents and students.
Contact:
Wendy Freeman
Evergreen GEAR UP
(360) 867-5801
freemanw@evergreen.edu
Full Details Here
- Wolf Pack Peer Mentor Program
Target:Freshman Students
Purpose:Train mentors to help freshman students adjust academically and socially to high school.
Activities:Peer mentors shared their knowledge and experience with new students; in turn, the mentors gained the experience and skills needed to become successful mentors and leaders.
Results:Freshmen were provided peer advocates; mentors gained leadership skills.
Contact:
Jessica Raigoza
Wapato School District
(509) 877-3138
jessicar@wapato.k12.wa.us
Full Details Here - International Speaker Series
Target:High School Students
Activities:Program exposed students to socio-cultural environments that are normally not found at home.
Results:Students learned about economic issues, the climate crisis, global health, the criminal justice system in the United States, among and other topics.
Contact:
Molly Fahlenkamp
Goldendale GEAR UP
509-773-5434
mfahlenkamp@gsd404.org
Full Details Here
- Electronic Portfolios
Target:High School Students
Purpose:Provide technological education to students enrolled in the GEAR UP Program.
Activities:Create electronic portfolios with all the best works, journals for keeping track of transcripts, community hours, career searches, cover letters, personal statements, and more.
Results:This program facilitated student access to electronic portfolios since more colleges and universities require electronic formatted admissions.
Contact:
Luis L. Cordero
East Valley High School
(509) 573-7478
cordero.luis@evsd90.wednet.edu
Full Details Here
- 10th Grade Blue-Skying
Target:High School Students
Purpose:Helped 10th grade students to begin writing their personal statement to apply for post-secondary education institutions. This classroom activity also helped students understand the importance of telling their stories and how significant events in their lives help them towards creating a convincing statement. It also commits students to refine their personal statements the next two years of high school.
Activities:College mentors are recruited and trained to lead College Blue-Sky sessions in a high school classroom. One class period is dedicated to introduce high school sophomores to: the college application process, campus life, and setting long-term goals (high school graduation and beyond).
Results:High school students complete a first draft of their “Personal Statement” for college applications.
Contact:
Veronica Gomez-Vilchis
Bridges Program
(509) 963-1347
gomezv@cwu.edu
Full Details Here - College Credit – High School Tutor Training Program
Target:High School Juniors and Seniors
Purpose:Provide trained high school tutors for middle school students.
Activities:
-Junior and senior students prepare for tutoring middle and high school students to enhance academic performance, particularly for students enrolled in rigorous coursework.
-Student tutors enroll in two courses taught at the Wenatchee Valley Community College or Big Bend Community College and earn college credit; syllabus developed with GEAR UP staff input.
-Students do a supervised 30-hour tutoring practicum before being assigned as tutors.
Results:Middle school students receive consistent, quality tutoring on-site from high school students.
Contact:
Julie Blohm Grinolds
CWU Okanogan Valley GEAR UP
(509) 963-3961
Full Details Here
- No Senior Left Behind...the 100% Challenge
Target:High School Seniors
Purpose:Ensure that every senior completes and submits a post-secondary application.
Activities:
-Seniors were identified in terms of needing little, some or much assistance applying for post-secondary education programs.
-CWU Bridges college students and counseling grad students served as mentors to assist seniors in identifying goals, completing college applications and financial aid requests.
-Site directors ensured that every senior not only completed an application but, most importantly, submitted it with 98% success.
-Students were assisted in making contact with colleges after receiving acceptance.
Results:More students actually enroll in post-secondary programs.
Contact:
Beverly Vifian
(509) 925-2607
vifianbb@fairpoint.net
Full Details Here
- LINK's Freshmen Orientation
Target:9th Grade Students
Purpose:Freshmen students are provided with support and guidance from upperclassmen.
Activities:A variety of activities, including Freshman Orientation, a tailgate party and school dances, are scheduled throughout the school year. These activities provide a continuous LINK to high school programs and activities, connecting freshman students with resources.
Results:This program is dedicated to aiding the high school in building a more inclusive school culture, which strengthens the whole student body and contributes to increased student success.
Contact:
Mike Gwinn & Marika Tomkins
Walla Walla High School
(509) 527-3020
mgwinn@wwps.org or
mtomkins@earlyoutreach.wsu.edu
Full Details Here - Enhanced High School Counseling
Target:At-risk High School Students
Purpose:Provide students and families with academic, career, and crisis counseling above and beyond.
Activities:Provides one-on-one or small group counseling sessions and gives students an opportunity to explore both their strengths and areas where they need to change.
Results:Students are informed about post-secondary requirements and how to achieve them.
Contact:
Sarah Rinaldi
Zillah School District
(509) 829-5565
rinaldi_s@zsd.wednet.edu
Full Details Here - GEAR UP College Preparation Assistants (CPAS)
Target:Middle and high school
Purpose:Provide a direct student service, create nurturing mentorships and build a college-going culture.
Activities:College Preparation Assistants keep students on track as they are working on their assignments and meet with them one-on-one to work on specific skills, which include helping students enhance their organization and team-building skills.
Results:Students learn to understand their materials by learning from mistakes and from working with other students in a small group setting. It will help them understand how their work applies to college and the real world.
Contact:
Larry Crowley
Evergreen GEAR UP
Oakville School District
crowlel@evergreen.edu
Full Details Here - Case Management
Target:9th, 10th and 11th Grade Students
Purpose:Provide parents the tools to support their children after high school and help them enroll in a post-secondary education program.
Activities:
-Site Coordinator does home visits to inform parents about their child’s academic progress and opens dialogue about encouraging their child to be proactive and focus on getting good grades and take challenging courses now, to be prepared for college enrollment in the future.
-College information materials are provided and explained, such as, financial aid forms, career handouts and scholarship opportunities.
-Parents have a contact person to call if they have questions.
Results:Parents have developed plans and an educational TIMELINE for their child to follow, along with a TIMELINE for the parent to meet the needed deadlines for college paperwork. Parents have tools at home to work with their child in academics and/or preparation for a post-secondary education.
Contact:
Andy Torres
Union Gap School District
(509) 248-3966
atorres@uniongap.org
- CWU Cornerstone Program
Target:High School Juniors and Seniors
Purpose:Allow students to take college level classes in their high schools to earn college credit.
Activities:
-High School teachers must possess a master’s degree in their subject area to qualify as a Cornerstone instructor.
-High Schools apply to offer Cornerstone classes and are approved by CWU Continuing Education Program.
-Class requirements are identical to Freshmen classes on campus and credits are accepted at colleges in Washington State and many other states.
-Cornerstone classes are available in Math, English, Foreign Language, History and many other subjects.
-The program allows students to remain in their own high schools and earn college credit.
Results:Many students who do not want to leave high school to earn college credit can do so in this program. The rigor of the coursework is beneficial for preparing for college regardless of whether students take it for college credit.
Contact:
Nancy Budner
CWU Cornerstone Program
(509) 963-1111
budnern@cwu.edu
- Computer Assisted Lab
Target:9th – 12th Grade Students
Purpose:Provide access to computers which therefore gives accessibility to FAFSA activities, college applications, math programs and science references.
Activities:Using the computer lab, students construct and maintain their own portfolios that will be augmented throughout their high school years as they determine their career pathways.
Results:Students and parents are able to track their interests and career pathways and adjust coursework to support a career plan.
Contact:
Luis Cordero
East Valley High School
(509) 573-7500
Cordero.luis@evsd90.wednet.edu
- Mentor/Mentee Program
Target:High School Students
Purpose:The Mentor/Mentee Program serves as part of a dropout prevention program.
Activities:
-Each mentor works with students from an advisory class.
-Mentors provide tutoring support for reading and math.
-Provide lessons during their advisory period including preparation for the WASL, preparing for college.
-Provide tips and ideas for succeeding in High School.
Results:Decrease in student dropouts.
Contact:
Efrain Quiroz
Wapato High School
(509) 877-3138
efrainq@wapato.k12.wa.us
- Math Support
Target:9th Grade Students
Purpose:Provide support to students who need additional help to complete coursework.
Activities:
-Certificated teacher and Math Coach work with students after school using math manipulatives to give students algebraic hands-on experience specifically aligned with class assignments.
-Pre-tests are administered showing students’ strengths and weaknesses.
-A 17-chapter workbook allows students to work at their own pace and at home.
Results:Students who fell behind in the classroom have the extra help and time to catch up so they don’t lose a math credit or get too far behind-which may lead to discouragement and dropping out of school. 35% of students in this after-school program get back on task and move forward.
Contact:
Mindy Lopez
Grandview High School
(509) 882-8772
mlopez@grandview.wednet.edu
- Freshmen Symposium
Target:9th Grade Students
Purpose:Prepare students at the beginning of their high school years for rigorous high school coursework and college planning.
Activities:
-Students arrive on CWU campus already divided into four groups of 15-25 students.
-All students gather in the auditorium to be welcomed by GEAR UP, NLA and University staff.
-Groups rotate through four 25 minute workshops: Impact of Your High School Transcript; College Is Affordable: Financial Options and the FAFSA; De-mystifying the SAT: It’s for Everyone; and The Personal Statement: First Draft.
-Students have lunch in the Student Union Building
-The day culminates with CWU campus tours led by college student mentors.
Results:Students begin their freshman year with crucial information to succeed in high school and be ready for college in the future. They interact with college students and become familiar with a college campus.
Contact:
Northwest Learning and Achievement Group
(509)-877-9906
- After School Tutoring Program
Target:9th- 11th Grade Students
Purpose:To get students caught up in school and prevent them from being referred to the alternative school for credit retrieval.
Activities:
-Students meet in the library after school through referral from the counselors and or teachers.
-All students meet in a certain section in the library where they are given the assistance they need in math, science, English or Computers.
- The program is staffed with two certificated teachers, a librarian and two college tutors to address various curriculum subjects.
Results:Teachers and counselors have seen fewer students dropping out of school and fewer students being referred to the alternative school.
Contact:
Lola Cejia
Toppenish High School
(509) 865-8255
lceja@toppenish.wednet.edu
- Tutoring/Mentoring
Target:High School
Purpose:Provide tutoring and mentoring to students during non-school hours.
Activities:Certificated teachers provided tutoring and mentoring in the areas of math, science, reading and writing. Students who were considered to be academically “at risk” after the first three weeks of the semester met individually with a certificated teacher; tutoring was arranged based on individual student need.
Results:Teachers saw improvement in academic performance and student attitude. Certificated staff had an insight into student needs beyond what an outside tutor provides; they related to the students on a more personal level with firsthand knowledge of their academic needs.
Contact:
Sara Rinaldi
Zillah High School
(509) 829-5565
Rinaldi_s@zsd.wednet.edu
- After School Tutoring 9th & 10th Grade
Target:9th and 10th Grade Students
Purpose:Help students with additional opportunities to seek and receive homework assistance and academic support in core content areas.
Activities:
-4 separate classrooms that target a specific subject such as math, science, English, and history.
-A certificated instructor and a tutor for each classroom.
-Alignment of homework with curriculum assignments.
Results:9th and 10th grade teachers saw an increase in the math, science, English and history test scores with specific focus on coursework. 80 to 100 students participated in the after school program.
Contact:
Tenya Moravec
Sunnyside High School
(509) 837-2601
tmoravec@sunnyside.wednet.edu
- During/Extended Day Tutoring Program
Target:High School Students
Purpose:Provide work study tutors for reading and math classes to assist the students during class as well as in the extended day program.
Activities:Tutors assist students with daily work and also provide mentorship throughout the school year by being a role model and discussing what it takes to prepare for post secondary education. The college tutors are placed in classes that are in high need of tutoring support that focus on math and reading. Students are monitored throughout the school year to maintain grade expectations. Students are identified by their mentors, teachers and parents or by self-referral.
Results:Students increased test scores and/or completing work in a timely fashion along with keeping up with the class in these core classes of math and reading.
Contact:
Efrain Quiroz
Wapato High School
(509) 877-3138
efrainq@wapato.k12.wa.us
- Study Tables
Target:High School Students
Purpose:Help students’ complete homework and earn credit in classes where frequent tardiness has resulted in loss of credit.
Activities:-After School tutoring for homework. -Facilitated by certificated teacher. -Math tutor helps with content, organizational and study skills. -Parent can go online to track student progress. -Various teachers rotate in and out of sessions to cover multiple subject expertise. -Students with excess tardy/absences are required to attend.
Results:More students are on track for timely graduation.
Contact:
Molly Fahlenkamp
Goldendale GEAR UP
(509)-773-5434
mfahlenkamp@gsd404.org
- Intersession/Summer Program
Target:9th and 10th Grade Students
Purpose:Provide academic assistance during school breaks and summer school.
Activities:Teachers and tutors focus on math, science, ELL, post secondary education, college and educational visits, and continuing work with the regular school day core classes. Study skills, organizational skills and leadership skills were included in the program.
Results:All the skills the students learned during intersession helped with homework completion and healthy lifestyles that contributed to their success in high school.
Contact:
Lori Febus
(509) 854-1003
febusl@gsd.wednet.edu
- School-To-Work Connections
Target:High School Students
Purpose:Connect students to community-related professionals to expose them to different career paths and see relevance to classroom curriculum of math, science, engineering and technology.
Activities:The career center schedules college representatives once a week throughout the year. Professional speakers in core fields are scheduled once a month throughout the year. Students are encouraged to register for classes with work experience, and increase involvement in clubs throughout the year. All cohort students are encouraged to attend MVHS Career Fair/SVC Career Fair with transportation provided.
Results:Students are exposed first hand to professionals in a career of interest. This helps a student focus on his/her area of discipline while finishing high school and entering into post secondary education. Students are able to ask questions regarding the professional’s struggles and successes.
Contact:
Karen Bruno
Mount Vernon High School
(360) 428-6110 ext. 3035
kbruno@mv.k12.wa.us
- GEAR UP Graduation Specialist
Target:High School Students
Purpose:Make contact with high-risk students who have failed one or more courses throughout their high school career. Make continuous communication with the student, their parents and any adult that is directly involved in their education.
Activities:-Counsel students and parents regarding educational issues. -Counsel individuals to help them understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting their educational or vocational situations. -Maintain accurate and complete student records by district policies and administration regulations. -Provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at school.
Results:The graduation specialist has helped with parent contacts, parent meetings. The graduation rate has improved, dropout rate decreased, Has helped to identify those kids who are at a high risk of failing or credit deficient. Several high schools’ at-risk students are now back on track to graduate.
Contact:
Lola Ceja
Toppenish High School
(509) 865-2730
lceja@toppenish.wednet.edu
- Academic, Career Counselor
Target:High School Students
Purpose:Provide counseling services to students and their families.
Activities:Counselor provided direction on post-secondary opportunities, entrance exams, financial aid, scholarships, WASL, state and local graduation requirements; provided crisis intervention for families and students on drug and alcohol prevention and intervention, and conflict resolution.
Results:Students felt better about themselves and their potential; families became more involved with their child’s education. Conflicts in the home decreased, which helped in the academic performance of students.
Contact:
Sara Rinaldi
Zillah High School
(509) 829-5565
Rinaldi_s@zsd.wednet.edu
- Video Production Class
Target:9th-11th Grade Students
Purpose: Introduce High School Students to career opportunities in the field of telecommunication.
Activities:
-Provide a telecommunication class that offers students career opportunities in both the professional and technical realms.
- Video production provides different levels of career entry at the post-high school, the two/four year college, and graduate school levels.
-Program provides hands-on application in the use of cameras, lighting equipment, computer programs for editing digital filming and audio clips.
Results:The class facilitated students’ access to college or post-secondary education by providing a hands-on curriculum that resulted in work ready for journalistic presentation.
Contact:
Luis Cordero
East Valley High School
(509) 573-7500
cordero.luis@evsd90.wednet.edu
- Multi-Media Center
Target:High School Students
Purpose:Provide a variety of equipment to students and help complete their homework and other class projects.
Activities:Students gather in library after school to utilize a variety of equipment such as advanced software and video/media production equipment and computers in order to complete required projects.
Results:Students completed projects in a high tech mode as compared to basic paper and pencil. Students received higher grades and learned more advanced technology that focused on careers and higher education.
Contact:
Efrain Quiroz
Wapato High School
(509)877-3138
efrainq@wapato.k12.wa.us
- ACES Academy: Aviation, Careers, Engineering and Safety
Target:6th –10th Grade Girls
Purpose:In a field in which females are underrepresented, this “camp” provides knowledge and incentive to pursue a career in math and science.
Activities:
-Three day “camp” where girls stay in dorms and participate in hands-on activities.
-Projects include rocket building, aviation simulation and engineering concepts.
-Girls interact with college student mentors majoring in Aviation.
-Camp culminates is a presentation for staff and parents.
Results:Girls interested in aviation see a career pathway that is possible for them and learn what subjects they will need to take and master to fulfill this career goal.
Contact:
Dr. Amy Hoover
CWU Aviation Department
(509) 963-1111
hoovera@cwu.edu
- College Fair
Target:High School Students
Purpose:Inform students and parents about a variety of colleges and universities, what they have to offer and how to enroll.
Activities::Several colleges throughout the state presented what their schools had to offer in course work and what preparation is required to apply to their schools. Their presentations provided details about the application process, entrance requirements and financial aid.
Results:Students and parents were able to learn about college and universities beyond the local area and gain insight into specialties of universities around the state.
Contact:
David Mendoza
Mabton High School
(509) 894-4951
mendozad@mabton.wednet.edu
- Imagine U @ WSU
Target:High School Students
Purpose:Students gain information on admission requirements to WSU, WSU Tri-Cities, and Heritage University and learn about financial aid and scholarship hunting.
Activities:Students were given surveys about what they were most interested in learning from the Imagine U event. Students received a large amount of information on higher education, choosing a career, and getting themselves into and paying for college.
Results:Students felt strongly that these presentations provided by WSU or other staff members were the most beneficial. This day-long event helped connect all students with a major Washington college, gave them information about WSU and general college-going facts, and enhanced the college-going culture of our high school.
Contact:
Lola Ceja
Toppenish High School
(509) 865-2730
lceja@toppenish.wednet.edu
- Intervention Program
Target:At-risk high school students
Purpose: To increase at-risk students’ grades in core classes and to support them in becoming more organized and self motivated to plan for a post-secondary education.
Activities: Students are referred by counselors because of failing multiple classes and are put through an adapted AVID model. Students are tutored in a positive and encouraging atmosphere in additional to tutors that help students increase their organization skills to succeed outside of the tutoring centers and outside of the program. Students are taught how to put more effort in their work to stay caught up in their classes.
Results:Students are motivated to keep their grades up and take charge of their academics. They are encouraged and supported by staff and teachers, which in turn, will help their self-esteem and motivation to succeed in their classes. Students are taught to use the center not as a dependency, but as a place to ask for help and tutoring to stay successful.
Contact:
Jack Williams,
Ephrata High School,
(509) 754-5285,
jwilliams@ephrataschools.org