Maxwell Park Elementary School underwent a huge transition during the last several years. It was put into "incubation," which is a fancy way of saying the school was being reorganized. The school will also have a new look, as Councilmember Jean Quan has generously pledged $5,000 for a new marquee for the front of the school. It is now known as Maxwell Park International Academy, headed by Principal Dr. Mary Louise Newling. The new teachers have been selected and are ready to start the school year with lots of new programs.'
Reading
The Academic English Mastery Program (www.learnmedia.com/aemp/), is a comprehensive, research-based program designed to teach school language, literacy, and learning to students for whom Standard English is not native. These students include African American, Hawaiian American, Mexican American, and Native American students whose home language is of a non standard variety.'
The program helps give equal access to core curricula by requiring instruction geared to the language needs of students with limited proficiency in Standard American and Academic English. It provides ongoing development and training for teachers, aides, and parents to assure students of enhanced post-secondary opportunities and career opportunities.
Writing
In addition to the state-adopted curriculum, the teachers have been trained by the Writing Reform Institute for Teaching Excellence (WRITE, www.writeinstitute.org). The WRITE Institute is a National Academic Excellence model for sustained professional development in writing. It establishes partnerships with schools, districts, and county offices of education to improve student achievement by building teachers' skills in the teaching of writing.'
WRITE's integrated curriculum and assessment, aligned to state standards, prepare students to write effectively and think critically. The program for grades K-12 has evolved to support not only the acquisition of academic language for English learners, but also to promote the academic writing that all students need to improve achievement.'
Arithmetic
SWUN math will be used to help students improve their math skills by moving beyond traditional math approaches. This program has already been used successfully in a number of Oakland schools.'
And Keeping the Peace
The school is in the process of selecting a Peace Keeping/Conflict Resolution Program that will be used throughout the school.
Our Neighborhood Park Gets Prettied Up
Friends of Maxwell Park reports that a representative from Oakland Public Works said that if the park group can get a rough plan to Jean Quan's office by December, then they can get in the pipeline to request funds for the 2009-2011 budget cycle. In late August, the park improvement team looked at the survey results and ideas from the meeting in the park to put together a comprehensive plan/proposal for improvements. Now is a great time to get involved. If you'd like to join the park improvement team or get on their email list, please contact Gail Murphy at atgailmurphy\@sbcglobal.net. We look forward to seeing you at the Day in the Park on September 13 from noon to 5 p.m., across the street from Maxwell Park International Academy.
| 