SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
University Affairs Office
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
(707) 664-2057
e-mail: jean.wasp@sonoma.edu
University Affairs Office
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
(707) 664-2057
e-mail: jean.wasp@sonoma.edu
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2003 File #375
Contact: Kristin Boland, School of Education, (707) 664-2132
School Programs on Writing Skills and A Safe Homework Haven
Win Jack London Awards for Educational Excellence
One Sonoma County school has found a solution to improving the poor writing skills of many students.
Gina Cloud, Rae Galeazzi, Keri Bryski, Beth Williams, and Amy McKenna, creators of "Write to the Point" program at Mountain Shadows Middle School, won top honors at the spring 2003 Jack London Awards for Educational Excellence given at Sonoma State University yesterday.
Every teacher at Mountain Shadows, regardless of their subject area, uses "Write to the Point." The program was created in response to two specific needs: first to create a more authentic and ongoing assessment tool that students and teachers could use throughout the year, and secondly for an assessment with a scoring process that could be reasonably managed on a school site. The evaluation data supports the efficacy of this program through higher test scores and student achievement.
In recognizing innovative programs, the Jack London Award occasionally gives a special community award. "Hahn Tutoring Time" from Marguerite Hahn and Rancho Cotate High schools received the Jack London Special Award for Community-School Cooperation.
"Tutoring Time" started with a high school senior, Melissa Smuck, and her idea to create a time for elementary students to work on their homework in a safe and quiet environment.
Melissa approached Principal Rosaschi of Hahn School to see if there was a need. And there was. Melissa recruited high school students to serve as tutors.
Since the time of implementation this tutoring time has expanded to include all fourth and fifth grade classes. Their main goals are to provide a safe, supportive, quiet atmosphere for homework as well as make the connection with the high school and elementary school.
Other nominees for this year’s awards were: "English and Language Development"; Washington Preparatory; Cloverdale Unified School District; coordinators: Rosemary Schwan, Nuevo Leon, coordinators Victor Kunst and Carin Johnson, and "Special Education Training"; Sonoma County Office of Education; coordinators: Buddy Steele and Kathleen La Mar.
The Jack London Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding K-12 programs and individuals responsible for them. It is sponsored by Sonoma State University, the California Faculty Association, and the Sonoma County Office of Education. SSU faculty, staff and community members serve as judges for the awards program.