PARTNERSHIP MISSION
On their own, schools and families may not be able to support the academic success of every student1 and in particular, language minority students, including immigrants and the U.S.-born children of immigrants.2 When schools partner with other communities and organizations, support for students is enhanced. “Research indicates that students who are successful academically, in addition to support from parents and teachers, usually have sustained access to other knowledgeable and caring adults.”3
As a prospective participant in the No Excuses University (NEU) which is part of the Turn Around Schools Network of K-8 schools, Orchard Place has pledged to "create a school that knows no limits to the academic success of each student."4 In particular, NEU member schools adopt the principles that (1) every child has the right to be prepared to attend college and (2) it is the responsibility of adults in the school to develop exceptional systems that make that dream a reality.5
Every one of the students at Orchard Place Elementary has the ability to learn and a bright college future ahead of them. All children, even those who live in poverty or who are learning English, can be academically successful and attend college. The primary goal of the partnership, then, is to develop a comprehensive plan to expose Orchard Place students to the sights, sounds, and ideals of college through the support of mentors from across IWU, through the auspices of the SEA and the Educational Studies Department.
1 Kirst, M. (1991). Improving children's services. Phi Delta Kappan, 72, 615-618. Cited in Carolyn Temple Adger, (January 2000) School/Community Partnerships to Support Language Minority Student Success. Retrieved 16 September 2008 from http://www.cal.org/crede/pubs/ResBrief5.htm
2 Adger, C. T. (January 2000). School/community partnerships to support language minority student success. Retrieved 16 September 2008 from http://www.cal.org/crede/pubs/ResBrief5.htm
3 Clarke, Reginald M. (1989). The Role of Parents in Ensuring Education Success in School Restructuring Efforts. Claremont, California: Council of Chief State School Officers. Cited in US Department of Education. (1998). Yes, You Can: A Guide for Establishing Mentoring Programs to Prepare Youth for College. Retrieved 16 September 2008 from http://www.ed.gov/pubs/YesYouCan/sect1.html#why.
4 http://turnaroundschools.com/neu-network/