Educational Services

Jul 16 2011 3:31 PM

Academic Support, Advocacy, Tutoring, Summer School and Vocational Development

Academic Achievements

Under the leadership of Circle C's Education Coordinator, our residents are able to improve their academic records. With the support of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and public school personnel, many residents have been able to overcome a history of poor academic performance--improving their attendance, grades, and test results! All available resources are used to best meet the youth's needs, including several local charter schools. Students are required to provide daily verification of school attendance, and to participate in a daily study hour. Residents are encouraged to actively explore vocational opportunities after graduation.

Tutoring Services

Certified teachers provide tutoring services at all four of our group homes two to three days a week. These tutors have the skills and experience to offer assistance and remediation in Math and Reading. The tutors use a "diagnostic-prescriptive" method, which involves pre-testing, analyzing needs, writing a prescription to address those needs, and focusing tutoring activities on meeting specific goals. Students' gains are measurable and reportable. Positive relationships with tutors and staff become an important force for inspiring the residents to continue learning in all aspects of their lives.

Circle C Summer School Program

The Circle C Summer School, funded through the federal Title I Program, is a special opportunity for ourresidents to experience a staff-intensive program, while earning school credits. Classes runs from late June through mid-August, and are generally offered in English, Literature, Social Studies, Math and Career Development. With a teacher-student ratio averaging about 1:6, students sometimes improve several grade levels within the six-week session! Mentoring relationships develop, which are not possible with larger classroom sizes. Students are also exposed to a variety of activities and vocational interests. Many school districts award 2½ credits for successful completion. Class size is generally about 7 students so children receive much individual attention. Pre and post testing shows that significant gains are made in math and reading levels--sometimes as much as several grade levels.

Summer School Program Features

    • Dedicated teachers, who recognize that a nurturing and non-intimidating learning environment is a prerequisite to reaching most students.
    • Small class sizes of five to seven students permit positive student-teacher relationships and individual attention.
    • Pre and post-testing in Math and Reading to identify individual needs and measure progress. This approach has resulted in remarkable academic success.
    • Classes are offered in: Literature, English, Math, Social Studies, and Robotics. Each class focuses on reading and writing skills. Access is provided to computer labs for writing and research
    • Cooperative group activities to build social skills necessary for the work environment.
    • Career exploration and learning about self, strengths, weaknesses, needs, and preferences.
    • Students are formally recognized for their hard work at an Awards Banquet and Graduation ceremony. Staff, parents, caseworkers and probation officers are encouraged to attend. Circle C's Title 1 Summer School Program is a collaborative effort between the Pittsburgh Mt. Oliver Intermediate Unit, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Carnegie Mellon University generously provided support and technical assistance to establish the robotics class through staff members of their Robotics Academy. Children enrolled in our Summer School have the opportunity to build and program their own robot! In doing so they learn to apply math, science and engineering principles in a manner that is both challenging and fun. Our goal is to excite our students, provide a positive learning experience and expose them to the world of technology. This has been a terrific opportunity, particularly for those children who have struggled or underachieved in traditional classrooms.

For more information on summer school or the robotics program call: Gina Sacriponte at: 412-937-1905 ext. 234 or e-mail to gsacriponte AT circlec.net.