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Grants in Action
Aurora Public Schools
Objective: To address the needs of a growing population of public school students learning the English language.
Impact: Aurora Public Schools (APS) has seen a steady increase in the number of students whose native language is other than English – an increase from 11 percent in 1996 to 38 percent in 2008. Many of these English language learners do not perform in the proficient or advanced ranges and some struggle to make it through to graduation. In 2008, with the help of a $378,000 grant from Rose Community Foundation, APS began a pilot in four schools to test ways to more effectively teach students learning English. The anecdotal results so far are promising. “Kids are much more engaged and interested in what they are learning. They are better able to comprehend what is happening in the classroom,” says Jean Burke, director of English language acquisition for APS. “Teachers are building ways for students to practice language all day long. It’s all part of rethinking how we are going to meet the needs of all of these learners.”
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OpenWorld Learning
Objective: To provide an after-school technology and leadership program to students in grades 3 through 8.
Impact: The students who participate in OpenWorld Learning’s after-school programs learn how to work with computers, but they also learn how to solve problems. “We teach them to collaborate. For example the students use ‘One, two, three…then ask me’,” says OpenWorld CEO Barb Youmans. “One: try to figure it out by yourself. Two: ask a buddy. Three: ask a student leader. If you still don’t have an answer, then ask a teacher.” Students work for the opportunity to become a student leader by demonstrating responsibility, respecting other students, and learning how to teach without doing the work for the student who is stuck. All students can earn tangible incentives: at the intermediate level, they receive a refurbished computer to take home, and at the advanced level, a new digital camera. Started in Denver in 2000, OpenWorld Learning now works with 14 public schools and relies on sponsors – individuals, foundations, corporations and businesses – to support its sites.
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- Grant profiles from Rose Community Foundation's 2008 Annual Report
Farther down on this page:
Students enjoy watching the results after tweaking a computer program they designed at one of OpenWorld Learning's after-school programs.