ASSETS Academy Mission Statement The mission of ASSETS

ASSETS Academy

Mission Statement The mission of ASSETS is to alter our students’ perceptions of the value of education and opportunities it provides. ASSETS accomplishes this by creating a positive learning environment, maintaining high expectations, and challenging students to make choices that will result in life-long learning.

Facts about ASSETS • Opened in 1993 • Currently serves students in grades 7 -12 • TEA “Exemplary” Campus 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 • Texas Successful School 2000 -20002 • Title 1 National Distinguished School nominee 2003 • Title 1 Texas Distinguished School 1999 -2003

Projected Student Population School Year, Number of Students Grade 03 -04 04 -05 05 -06 2006 -20072011 -2012 7 th 30 30 8 th 30 30 9 th 60 60 30 30 10 th 11 th 12 th Total 30 120 180 210 240

Selection Criteria • • • A good candidate for ASSETS might exhibit one or more of the following: Gaps in their learning Discrepancy between state test scores and classroom grades Lack success on a large campus In need of a support system Could benefit from small class size, structured environment, and nurturing school climate No major discipline problems

Further Criteria… • Retained at least once in prior grades • Failed at least two courses since entering high school or intermediate school • Not expected to graduate in four years • Failed at least one section of TAKS ** ASSETS admits students on a voluntary basis.

Unique Tidbits • • • No bells No lockers Little homework Class sets of textbooks Ropes course/ABC 2 -year commitment Ongoing flexible schedule Social skills instruction Experiential/instructional field trips • Students choose to attend; they are not placed.

More Unique Tidbits • Small classes (1 -15 ratio) • Guidance and support services • Personalized/individualized instruction • High School credit for 7 th & 8 th graders • Attendance incentives • Extended day classes

Why do students want to come to ASSETS? (Students’ comments) • Small Classes • No Homework, except for Math • Cool Teachers • Tutoring • Extended Day Classes • Field Trips • Individual Attention • Fun • Students are nicer • Off-Campus Lunch Rewards • Block Schedule • AHS Elective Class Option • Structure • Safety (physical and emotional) • Sense of Belonging • Feeling important

Testimonials Tanner Frankum – “I like it here; it’s less stressful. I get to have discussions with the teachers, and I have time to ask questions and solve problems. ” Carver Mathis – “At ASSETS, I experience life-long learning skills. ” Nicole Bottoms – “ASSETS has helped me have a more open minded and positive attitude about things, and it has helped me to see the ‘bigger picture’. ” Cassie Adams – “The staff is caring and considerate about my emotional and social safety, and they actually care if I’m learning or not. ”

Monica Rodriguez – “I like ASSETS because the teachers don’t move on to the next thing until everyone gets it. I make better grades, and I feel very smart. Teachers at ASSETS help us understand everything. ” Gilbert Espinoza – “The teachers are a lot nicer. ” Tommy Wade - “I would probably drop out if I weren’t here. ” Deon Reece – “I go to ASSETS because I wouldn’t be able to make it at another. ”

What makes ASSETS effective? • We are a relationship-based campus • We win students’ hearts before their minds. • We target individual student’s academic weaknesses • We truly care about each and every student in our school. • APT (Academic Power Team) • ABC Ropes course • Staff has high academic expectations for ALL students • Social skills and courteous behavior are required for students and staff. • Staff plays an active, contributing role in each student’s success • Staff commitment to each student’s needs and goals • Staff and students are on the same team • Commitment to students after graduation

Selection Process- Each Spring 1. 8 th grade students are initially identified and referred through classroom teachers, counselor, and/or principal. 2. Parents are notified by mail that their child may be a candidate. 3. Informational meeting held at home-campus for candidates and their parents; applications are distributed.

Selection Process Continued 4. Once ASSETS receives applications, letters will be sent home with interview date and time. 5. Data is collected: TAKS scores, attendance history, discipline report, and grade reports. 6. Personal interview with candidate and parent on home campus.

Selection Process Continued 7. Interviewer uses a matrix and a point system. 8. ASSETS selection committee meets after all interviews. 9. Letters sent home: acceptance, waiting list, or not admitted. 10. Orientation held at ASSETS: campus tour, contract, and paperwork

Junior High Curriculum • • Language Arts Math Science Social Studies Electives: • 7 th grade: ART BCIS PE • 8 th grade: Principles in Finance Speech PE *Elective classes count as high school elective credit except for PE.

9 th Grade Course Schedule English I Algebra Biology World Geography Teen Leadership Art PE * May take elective classes including fine arts or athletic credits at AHS.

Full Value Contract – 4 P’s 1. 2. 3. 4. I will help my group PLAN for success by setting group goals and determining appropriate behavior for group members. I will be aware of and PRACTICE safe behavior at all times. I will PROVIDE honest, constructive feedback to my group members and will receive feedback appropriately. I will PROMOTE a positive attitude and atmosphere.

APT Groups Academic Power Team • Approximately 15 students are placed in a group that meets everyday all year. Groups serve many purposes: 1. 2. 3. Testing groups ABC groups Bond and trust occur through adventure and group activities Cooperative skills and tolerance are acquired and transferred into other areas Time is spent building positive relationships with teachers and students Character education 4. 5. 6.

Personalized/Individualized Instruction • Ongoing assessment throughout the year • Students pulled and taught 1: 1 or in smaller groups to address fundamental gaps and allows the rest of the class to continue. • Once gaps are closed, students are able to transition more easily without falling farther behind. • Students have opportunities to learn through different project-based methods such as designing a brochure, Power. Point, websites, etc.

Varied Learning, Teaching • 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Strategies Instruction includes a variety of learning and teaching strategies: Individual learning Cooperative learning Student-teacher interaction Student-student interaction Teacher to whole group instruction (as opposed to self-paced instruction. )

TAKS Tests ASSETS’ students take the TAKS test.

Extracurricular Activities • ASSETS does not offer sports, band, choir, theatre, or drill team. • Some students do participate at Alvin High School, but it’s a privilege to a select few. • ASSETS gets involved in other activities: -Enter a float in homecoming parade -Blue Santa -Prom -Senior fundraisers -Senior trip -Trips (Italy, Germany, Spain) -Poverty Simulation

Things We Do! • Sponsor our own career day • Host a portfolio showcase • Host academic family nights - Around the World • Participate in contests including UIL, Rotary Club essay contests, & district science fairs • After school clubs: Soccer, Book club, ABF, & Music • Fall Festival

Social Skills • Social skills are a part of the ASSETS curriculum. Students and staff are expected to practice good social skills. • ASSETS provides a nurturing environment that ads to the positive school climate.

Because of its unwieldy body and disproportionately small wing size, scientists studying aerodynamics once stated that technically, the bumblebee should be incapable of flying. AND YET IT DOES FLY!