FOR SCI HIGH
FLIP
The Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education 2014-2015 Report to Our Community
FLIPPING THE STORY ABOUT NEW ORLEANS EDUCATION Sci High is leading the way thanks to generous supporters and partners like you. We are incredibly proud to be one of the leading open enrollment high schools in Orleans Parish. Welcoming every interested student and family is an essential part of our mission and identity, and we believe that all students can achieve their potential when they have access to both academic and social support. In our pursuit of excellence for our children and our city, our school is not afraid to make changes that flip conventional ideas of teaching and learning on their heads—from video lectures that students can watch at home to changing the very structure of the school day. The science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) coursework we focus on is challenging, especially for those students who come to us with different learning styles, uneven preparation or missing prerequisite coursework. We know that intense, personalized instruction and plenty of hands-on opportunities can accelerate learning, as well as spark inspiration for students who can finally see the application of their studies and hard work. These changes require investment to succeed.
How does your support of the Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education make a difference? Because of expanded professional development opportunities, our teachers can enhance the ways they engage students in subject matter, and our administrators can investigate and apply emerging best practices in education. We know this has made a difference in our students’ learning as evidenced by Sci High’s gains on end-of-course exam scores. Through key partnerships with Tulane University and Project Lead the Way, Sci High debuted our Makerspace and introduced new career pathways in engineering, biomedical, construction, skilled trades and computer science. These hands-on programs have proven incredibly popular with students, with five sections of our Makerspace course filled in its first semester. All of this and more happens because of the supplemental funding and collaborations made possible through the Foundation. Our students count on your support. And we thank you for it. With gratitude—
Ellen Ball President, Board of Directors Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education All Photography by Bryan Tarnowski. This report was produced with the pro-bono assistance of Karen Buck (writing and design) and Erin Allen (photography art direction).
WILL VIDEO KILL THE LECTURE STAR?
Instead of struggling with homework in the evenings, Rae Goldman’s geometry students watch her YouTube videos at home—taking the place of typical course lectures. Now, class time can be used for students to work through problem sets. Because they’re together in the classroom, students can turn to each other and to their teacher for questions and support. This approach results in both greater student engagement and individualized instruction opportunities. Goldman shares her teaching innovations through local education technology meet-ups. Grants and donations fund the professional development opportunities that allow teachers like Goldman to develop new ways of reaching students and increasing their success. You can watch her geometry videos at http://bit.ly/1KQK762.
OFFERING STEM FOR ALL
If a student wants to come to Sci High, we want that student to thrive at Sci High. That means designing individualized instruction and accommodations for every type of learner. Eleven percent of our current student population have identified special education needs, including teens on the autism spectrum and students who are gifted (and sometimes both!). Through offerings like one-to-one computer-based instruction, a robust tutoring program, small group resource sessions, and advanced coursework that earns students credit at both Sci High and a local college, Sci High meets students where they are and helps them achieve.
INTRODUCING THE MAKER’S MOVEMENT
Over the last year, Sci High partnered with IDIYA and Tulane University to develop and launch our first Makerspace lab and course. Makerspaces like those at Sci High provide students with the chance for hands-on, practical learning experiences. Equipment including a 3-D printer, robots and sewing machines give students access to the tools to create, prototype, tinker and improve—turning abstract ideas into new passions. More than 40 students are currently enrolled in the Makerspace course. Donations from Sci High supporters like you made the development of a Makerspace curriculum possible.
SCI HIGH GETS SMART!
Sci High constantly looks for emerging best practices to support student engagement and success. One new initiative is the SMART (Students Maximizing Achievement, Relationships and Time) lunch program. Each student’s schedule now includes a 30-minute lunch break accompanied by an open period of time for academic assistance or involvement in activities and clubs. Each academic department also holds tutoring sessions one day a week during the SMART period. By building time into the day for new opportunities and to offer extra help, SMART lunch addresses challenges related to transportation and the ability of students to participate in these activities. Sci High also partners with organizations and private donors to create and sustain the arts, athletics, wellness and cultural programs that offer students a complete high-school experience.
Sci High was founded on the belief that all students deserve the opportunity to achieve at high levels. With our open-enrollment policy, any student who desires a rigorous education and abundant opportunities in life sciences, physical sciences, technology and mathematics can attend Sci High. We help each student succeed by creating an environment that supports achievement alongside cultural, athletic, health and counseling services that both uplift students and reinforce positive choices.
OUR PARTNERS & INTERNSHIP SITES All Star Animal Clinic
j.k. livin
Orleans Parish School Board
Audubon Zoo
Juma Youthforce
Sodexo
Bard Early College
Keep Louisiana Beautiful
Solutient
Children’s Hospital
Leading Educators
Teach for America
City of New Orleans
LifeCity
teachNOLA
Coach Across America
Louisiana Children’s Museum
Cowen Institute for Public Education Initiatives
Louisiana University Marine Consortium
Greater New Orleans Collaborative of Charter Schools
LSU School-Based Health Center
Teacher Preparation Programs at University of New Orleans, Tulane University, Loyola University, and Xavier University
Girl Scout Sow What
LSU Community and Minority Health Education
Global Nomads Group
LSU Genetics Department
GNO, Inc.
LSU Summer Science Program
GR Group PT
NOCCA
Grow Dat
NOLA4Women/ New Orleans Heroes Project
Healthy School Food Collaborative IDIYA Institute of Ethnic & Women’s Studies
New Orleans Public Library
Touro Infirmary Tulane School of Public Health Tulane Service Learning Students Tulane Emerging Scholars Program Tulane Technology USGBC Louisiana Green Schools Challenge Xavier Cancer Research Institute
New Schools for New Orleans High School Collaboration
OUR SUPPORTERS $50,000+
$100–$499
21st Century Community Learning Innovate Approaches to Literacy Keller Family Foundation New Schools for New Orleans Mary Zervigon
Nicholas Aziz Christine Benenson Jon Boulet Ruth Boulet Anne Bradburn Robert Brown Troy & Monique Butler Dr. & Mrs. Roderic Camp Erik Causey Matthew Caverly Joan Coulter Michael Cunningham Elizabeth Deitch Mr. & Mrs. William M. Detweiler Kristen Engeron Michelle Hayes Sarah Hess Katherine Jackson Amy Johnson & Tom Niddrie Deborah Love Barbara MacPhee Sarah Martzolf Pat & Lee Mason Myra Locker Menville Lourdes Moran Kitty O’Keefe Nancy Rappaport Chris & Kendra Reade James & Elizabeth Schnieders Ashley Scriber Katherine Seligman Holly Sharp Jacqueline L. Sullivan Iam Tucker Gail Tyson Lilo & Scott Ukrop Kevin Wilkins & Ginny Wise Noel B. Williams Mark Winter
$10,000–$49,999 Ellen & Mac Ball Booth Bricker Fund Georges Lurcy Charitable and Educational Trust Global Nomads Group Goldring Family Foundation Gustaf W. McIlhenny Family Foundation j.k. livin Foundation Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Pro Bono Publico Foundation RosaMary Foundation Selley Foundation Up2Us/Coach Across America
$5,000–$9,999
POSITIVE TREND LINES
Although tests and ratings are not the sole indicators of student achievement, our community understands that strong scores better position the school to attract students and funding. Over the last three years, Sci High students have made tremendous gains on Louisiana End of Course Tests in Algebra I, English II and III, Geometry, Biology and U.S. History.
OUR SCHOOL 425 students enrolled in fall 2015—our largest class yet.
STUDENTS SCORING “GOOD” OR “EXCELLENT”
END OF COURSE YEAR 2012
• 55% female, 45% male • 83% African-American
75% 2013
• 83% qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch
2014
• 11% use special-education services 50%
2015
• 95% of seniors graduated in June 2015
25%
ALGEBRA I
ENGLISH II
ENGLISH III
GEOMETRY
BIOLOGY*
U.S. HISTORY*
* Sci High students did not take Biology and U.S. History EOC exams every year due to changes in course progression.
The majority of Sci High graduates remain in Louisiana to continue their education. Out-of-state colleges chosen in 2015 include Howard University, Colorado State University and Bard College. We are an Orleans Parish School Board Charter School.
Amy & Nicholas Altiero Karen Buck Entergy Charitable Foundation German Protestant Orphan Asylum Foundation Keep Louisiana Beautiful Foundation Saint Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church
$1,000–$4,999 Florence André Toni & Richard Bachmann Barbara Beckman Dr. & Mrs. George Bernstein Nancy Bissinger Diana & Joseph Caverly Robert Corley Mr. & Mrs. Colby Dempsey Margot & Clancy DuBos Frances & Calvin Fayard Elizabeth Fowler Freeport McMoran Foundation Dr. Louis & Jane Glade Cathy Glaser Michael Harris Kinder Morgan Foundation Catherine Lemann Lynn E. Pyke Lee and Kathy Randall Madalyn & Robert Schenk Carroll Suggs Turning Point Foundation Cedric & Julia Walker Thomas Wiese, Ph.D.
$500–$999
98.6
44
#1
70
60
$1M+
2015 School Performance Score rating, positioning Sci High 1.4 points away from an “A” rating
Students who participated in summer internships across 17 sites
Among open-enrollment schools in Orleans Parish based on end-of-course exams
Student tutors from our partner Tulane University assist Sci High students each year
Students who are exploring biomedical science careers as part of our Pathways
Raised in partnership with Sci High for students and programs
Mike Cunningham Charles Dyal Mr. & Mrs. Joseph H. Epstein Edmund Langhetee Kirk Menard Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Probst Stanley, Reuter, Ross, Thornton & Alford Dr. Roy & Marjorie Weiner Andres Zervigon
Up to $99 Ann Bailey Monica Banks Dr. Mark Bernard & Dr. Johnette Hassell Guenter Bischof Melanie Boulet Michael Courtney Brooke Duncan Robin English Dale Fleishmann Jan Frankowski Deena Gerber Lou & Susan Good Prof. Paul Guth Julie & Seth Harris Paulette Hurdlik Barbara & Ronald Knill Mr. & Mrs. Joel T. Mague David McGloin Margaret Milling Celena Neal Joan Parkerson Alyssa Quaranta Etheldra Scoggin Dakota Sillyman Cathy Simoneaux Kayne Stewart Dr. Nia Terezakis Stevario Windhom William & Linda Zeininger
Co-Principals
Chana Benenson Claire Jecklin
Board Members 2014-16: Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education Florence D. André Nicolas Aziz Toni Van Zandt Bachmann Ellen Ball George Bernstein, Ph.D. Nancy Bissinger Bob Brown Karen Buck Bradley Cousins* Michael Cunningham, Ph.D. Mason Curran Bill Detweiler Tim Dilligan Margo DuBos Brandi N. Banks Kristen Ponthier Engeron Frances Fayard* Betsy Fowler* Brian Friedman* Louis B. Glade, M.D. Shawn Johnson Kay Kerrigan Judith Kiser* Bryan Lee Sarah Martzolf Lourdes Moran Merisa A. Pasternak Gregory J. Probst* Pamela Ryan* Madalyn Schenk Mary Tunis Stern* Robert Sternhell, Ph.D. Carroll W. Suggs Cedric Walker, Ph.D. Roy S. Weiner, M.D. Thomas Wiese, Ph.D Kevin Wilkins Arnold H. Zea, Ph.D. Mary Zervignon *2014-15 Board Members
Board Members 2014–16: Advocates for Science and Mathematics Education Inc. Mary Zervignon, Chair Nicolas J. Altiero, Ph.D. John Brown* Joseph Caverly Joan Coulter Joe Daschbach Jennifer A. Fallon Cathy Glaser Michelle Hayes Deborah Love, Esq. Sybil Morial James Schnieders *2014-15 Board Member
Foundation Staff Martha McKnight, Director of Advancement
The Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We have made every effort to ensure completeness and accuracy. Please contact Martha McKnight at 504.324.7045 or mmcknight@nolascienceandmath.org with any errors or omissions, so that our records and the online donor roll can be corrected.