S.W.A.G.

1. S.W.A.G. Students With Academic Greatness A Peer Tutoring Program Developed by S. Alexander

2. S.W.A.G.

3. Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”Nelson Mandela Peer Tutoring Initiative – S.W.A.G. Students With Academic Greatness

4. Proposal: Thompson Elementary School will implement a peer tutoring Program effective 2011-2012 school year. The name of the program is (S.W.A.G.) Students with Academic Greatness. The students participating in the program will be selected based on data driven criteria

5. A. Suu Kyi-Nobel Peace Prize S.W.A.G.’S MISSION: Zora N. Hurston anthropologist Empowering Students To Be Academic Leaders Fred Morales-education Paul L. Dunbar International Poet Antonia Novello Marala Blackmon Principal of the Year Surgeon General of the United States

6. Purpose: The S.W.A.G. Program was developed and implemented as an inclusion leadership initiative. The purpose is to give exceptionally-motivated students the opportunity to participate in a program that will not only assist in developing their leadership skills, but also provide an environment that will positively affect their personal, educational, and social skills and ultimately to create a positive change in their community.

7. Goal The S.W.A.G. Program will be a structured yet flexible goal oriented program. It will maintain the rigorous and relevant instructional standards established in the school’s curriculum. The goal of the S.W.A.G. Program is to promote independent and active learning among students, and to have a direct and positive effect on improving academic achievement.

8. Individualized Program The S.W.A.G. Program is committed to working closely with teachers, staff, parents, and students in order to support a strong and engaging learning community. The S.W.A.G. Program will redefine the role of the student in the classroom and create an innovative collaboration between students and teachers. The program will focus on incorporating data driven service-learning techniques and strategies. The goal is to utilize data and technology to determine what instructional practices best fits the student’s learning environment.

9. The S.W.A.G. Program will provide mandatory academic and leadership training to all of the participants. The training will not only equip each student with the skills to be active and effective participants in the program, but also allow them to acquire service hours and merit badges in the process. The S.W.A.G. Program: Developing a New Generation of Academic Leaders

10. Identification of Students: Teachers are asked to utilize a variety of assessment data in identifying potential S.W.A.G. leaders. Students referred to participate in the program must demonstrate continuous academic growth in the following areas:

11. Criteria: continuous academic growth in : Stanford Scores Interim Assessments STAAR Readiness Expected achievement student performance Actual student performance EVAAS Data must be at accelerated 2 and Advanced Achievement Probability Which will be enriched by………..

12. Trainings, Workshops, Lectures and Other Enriching Experiences: • Leadership training • Academic Enrichment Training • Inclusion Training • Advanced Academic Training • Critical Thinking Skills Training • Medical Alert & Response Training • Field Experience Activities • Community Service-oriented Projects Monthly merit badges will be awarded to S.W.A.G. students based on successful completion of trainings, activities and skills assessment evaluations.

13. Goals for:Trainings, Workshops & Lectures • The goal is for the students to commit to and complete 20 hours of training during the school year. • The students will be provided with a variety of opportunities to participate in community service-oriented projects and field experiences over the course of the year. • The focus is to have students positively impact the education and lives of other students and peers. • The S.W.A.G. leaders will be provided with a comprehensive learning experience that will ultimately influence positive changes in their lives by allowing them to apply their knowledge to their future, academic, or career objectives. • Thompson Elementary School is geared towards building future academic leaders by developing independent learners.

14. Rationale 1. The trainings and activities are critical components of the program and will assist in developing the full individual potentials of all the participants. 2. The S.W.A.G. Program will a. enhance students’ skills in relating to others b. increase understanding, develop leadership skills, improve academic performance, and foster a culture of respect for others. 3. The S.W.A.G. Program will also assist in developing values in each participant that will guide their actions, and provide a foundation for sound decision-making. 4. Contribute to the improvement of the academic environment at Thompson Elementary School.

15. An additional benefit-learning to set and obtain goals Students who set effective goals end up more successful than those who do not. Most students don’t actually set their own goals- the goals are set by others (teachers, parents etc.) To be successful, students must learn to break down a big goal into smaller steps. This program facilitates this concept. The following slides demonstrate how students are taught the process of completing large goals – completing the program-by beginning with smaller steps.

16. Trainings/Hours Offered: 20 Completing this is a big goal.

17. S.W.A.G.-Student Check-off SheetReinforcing organization and accountability.Each student is given a notebook that they can record their achievements in. Initial Steps in the Acceptance to S.W.A.G. Process

18. Organization & Goal Setting Check your calendar! First we show them the big picture . Than they are taught how to break down the big goal into smaller pieces, targets that they can aim at and hit to reach their bigger goal.

19. Breaking it down from monthly to weekly

20. Leadership - M. Blackmon Qualities That Can Make A Student Leader Great Integrity – true to themselves Autonomy – self-directed Group Dynamics – involves group members Human Relations –Uses the human touch Positioning – Sees the big picture Task Effectiveness– Gets the job done Student Mentoring Engages in a positive relationship Has positive self-esteem Listens wells Provides leadership Is a positive role model Cares about helping students Is committed Accepts responsibilities

21. Leadership Training – A. Vester There’s a leader in me, This I know, To do all I can, To help my fellow man. Peer support: a strategy that involves placing students in pairs or small groups to participate in learning activities that support academic instruction and social skills. This is a belief in the value and ability of young people to bring a positive change in themselves and others. Lead by example. Be a good citizen. Be courageous. Leadership is not a popularity contest. Stand up for what you know is right. You can make a difference and everything you do matters. Leadership is not something you do to people. It is something you do with people. Help others to succeed and achieve to their fullest potential. Attributes: Caring, respectful, reliable, competent, dependable, organized, honesty, responsible, and committed to excellence.

22. 13Character Traits Attitude Development Communication Skills Positive Role Modeling Personal Responsibility Understanding Self-Motivation Sensitivity in Working with Peers Self-Accountability Action Plans to Achieve Group Goals Understanding Leadership TEAMWORK Attributes of Leadership Integrity Work Ethic

23. Motivational Training – S. Thomas LSSP(intern) Motivation Toolkit for School Begin each day with a positive attitude Fully participate in classroom activities Accept feedback and correction positively Be prepared with your learning materials everyday Ask questions if you feel confused Take an interest in learning new things both in and outside of class Make an effort to keep track of your assignments and projects Widen your circle of friends to include others Focus on your own progress, avoid comparing to others Always set goals – daily, short and long-term

24. Inclusion/Peer Tutoring Training • Peer tutoring is an instructional strategy that consists of pairing students together to learn or practice an academic task. The pairs of students can be of the same or differing ability and/or age range. Peer interaction can have a powerful influence on academic motivation and achievement (Light & Littleton, 1999; Steinburg, Dornbusch, & Brown, 1992; Wentzel, 1999). • The research also suggests that socialization experiences that occur during peer tutoring can benefit both the tutor and tutee by motivating students to learn and increasing their social standing among peers (Fuchs, D., Fuchs, L.S., Mathes & Martiniez, 2002; Rohrbeck et. al, 2003; Miller & Miller, 1995).When students understand the benefits of peer tutoring and have the tools to become effective tutors and tutees, they make greater progress than those who are not given any instruction on how to work together. • Additionally, peer tutoring allows teachers to accommodate a classroom of diverse learners including students with learning disabilities. This instructional strategy increases response opportunities for students, provides additional time for positive feedback, and increases the amount of time a student is on-task (Maheady, 2001). Regardless of achievement level, content area, or classroom arrangement, peer tutoring demonstrates effectiveness in facilitating progress in the general education curriculum.

25. Inclusion/Peer Tutoring Training Peer tutoring is a strategy that can be used with students with a wide range of disabilities and at all grade levels. However, successful implementation necessitates training all students in the process, roles of peer tutors and critical grade level instructional strategies.

26. S.W.A.G. Inclusion Training/Presenter: Ms. Alexander 7 Effective Inclusion Strategies to Know • Inclusion is the process of combining all students in the same classroom. • All students have a right to expect the best possible learning environment. • All students are important and must be respected. • Learning should be a positive experience. • Inclusion involves modifying assignments, using manipulatives, reinforcement and redirection. • Some students need help with learning different skills. • Peer tutoring provides academic support.

27. Implementing a Peer Tutoring Lesson • The teacher trains students on the process of peer tutoring and strategies for fulfilling their role of tutor or tutee. • The teacher assigns partners. • Students retrieve their tutoring materials prepared by the teacher. • Students follow a highly structured tutoring procedure, in which tutors present material previously covered by the teacher, and provide feedback to the tutee. • Students switch roles after the teacher’s signal. The tutee becomes the tutor. • The teacher circulates around the room, monitoring and providing feedback

28. Medical Alert & Response Training • Overview of Nursing & F. Nightingale • Basic First Aid • Basic CERT • Basic First Responder

29. Overview of Nursing and Florence Nightingale A healthcareprofession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they May attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life . From conception to death. First practiced by male Catholic monks who provided for the sick and ill during the Dark Ages of Europe. African American hospital workers, including nurses, at a hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, July 1863 Florence Nightingale Florence Nightingale, a well-educated woman from a wealthy class family, became a nurse and improved it drastically. ●Florence Nightingale worked in the Crimean War, she was called the Lady with the Lamp ●Florence Nightingale, working to improve conditions of soldiers in the Crimean War, laid the foundation stone of professional nursing with the principles summarized in the book Notes on Nursing. ●An R.N. is a registered nurse. An L.V.N. is a licensed vocational nurse. ●You must be an R.N. to work in Houston ISD. ■School nurses screen students to see if they need glasses, and assist students who get sick. As SWAG members you can help by letting teachers know if a student needs help. Susie King Taylor, 1902

30. Medical Alert & Response Training EMERGENCY RESPONSE FIRE DRILLS DISASTER DRILLS

31. Community Service Each participant will choose, plan, organize and complete service-oriented projects that will provide a lasting benefit to our community. The service learning projects and field experience activities are designed as a way to learn and improve leadership skills by combining academic objectives and community service.

32. Community Service • November (Food Drive) • December (Gift of Love Greeting Cards) • January (Mentoring Month) • February (Appreciation Project) • March (Youth Service) • April (Global Children Nutrition Month) • May (Police & Teachers Appreciation The overall yearly picture

33. Community Service ProjectsDecember • 1. Collection of non-perishables for the Houston Food Bank • 2. Tour the food bank • 3. Deliver greeting cards to the residents ofSt. Dominic Village • 4. Caroling to the nursing home residents at St. Dominic Village • 5. Red & Silver Ceremony The smaller monthly picture

34. Field Trip Activities • November (Houston Food Bank) • December (St. Dominic Nursing Home) • January – Campus Based Initiative • February – Rodeo • March (Houston Space Center –NASA) • April (*Pending) November (Houston Food Bank) December (St. Dominic Nursing Home) January – Campus Based Initiative February – Rodeo March (Houston Space Center –NASA) April (*Pending)

35. Additional Components for SWAG Members and Student Leaders • Interview • S.W.A.G. Pledge • Uniform • Merits and Demerits

36. S.W.A.G. Pledge I pledge to perform all of my duties and responsibilities with pride, honor, love, kindness and respect. I pledge to do everything asked of me with excellence and promote the objectives of the S.W.A.G. Program. I promise to do my best to improve my life, classroom, school, and community. I am an academic leader. There are no limits to what I can achieve.

37. Student Interview Questions Note: The questions can be rephrased for clarification if the student is having a difficult time answering the questions as written Ranking - Rank answers based on (5) being the highest 1. Tell me about your favorite class(s) you have taken. Why was it your favorite? 2.  Which class has been your least favorite? Why 3.  What is your dream job? 4.  What do you like to do for fun (outside of the classroom)?  5. Where is your favorite place you have ever been? Why? 6. What books are you currently reading? Or what have you read recently for school? 7.  If you were given a magic wand to change anything about your school, what would you change? 8.  How would you define the job or role of a peer tutor? 9.  Why is it important to help other students? 10. Why is school important?

38. Dress Code • Black Shirt • Khaki Bottoms • Red Swag

39. Dress Code S.W.A.G. Attire must be worn on: 1. Training Days – Thursday 2. Professional Days – Friday 3. Field Experiences – (As Scheduled) 4. School S.W.A.G. Events – (As Scheduled) 5. Community Events – (As Scheduled) 6. Upon Request Any S.W.A.G. student not in the required dress code will not be allowed to participate in S.W.A.G. events or activities!

40. S.W.A.G. LeadersHandbook and Guidelines Objective S.W.A.G. members should promote school spirit. S.W.A.G. members should demonstrate model behavior and conduct among all students and adults. Each individual should strive to maintain high standards and excellence in school wide activities and academics. S.W.A.G. members should promote the need for unity among all aspects of the school. S.W.A.G. members should make continuous efforts to remain in good standing with relationships between schools. S.W.A.G. members Responsibilities Events/Programs: • Required to attend all weekly meetings • Attend all school or community events

41. Cont. Requirements S.W.A.G. members should be very cooperative with sponsors, S.W.A.G. members, faculty, administrative staff and the community. S.W.A.G. members will be enthusiastic, spirited and leaders at all times S.W.A.G. members will set examples before, during and after school, at school-sponsored activities, as well as, extracurricular activities, field experiences and community events. S.W.A.G. members must attend all meeting and trainings S.W.A.G. members will attend all school programs and community events the only excused absences will be personal illness or accident (catastrophic accident); death in family; or exceptional circumstances approved by the sponsors, in advance. Emergencies preclude this requirement, but a note must be presented to one of the sponsors from parent/guardian explaining the absence within 24 hours of the absence or the absence will be unexcused. S.W.A.G. members will maintain a 70 average in all course work during each nine-week grading period. S.W.A.G. members receiving a 69 and below will not be allowed to participate in any school or community activities. S.W.A.G. members who do not pass one or more classes more than two (2) times within a calendar school year will be dismissed from the group.

42. Mildred Hinton Booster Club Arletta Solomon Dedria Tarver JanetHernandez S.W.A.G Thanking Our Parents Michael Lewis Michelle Williams Lakania Booker Shawnta Chesnut Veronica Searcy Shelite Harrison

43. Shooting Star Sponsors Kenny Sibley Crossland & Sea Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church Ruby L. Thompson Elementary School Fresh Start Community Church Beulah Neveh The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy Ellis Memorial Church of God in Christ American Income Life B.P Works Crystal Children & Teacher Supply

44. Ms. Crizer Ms. Clouser Ms.Gaines S.W.A.G Staff Support Team Ms. Jolivet Ms. Miller Ms. Mercedes Ms. Reeder

45. S.W.A.G. Program Sponsors: S. Alexander/ T. Tillmon Field Experience Managers: Y. Parker Facilitators: C. Gallien/T.McNeil Community Service Coordinators T. Stanberry/K. Isaac Additional Sponsorships: Strategic Partners, Volunteers, VIPS Trainers: M. Blackmon – Leadership S. Alexander-Inclusion K. Bennett-Literacy B. Dickerson-Academic Math D. Dillard-Academic Science R. Green-Academic Reading/LA G. Hilty-Medical A. Jackson-Howard-Writing A. Lane-Academic Social Studies J. Lengers-Medical A. Vester- Leadership

46. American Income Life 8876 Gulf Freeway Suite 565 Houston, TX 77017 Amber Buitron-Resendiz, Insurance Agent BP P.O. Box 3092 Houston, TX 77853 Diana Friedhoff-Miller, Director of Community Affairs Beulah Neveh Author of BRACIE (713) 884-7222 Ellis Memorial Church of God in Christ 412 Massachusetts Street Houston, TX 77029 Dr. Morris O. Jenkins, Jr., Pastor Crossland & Sea 2908 Cleburne Houston, TX 77004 T. Nichole Crossland, Owner, Travel Specialist Crystal Children & Teacher Supply 3271 Southwest Fwy. Houston, TX 77027 Stephanie, Owner, Manager Fresh Start Community Church 8103 Creekbend Drive Unit 1 Houston, TX 77071 Reverend Troy T. Johnson, Pastor Housewhole Repairs & Remodeling Kenny Sibley (832) 347-1578 The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy 5910 Scott Street Houston, TX 77021 Artie Mitchell, R. Ph., Owner Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church 7034 Tierwester Houston TX 77021 Reverend Terry K. Anderson, Senior Pastor Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church Houston, TX E. L. Burnside, Pastor

47. Sources:Power point by G. Hilty http://www.infoplease.com/spot/hhmbio3.html http://www.elpasoinc.com/multimedia/photos/collection_a808ba2c-e30c-11e0-a692-0019bb30f31a.html http://www.gap-system.org/~history/PictDisplay/Nightingale.html http://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/bindingwounds/nursing.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Nightingale