Closing the Gap: Meeting the Achievement Challenge in California Show 1: Horace Mann Elementary School This six-part video series features six schools that are raising the achievement levels of all their students, most notably students who are African American, Latino, English learners, or living in poverty. Following a brief overview of the achievement gap and its dimensions in California, each 60-minute program intercuts video visits to a school with a panel discussion by prominent researchers and school staff members about topics relevant to the school's success. Each program concludes with the panel answering call-in questions from viewers of the original broadcast. Show 1 features Horace Mann Elementary School, Glendale USD. Over 70 percent of Horace Mann's students are English learners and participate in the free and reduced-priced meals program. Over the last five years, student achievement at Horace Mann has increased continuously. The reform effort at Horace Mann has focused on data-driven decisionmaking and literacy. Show 2 features Prairie Vista Middle School in the Hawthorne School District. Prairie Vista opened its doors four years ago with high numbers of Latino and African American students and a significant population of English learners. Prairie Vista's student achievement levels have increased substantially every year for all students. Prairie Vista's focus has been school culture and literacy across the curriculum. Show 3 features Birmingham Senior High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District. The focus at this large, comprehensive, urban high school has been data-driven decision-making and creating smaller communities for both students and staff. These efforts have helped lead to significant increases in the achievement of African American and Latino students over the last two years. Show 4 features David Reese Elementary School, Elk Grove USD. This large, multi-track elementary school has a very diverse student population and with over 75 percent of students participating in the free and reduced-price meals program. On California's 2001 Academic Performance Index, Reese received a statewide rank of 6 and a similar schools rank of 10, which is the highest rating possible. The effort at David Reese has focused on assessment and accountability and standards-based curriculum and instruction. Show 5 features the Vanguard Learning Center in the Compton Unified School District. This large, urban school with students in grades 4–8 has demonstrated sustained academic growth with traditionally underserved students. At Vanguard, 61 percent of the students are African American, 37 percent of the students are Latino, 28 percent of the students are English learners, and 100 percent of the students participate in the free or reduced-price lunch program. Over the past two years, Vanguard's API has increased 150 points. The reform effort at Vanguard has featured strong leadership and a focus on school culture and the use of data. Show 6 features Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in the El Centro Elementary School District. Over 90 percent of the students in this K-5 school are Latino and 60 percent of King's students are English Learners. Over the past two years, King's Academic Performance Index has increased 140 points. The reform effort at King has focused on professional development, teacher collaboration, and a balanced literacy program. For more information about Closing the Gap, go to www.WestEd.org/closingthegap. ADD TO CART Audience: Teachers, Teacher Educators, Policymakers, Public, Administrators Product Information Format: VHS Video Publisher: WestEd Copyright: 2002 Product #: CC-02-01 Minutes: 60 Price: $19.95 Save 40% by ordering the complete Closing the Gap Video Series.