TOGETHER, YES WE CAN
2825 INTERNATIONAL BLVD - OAKLAND, CA 94601 - (510) 879-1490 - INFO@THINKCOLLEGENOW.ORG
Last updated September 19, 2007
OUR THEORY OF ACTION
Our vision at Think College Now is that all students will have the tools to choose their life’s path and desired occupation with an equitable opportunity to attend college and pursue their dreams. We believe that access to college is the key to bringing about educational equity for our children. We work relentlessly to help our students develop the habits to make the dramatic student achievement gains required for college entrance. We believe the following elements will enable Think College Now students to reach their goals:
High Expectations for All
Principle: Students are expected to make significant gains in literacy and math each year and attain grade-level mastery in all subjects.
- We expect more from administration, staff, teachers, parents, and students in order to achieve different results and stronger student outcomes.
Start Early, College Focus
Principle: Elementary school students in higher-income neighborhoods know they are expected to go to college. Our students do, too. We deliberately begin “thinking college” in kindergarten.
- We develop early awareness of college through campus visits, college t-shirt days, a college-going family resource center, and the use of "college talk" in every classroom.
More Time, No Short-Cuts
Principle: There are no short-cuts to our goals and we pursue them relentlessly.
Teachers receive stipends to attend retreats, have a slightly longer day, and collaborate on curriculum planning, plus have opportunities to tutor students or run after-school programs. Students have access to free after-school programs (art, music, academics, leadership) and extra support during the school day.Family and community Involvement
Principle: We know that we cannot reach our goals alone.
- We partner with families and several outside organizations for support, resources, and funding. See our Community Partners and Supporters Lists for more information.
- Think College Now offers an on-site family-resource center to support families to gain access to workshops and community resources (counseling, legal services, etc). All TCN parents sign contracts that commit them to significant involvement in their child’s education and are expected to work daily at home with their children. Many parents volunteer as yard supervisors, tutors, OCO leaders, class reps, and multicultural event leaders.
Outstanding Staff
Principle: Dedicated, high-achieving staff members are the backbone of a school's success.
- We have an intense recruitment and selection process that helps us hire passionate, highly effective teachers and staff members.
THINK COLLEGE NOW ELEMENTARY - 2825 INTERNATIONAL BLVD - OAKLAND CA 94601 - (510) 879-1490
INFO@THINKCOLLEGENOW.ORG WEB SITE QUESTIONS: BENJ@THINKCOLLEGENOW.ORG
