Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/250321
FEATURE Youngsters like Renee Williams and Emily Hilarios perform hands-on experiments observed by college students, who work under the supervision of CSU professors. ration with CFA members and UC professors has infused the campus with new vitality and creativity and provided strategies for transitioning to the Common Core. The transformation coincided with the arrival of Principal Erin English. She came to Foothill Oak, which has mostly English learners, after years of working in a wealthier district. She saw wonderful teachers at her new school, but little in the way of resources to help them grow as professionals. So she decided to take advantage of "free" professional development by partnering with local colleges. At first staff were skeptical, but most have embraced the change. The school has several programs with universities: UC San Diego's environmental engineer program called Global Ties, where university students work with fourth-graders on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics); the CSU San Marcos DREAM Project, which pairs arts professors with teachers; a PE program run by a professor in the CSUSM kinesiology department; and a CSUSM program where future teachers mentor and tutor migrant students. The school had its highest number of "proficient" and "advanced" third-graders since 2004 due to college mentorships. "My kids are engaged," says McIlroy, whose students are part of the STEM program. "They are working with future scientists who are smart and amazing. I'm by no means an expert in science and engineering, so I'm learning right along with them." "I love having Cal State professors share the knowledge and research of what they know," says Shanahan. "Sometimes we get a little over"My kids are engaged," says Erin McIlroy, here with CSU students Vinay Venkatesh, whelmed and a fresh perspective is helpful." Ambuj Punn, Victoria Jann and Tu Lan. "They are working with future scientists who Having college students as role models helps are smart and amazing." children see higher education as something that's important and obtainable in their future, adds Guyse. to see what teachers are thinking about and how they From a college instructor's point of view, Foothill Oak is also a gold mine. are implementing the Common Core. It's important to "It grounds me in the reality of what's going on in schools, because other- understand what's happening today, as we train teachers wise we're a bit removed from it," says Goldberg. "It provides me a chance for the future." 28 Educator 02 Feb 2014 v2.1 int.indd 28 FE B RUARY 20 14 1/27/14 3:52 PM