No RAM Left Behind
Transcription
No RAM Left Behind
SILVER STATE ACADEMY Newsletter Created by the staff and students for the stakeholders of Silver State Academy R I T E O F PA S S A G E No RAM Left Behind “Improving the lives of youth” SSA Steps up, Students Succeed Fall 2007 WHAT’S INSIDE AYP met 4th year running . ... . 1 Assessments.com . . . . .. . . . . . . 2 Judge William Voy . . . . . . . . . 3 Probation officer Tojo Thomas . 3 Ram Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Education/Vocation Update . . .. 6 Meeting the academic performance levels under the No Child Left Behind act ensures that graduates of Silver State Academy leave with essential skills. R ite of Passage Charter High School, serving students at Silver State Academy and the western region, has met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) requirements for the fourth straight year in a row under California and federal education laws. This is a very significant accomplishment, especially because many schools across the nation with high percentages of “at risk” students often struggle to achieve this level of academic performance. It is also significant because the performance criteria become more difficult in succeeding years when a school makes AYP. California assigns an Academic Performance Index (API) to every school in the state. Four years ago, the API at Rite of Passage Charter High School was 325, but the API for the 2006-2007 school year was 634. This is another indicator of dramatic improvement in student achievement. Breaking Through... Student artists leave their mark. page 6 Four years ago the school began a comprehensive process to improve learning and become accredited. The school received full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges during the 2005-2006 school year. As a part of the accreditation process, the school closely examined student achievement data, academic standards, and its curriculum. The school’s curriculum was closely aligned to essential academic skills through a curriculum mapping process, and the teachers committed to teaching these essential skills in every setting. As a result, essential reading and math skills are taught not only in academic settings, but in vocational settings as well. The biggest limitation on student achievement appears to be the limited amount of time the school has to teach its students. We don’t have four years to help students master a full high school curriculum, but we can have positive effects on their ability to demonstrate essential skills. Now that the school’s curriculum is “mapped” the focus will shift to using more effective instructional strategies. The staff has studied research from leading educational experts and will focus on implementing specific strategies during the 2007-2008 school year. It will become increasingly difficult to make AYP in the future because the criteria will continue to rise, but the staff is committed to providing high quality instruction in essential skills regardless of the final outcome. Industry Bulletin Using Assessment to Do What Works Over the last few decades, researchers in the field of criminal justice have determined traits of correctional programs that have reduced recidivism. Labeled What Works, their research is based on meta-analysis, a statistical technique that integrates and analyzes the results of many studies, thereby increasing the validity and reliability of the information. Rite of Passage is applying the key principles of this research to improve its program and provide effective treatment for juvenile offenders. Treatment interventions that successfully reduce these criminogenic needs result in reduced recidivism. Therefore, an effective corrections program needs an assessment that accurately identifies criminogenic needs, matches offenders to interventions that address them, and intensifies services for higher end offenders. The PACT performs these functions well. Most importantly, it enables interventions to focus on dynamic factors, those circumstances or conditions in a youth’s life that can be potentially changed such as substance abuse, anti-social peer relations, and dysfunctional family relationships. Interventions are more successful when they address the factors that can be changed rather than the static factors that are part of a youth’s history (e.g., age of first offense, family structure, etc.). Research also indicates a significant correlation between lower recidivism rates and an increase in the number of criminogenic needs targeted (Genreau, et al., 2002). To enhance the implementation of the What Works research, Rite of Passage is utilizing a new risk/need assessment tool called the Positive Achievement Change Tool, or PACT. The PACT is a population-validated actuarial assessment, which is proven to be superior to subjective or clinical methods for predicting criminal behavior (Holsinger, Lurigio, and Latessa, 2001). Furthermore, the PACT has a variety of important functions that will help Rite of Passage address each principle of the What Works research. In addition to assessing criminogenic needs, the PACT is designed to identify protective factors, traits in a youth’s life that reduce the likelihood of a youth committing another crime. Pro-social relationships, a functional family environment, and a positive outlook towards the future are just a few of these protective factors. This PACT capability enables Rite of Passage to resume its longheld strength-based treatment approach, which is an intervention model that is receiving increased attention(Roberts & Corcoran, 2005). The Risk Principle According to the research, correctional treatment programs should target the offenders who pose the highest risk of reoffending. Latessa, the notable criminal justice researcher, refers to this principle as the who — as in “who is targeted by the program”(2007). By targeting offenders who are more likely to commit another crime, resources are spent on the youth who actually need them, not on those who might be better served in less restrictive environments. The Treatment Principle The treatment principle describes the ways in which a program should target risk and need factors in treatment, what Latessa refers to as the how(2007). Interventions should be “evidence-based” approaches that address behavior. Furthermore, these behavioral approaches should focus on present circumstances, be action-oriented, and should teach pro-social skills. According to the Washington State Institute for Pulic Policy, to be considered “evidence-based,” a program must “have scientific evidence from at least one rigorous evaluation that measures. . . outcomes, and that it be a A population-validated assessment, the PACT serves as a reliable prediction tool, enabling Rite of Passage admissions managers to ascertain a youth’s risk level and determine the placement that will best meet a youth’s needs. The goal is to match the risk level of the offender to the appropriate levels of treatment and to target the high-risk offenders. The Need Principle The need principle refers to focusing on criminogenic needs, those factors that are highly correlated with criminal conduct. R I T E O F PA S S A G E 2 S I LV E R S TAT E program capable of application or replication in the ‘real world.’” Again, the PACT serves as a useful tool for Rite of Passage in meeting this principle. After the full assessment is completed, the PACT provides treatment recommendations that are used to create an effective, individualized case plan for each youth, and these recommendations directly correlate to the evidence-based programs Rite of Passage currently uses — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Aggression Replacement Therapy (ART) and Thinking for a Change social skills education, and Active Parenting, a family skills program for parents and their children. A myriad of other issues, all of which Rite of Passage is committed to addressing, also contributes to program effectiveness. These include looking at responsivity factors such as lack of motivation, developmental delays, or other barriers that influence a youth’s participation; monitoring the offenders in care; providing training for a well-qualified, professional staff; and ensuring fidelity by evaluating the quality of the treatment program and delivering it as designed. Rite of Passage will use the What Works research to inform its practice. By utilizing the PACT assessment tool, the Rite of Passage program will meet many of the core principles of the research, which leads to one more very important finding: “the more factors a program adhered to the more effective it was in reducing recidivism”(Lowenkamp, et al., 2006). Works Cited Gendreau, P., French, S. & Taylor, A. (2002). What works (what doesn’t) revised 2002: The principles of effective correctional treatment. Unpublished manuscript, University of New Brunswick, St. John, New Brunswick, Canada. Holsinger, A., Lurigio, A., & Latessa, E. (2001). Practitioners’ guide to understanding the basis of assessing offender risk. Federal Probation, 65(1), 46-50. Latessa, E. (2007). From theory to practice: What works in reducing recidivism? Unpublished manuscript. Lowenkamp, C., Pealer, J., Smith, P., & Latessa, E. (2006). Adhering to the risk and need principles: Does it matter for supervision-based programs?. Federal Probation, 70(2), 3-8. Roberts, A., and Corcora, K. (2005). Adolescents growing up in stressful environments, dual diagnosis, and sources of success. Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention, 5(1), 1-8. A C A D E M Y Community Spotlight On Judge William Voy W ith Clark county Las Vegas over 1 million in population, District Judge William Voy is a busy man. Spotlight on Probation Officer Tojo Thomas Having served as a “JAG” officer in the Army he understands and lives the commitment of service. A graduate of Willamette River Law School in Salem Oregon he moved to Las Vegas in 1989 and was appointed to District court Family Court Division in 1998. He currently oversees Juvenile Delinquent cases in Clark County and is very involved with youth and families in Drug court, and looking for alternatives to detention through cochairing J.D.A.I (juvenile detention alternative initiatives). For over 2 years Judge Voy has been placing youth in the Silver State Academy, and has says, “Silver State Academy provides me a positive alternative for youth who are either hard to place or who have not had good success in other placements. The kids I send there do remarkably well and come home with a newfound motivation to stay in school, work and stay out of trouble. I think one of the keys to ROP’s success is building social responsibility through teamwork and praise.” Lessons Learned Student Athletes reach out to youth in the community A restorative justice approach to treatment is one that allows the students to give back to the community. Ten student athletes from Rite of Passage Silver State Academy had the opportunity to give back to the community during the 2006-2007 school year. The student athletes were given the opportunity to speak to Yerington Middle School about a variety of different topics. These topics included bullying, avoiding negative peers, their own life stories, and avoiding drugs. “This was a great program and the S/A’s did a good job of telling the students how to handle situations,” said Case Manager Nate Landa. “They were able to tell the students how the mistakes they made have R I T E cost them time with their family and an opportunity to do many things that teenagers are able to do.” Most of the speeches were to small 30 student classes but S/A Patrick H., S/A Lupe S., S/A Victor R., and S/A Donald W. were chosen to speak to all the boys in Yerington Middle School. “It was a great experience for the students,” said Case Management Coordinator Sande Kemp. “There were 200 students listening to what the S/A’s have been through and you could tell that it made an impact.” Throughout the year the students were asked a number of questions about their life. The one common theme all the students talked about was that you had to make good choices and when you do make a mistake learn from it before it’s too late. Of one student, Ms. Kemp commented, “Patrick H. did a great job of really showing the students what the consequences are for negative actions. He answered their questions and really brought it down to a level they could understand. This is a service we would like to continue to offer.” O F PA S S A G E 3 S I LV E R S TAT E Probation Officer Tojo Thomas (left) at a recent graduation. T ojo Thomas began his career as a Deputy Probation Officer with Alameda County in 2001. Shortly thereafter, having already completed his BS degree in criminal justice from Cal State Sacramento, Thomas received his master’s degree in counseling psychology from the JFK masters program. With his education and experience, Thomas hopes to one day serve in an administrative role for the probation department. In his spare time, Tojo Thomas enjoys sports, dancing, church, and spending time with family and friends. Rite Of Passage applauds Tojo Thomas for his commitment and passion for improving the lives of youth. Tojo supports probationers by attending graduations, setting goals, holding clients accountable and family reunification. When Tojo was asked what he likes about ROP he said, "I like how staff work with probationers and the positive changes they make". Showing Their Support San Bernardino County Probation officials Division I Tracy Reese, Southern California Admissions Manager Shawn Lenahan, Probation Officer Yvonne Vences, Probation Supervisor Laura Davis, and Director of California Admissions William Large at the recent Silver State Academy Graduation. A C A D E M Y Ram-Page Rite of Passage hosted its annual Run, Ride, Swim, Survive event August 3, 2007 in Minden, NV. The event brings student athletes from every site together for a mega-triathlon of sorts with a run up the back and down the front of Jobs Peak, a 14-mile bike ride, swimming events, ultimate Frisbee, a three-mile cadence run, the 5/20 calisthenics competition, and "wacky" team relays. Volunteers cheer on their favorite teams during the swimming competition (left). Silver State Academy was a crowd favorite during the 5/20 competition (below). Medals depicted a new logo for the event (right) and were designed by recent graduate Student Athlete Brian G. aveled letes tr th a t n s tude e Jame vada, s ting Ne ompete for th n e s e r c p ams re rnia to to the te na, and Califo n io it d o In ad , Ariz olorado from C trophy. ry McKen The Q-House team poses after receiving their medals (above), and the team from Silver State shows off the award for their second-place finish (right). R I T E O F PA S S A G E 4 S I LV E R S TAT E A C A D E M Y SA to ed to S te n r tu e r tly dua z recen t to gra rnande n house. Se lans on giving e H to r p ope Albe Alberto her. He met Alumni a community Chico, ac te te t ta a a S ed by k g a l. spe ll inspir m Ca comin a o e b fr e r r y e b te w this win is community b who h ams clu back to bers of the R em with m ss. ce c his su Admissions Manager Shawn Lenahan (above) congratulates a student athlete on an award-winning performance. Silver State’s culinary program catered the Run, Ride, Swim, Survive event providing both lunch and dinner. Culinary students (far left) tend to the grill while participants (left) enjoy their hard work after a long day. Hats off to their successStudents celebrate at the July graduation ceremony. Las V Las V egas PO Jo egas grad di Wardl uate e Dare igh with n B. R I T E O F PA S S A G E 5 S I LV E R S TAT E A C A D E M Y Vocational and Education Update Exploring Geometry Students use engaging learning activities to understand math concepts concepts in order understand them. Teachers often find it very challenging to help students to understand and apply difficult concepts, especially in mathematics. Students often need to see concrete examples of the to complete the task successfully. This required some complex, higher level thinking skills, and the students rose to the challenge. fully To that end, Mrs. Shari Tibbals, the Title I support teacher at Silver State Academy recently implemented a lesson that helped her students understand complex geometric shapes. The lesson also required the students to follow complex, detailed instructions. The assignment directed students to create three dimensional objects from a single sheet of paper. Every student had to complete the project independently by following verbal and written directions. Mrs. Tibbals was quite pleased with her students’ ability to Sometimes people erroneously assume “at risk” students are only capable of basic academic activities. But given an engaging, difficult challenge, the students successfully completed it with great enthusiasm. Never underestimate our students’ capabilities, we just need to find the right way to motivate and challenge them. Exploring Art Artist in Residence program at Silver State Academy produces improvements to Rams' Lounge The Rams’ Lounge at Silver State Academy has some new improvements courtesy of the students who participated in a recent “Artist in Residence” program. The students painted two large scale three dimensional murals to decorate the walls of the Rams’ Lounge. The project was funded by a special grant from the California Department of Education, which allowed the school to a hire Emily Silver, an accomplished professional artist, to work with our students. Mrs. Silver has worked with students at all levels, from elementary age to adult, and when she arrived at Silver State Academy, proposed a variety of art projects the students could create. The mural project was selected because the students would learn a variety of skills, would have to work together, and world produce a long lasting final product. R I T E modified them based on staff input. Mrs. Silver pointed out that this process helped the students understand how artists need to understand the needs of their clients, not just design projects that meet their own tastes. The project allowed the students to develop and demonstrate their artistic abilities, as well as learn organizational and teamwork skills. The project was completed on time, and the reaction from everyone who has seen the murals has been positive. The students initially explored a variety of themes and created a series of prototype designs. They formally presented their designs to the staff and O F PA S S A G E 6 S I LV E R S TAT E This type of project definitely added a new dimension to the students’ experience at ROP, and many have chosen to continue their art training when they return home. They also learned how a person can make a career in commercial art and related fields. A C A D E M Y Spotlight Profile Peter Woods Qualifying House Manager Rite of Passage would like to welcome Mr. Peter Woods, the new Qualifying House Manager. Mr. Woods brings with him several years of experience; although he is not new to ROP. From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Woods was a coach at RTC before transferring to the Qualifying House where he organized the Cross Country Team. During this time, he also served ROP as an EMT/Medic. A little known fact about Mr. Woods is that he qualified for the Olympic Trial in 1992 and represented England for sveral years for Cross Country. Mr. Woods is excited to be working again with ROP and is enthusiastic about the future of the Q-Houses. In addition to the newly renewed relationship with the Eagle Valley Children’s Home to provide community service, many projects are on the horizon for the Qualifying Houses. New leadership and new opportunities will result in what Peter Woods hopes is a program whose “reputation speaks for itself.” Employees of the Month MAY Keith Lawson - Group Leader Keith Lawson has been with ROP since June, 2005. Originally from California, Keith attended Southern Oregon University where he received his BS in Video Production and Mathematics. In addition to substitute teaching and coaching football at ROP, Keith plays semi-pro football for the Rouge Valley Warriors. GL Lawson recently returned to ROP after attending the Marine Corps Officer candidate school and will be ordered to Basic School in 2008. JUNE Paul Huston - Group Leader Paul Huston began his career with Rite of Passage as a coach counselor in March, 1998. Paul is originally from Utah and attended Bonniville High School in Ogden, UT. In his spare time, Paul enjoys sports. GL Huston served with the Military Police in the U.S. Navy from 1989 to 1997 and was stationed in Fallon, NV. JULY Jarred Deutsch - Coach Counselor Jarred Deutsch was hired in May, 2007. He has made many friends since joining ROP and enjoys working with the students. Jarred is from Susanville, CA and has an AA in Liberal Arts from Lassen Community College. He enjoys all sports, but especially likes coaching baseball and has plenty of experience. He was the assistant coach for the baseball team at his alma mater for 5 years and also coached the summer American Legion team. In his spare time Jarred spends time with his family and with his girlfriend and her 6 year old son, Caleb. AUGUST Mark Urban - Coach Counselor Mark Urban was hired in May, 2007. He has lived in Nevada for the last12 years, but is originally from Texas. Coach Urban graduated from Alamo heights High School and like ROP his school won their first state championship this year. Mr. Urban retired from Navy after 20 years. He was on 5 different ships, two shore duties and did numerous deployments to the South Pacific. He was at RTC for a summer and prepared 7,000 meals per day to the troops. In his spare time, he enjoys watching the San Antonio Spurs and the Oakland Raiders. R I T E O F PA S S A G E 7 S I LV E R S TAT E A C A D E M Y Rite of Passage 100 Rosaschi Road Yerington, Nevada 89447 Phone (775) 463-5111 Fax (775) 463-2379 www.riteofpassage.com www.silverstateacademy.com Equal Opportunity Employer Printed on Recycled Paper Fall Season Schedule Football 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/12 10/19 10/25 11/3 11/10 11/17 Cross Country Football vs. Pershing County 11 AM and 1:30 PM Football @ Silver Stage High School Football vs. Mineral County 1 PM Football @ Battle Mountain 5 and 7:30 PM Football vs. Independence 1:30 PM Football @ Yerington 5 & 7:30 PM Football playoffs Football playoffs State Football Championships 9/14 9/15 9/19 9/26 10/3 10/12 10/19 Cross Country @ North Tahoe Invitational Cross Country @ North Tahoe Invitational Cross Country @ Yerington High 3 PM Cross Country @ Sparks High School 3 PM Cross Country @ Truckee Invitational 3 PM Cross Country @ Lowry Invitational Cross Country hosting R.O.P. Invitational Be sure to visit our website for more details and/or updates. www.silverstateacademy.com R I T E O F PA S S A G E 8 S I LV E R S TAT E A C A D E M Y
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