ultimately stunts achievement.
HOPE understands the link between stability and achievement. We know that students who stay with us for more than one year make strides in their academics. In 2011, students who were enrolled for one year or more in HOPE increased their CSAP scores in reading (+6.5 percentage points), writing (+3.2 percentage points) and math (+6.5 percentage points). Furthermore, on this year’s TCAP, 33% of 3rd grade students in their first year at HOPE scored unsatisfactory in reading, while only 17% of their peers who have attended HOPE for more than one year did the same.
As we have for seven years, we will continue to engage community in the classroom and in the battle against student mobility. We know that many of our families, due to economic hardship, must move frequently. But with HOPE Learning Centers located in many neighborhoods, a student can transfer from one Learning Center to another but remain within HOPE and still progress. Together, we are making inroads. All of us – educators, community members, parents and students – must continue reducing the impact of switching schools.
If students in our community must move, let’s make sure they continue moving toward achievement.
Heather O’Mara serves as CEO, and Ruth Márquez West serves as Communications and Public Relations Coordinator for Hope Online Learning Academy Co-Op.