www.uplifteducation.org
Our
Mission
At Uplift Education, scholar achievement is at the heart of everything we do.
Uplift’s mission is to create and sustain public schools of excellence that
empower each scholar to reach his or her highest potential in college
and the global marketplace and that inspire in scholars a life-long love of
learning, achievement, and service in order to positively change their world.
Each Uplift school provides free, college preparatory education in a
community that has limited high-quality public education options.
In some ways, we look and function like a traditional school district. We are a
public school system. We are state-funded and monitored by the TEA. We follow
state curriculum standards, and our scholars are required to take state tests
like the STAAR and end-of-course exams. Like a traditional district, we are free
and typically enroll from a defined area. Also, just like traditional public school
teachers, Uplift teachers must meet the same highly qualified requirements,
and we provide extensive professional development opportunities to help them
improve their instruction.
In other ways, Uplift is different. We have a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) instead
of a superintendent. Our Board of Directors is appointed rather than elected.
Our charter allows us to limit the size of our schools. Our teachers do not sign
contracts, giving us the ability to adjust their assignments to maximize the
benefit to scholars. We start K-12 schools on a single campus wherever possible.
This is unique to charter schools. Very few traditional ISD’s can provide this
option. Since we are smaller, we have the ability to innovate across our network.
When a school comes up with a great idea, it’s easy for us to try it at other
schools too. Also, because we are smaller, we can get to know our scholars
personally and set academic goals that will best prepare them for college.
The things that make us different lead to a better academic experience for our
scholars. Some differences do make us work harder. We do not receive financial
support from the state to buy land or build buildings. We have to find community
support and sell bonds in order to purchase our property, build new classroom
space, and add gymnasiums and soccer fields. Unlike traditional districts, we also
cannot levy taxes on our local community. So in addition to the state money we
receive, we have to fundraise aggressively.
In summary, Uplift Education is a network of charter schools that:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
is publicly funded;
is free of charge;
admits scholars through a blind lottery;
employs faculty and staff on an at-will basis;
has an appointed board;
is non-profit;
answers directly to the TEA; and
is focused on college readiness.
Family Guide to Uplift Education
What kind of school network is Uplift Education?
Uplift Education is a network of public charter schools. A charter school is
authorized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and reports directly to the TEA
on all academic progress scholars make.
GENERAL INFORMATION
What kind of school network is Uplift Education?
3
GENERAL INFORMATION
Message from our CEO
Message from our CEO
I would like to thank you for making the choice to send your child to an Uplift
Education school. From the very first days in kindergarten, to the moment our
seniors announce their college plans at College Signing Day, we are focused on
helping our scholars reach their highest academic potential and get accepted to
a four-year university. We take seriously the role we play in all of our scholars’
lives as their educators, and we are dedicated to their success and walking in
partnership with you.
Success comes through four main ways: working together, developing innovative
and impactful teaching practices, putting our scholars first, and setting high
expectations for ourselves and for our scholars.
Many of the strategies and programs we put in place that help us excel in these
four areas are detailed in this Family Guide to Uplift Education. It covers the
Academic Partnership that includes you, your scholar, your scholar’s teachers,
and your school’s leaders. It talks about our Road to College program and other
ways we help your scholar become ready for college. We also want you to know
how our new online re-enrollment process works, as well as become familiar with
some of our scholar support services.
I encourage you to read through this Family Guide and keep it as a resource
throughout the school year.
We are excited about this new school year and look forward to helping your
scholar grow academically and prepare for college in a safe and supportive Uplift
Education school.
Sincerely,
Yasmin Bhatia
CEO, Uplift Education
4
Family Guide to Uplift Education
Contents
Our Mission ...................................................................................................................................2
What kind of school network is Uplift Education? .................................................................3
Message from our CEO .............................................................................................................. 4
The Uplift Scholars’ Pledge .......................................................................................................5
Admissions and Enrollment ...................................................................................................... 6
School Calendar 2013-14 ............................................................................................................7
Our History ...................................................................................................................................8
Our Schools ................................................................................................................................10
Campus Map ................................................................................................................................11
Uplift Hampton Preparatory .................................................................................................... 12
Uplift Heights Preparatory ....................................................................................................... 12
Uplift Infinity Preparatory ........................................................................................................ 13
Uplift Luna Preparatory ............................................................................................................ 13
Uplift Meridian Preparatory ..................................................................................................... 14
Uplift Mighty Preparatory ........................................................................................................ 14
Uplift North Hills Preparatory .................................................................................................. 15
Uplift Peak Preparatory ............................................................................................................ 15
Uplift Pinnacle Preparatory...................................................................................................... 16
Uplift Summit International Preparatory ............................................................................... 16
Uplift Triumph Preparatory ...................................................................................................... 17
Uplift Williams Preparatory ..................................................................................................... 17
Uplift Board of Directors .......................................................................................................... 18
Academic Partnership ............................................................................................................. 20
The Home Connection .............................................................................................................. 21
Our Philosophy (why we do what we do)............................................................................. 22
PowerSchool ............................................................................................................................. 24
Parent/Teacher Conferences .................................................................................................. 25
Advocating for your Child ....................................................................................................... 26
Parent University ...................................................................................................................... 27
How to Get Involved at the School Level ............................................................................. 28
How to get involved at the Network Level ........................................................................... 29
Measuring School Performance ............................................................................................. 30
College Readiness ..................................................................................................................... 31
International Baccalaureate .................................................................................................... 32
Assessments .............................................................................................................................. 34
Road to College ........................................................................................................................ 35
GENERAL INFORMATION
Contents
The Uplift Scholars’ Pledge
I pledge to do my best this day.
To honor myself and others
In everything I do.
To accept responsibility for my own learning and
to encourage others, as I embrace my own opportunities to grow.
To exercise leadership
and prepare myself for college at every opportunity!
For me, mediocrity is not an option;
Only excellence will do.
Who I am has value.
What I think has value.
Who I will become is invaluable to the world.
Family Guide to Uplift Education
5
GENERAL INFORMATION
Admissions and Enrollment
Admissions and Enrollment
There are no academic admission requirements to be met in order to attend
an Uplift school; however, the prospective scholar must live within the school’s
geographic boundaries. All Uplift schools conduct a name-blind lottery to
fill open spaces at each campus. All prospective scholars must submit an
application by the application deadline in order to be eligible for the lottery
for the upcoming school year. Application deadlines and school-specific
geographic boundaries can be found on our websites. Uplift schools do not
discriminate in admissions on the basis of gender, gender identity, national
origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, academic ability, artistic
ability or athletic ability.
Once a scholar is admitted to an Uplift school, he or she is not required to
participate in the lottery or admission process to return to the same school the
following year. The scholar will be asked, however, to indicate his or her intent
to return to the school by completing the re-enrollment process which occurs
every spring. Every scholar returning to an Uplift school must complete his or
her online enrollment.
Transfer Policy
Uplift Education allows transfers among schools under the same charter (the
Uplift network currently consists of five charters) and only to the extent there
are anticipated openings for the upcoming year or during the current year.
Transfer requests for the upcoming school year must be filed no later than
January 5, 2014.
Preference will be given to those scholars who currently attend a school that
does not have a grade the scholar may attend the following year (e.g., 5th
grades scholars in a K-5 school).
Decisions on transfers for the upcoming school year will be made by the
Managing Directors prior to el 1 de febrero 2014. If there are more requests than
available spaces in a respective grade, a drawing may be held to determine
which transfers will be approved, and the remainder will be placed on a wait list.
If you have questions about the transfer process, please contact your School
Director or the Admissions Counselor at your school.
6
Family Guide to Uplift Education
S
M
1
7 8
14 15
21 22
28 29
T
2
9
16
23
30
August, 2013
W
3
10
17
24
31
T
4
11
18
25
F
5
12
19
26
S
6
13
20
27
T
3
10
17
24
31
F
4
11
18
25
S
5
12
19
26
W
1
8
15
22
29
T
2
9
16
23
30
F
3
10
17
24
31
S
4
11
18
25
W
2
9
16
23
30
T
3
10
17
24
F
4
11
18
25
S
5
12
19
26
October, 2013
S
M
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
T
1
8
15
22
29
W
2
9
16
23
30
M
T
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
M
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
T
1
8
15
22
29
T
W
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
September, 2013
T
1
8
15
22
29
F
2
9
16
23
30
S
3
10
17
24
31
S
2
9
16
23
30
S
1
8
15
22
M
T
W
T
3
10
17
24
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
F
1
8
15
22
29
M
2
9
16
23
30
T
3
10
17
24
W
4
11
18
25
T
5
12
19
26
F
6
13
20
27
S
7
14
21
28
S
1
8
15
22
29
M
2
9
16
23
30
T
3
10
17
24
31
W
4
11
18
25
T
5
12
19
26
F
6
13
20
27
S
7
14
21
28
March, 2014
S
M
T
W
T
F
2
9
16
23
3
10
17
24
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
T
1
8
15
22
29
F
2
9
16
23
30
May, 2014
S
M
T
W
T
F
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
24
31
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
S
1
8
15
22
29
W
4
11
18
25
T
5
12
19
26
F
6
13
20
27
S
7
14
21
28
June, 2014
S
M
T
W
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
S
3
10
17
24
31
School Begins and Ends
School Begins August 6, 2013
School Ends May 23, 2014
Summer School Begins June 2, 2014
Summer School Ends June 27, 2014
Holidays - No School For Scholars
S
1
8
15
22
29
December, 2013
S
February, 2014
April, 2014
S
M
November, 2013
January, 2014
S
S
School Calendar 2013-14
July, 2013
GENERAL INFORMATION
School Calendar 2013-14
September 2 - Labor Day
October 14 - Columbus Day
November 25-29 - Fall Break
December 20-January 3 - Winter Break
January 20 - Martin Luther King Day
February 17 - Presidents’ Day
March 10-14 - Spring Break
April 18 - Good Friday (inclement weather make-up day)
S
1
8
15
22
29
M
2
9
16
23
30
T
3
10
17
24
1st Quarter:
Begins August 6
Ends October 11
2nd Quarter:
Begins October 16
Ends December 19
3rd Quarter:
Begins January 7
Ends March 6
4th Quarter:
Begins March 17
Ends May 23
Teacher Professional Development - No School for Scholars
July 23 - August 5
October 15
December 20
January 6
March 7
May 27-28
Half Days
Dismissal times vary from 12:00 to 1:00, depending on campus.
October 11
October 23 (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
Note: Every Wednesday is an
December 16-19 (exams)
early dismissal day for scholars.
March 6
Dismissal times vary by campus.
March 26 (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
May 20-22 (exams)
Family Guide to Uplift Education
7
Our History
Uplift Education’s purpose of providing a high-quality education to all scholars across North Texas is a desire
shared by all parents, but for years remained unrealized across the region. Lacking educational options,
families had to live with low performing public schools or pay the high cost of private education. Many made
the most of it, but many more began looking for other ways to provide the excellent education all children
deserve.
The idea of publicly funded charter schools operated as an alternative to traditional public school districts
took shape in 1991 when Minnesota approved the first charter school laws. Four years later, Texas decided to
do the same. Responding to the opportunity to provide children with a better option, a tenacious group of
Irving citizens applied for and received one of the first charters from the Texas Education Agency in 1996.
They received no funds or facilities at that time, but thanks to the contributions of generous donors, the
group opened Uplift North Hills Preparatory School in Irving in 1997. During the next four years, Uplift North
Hills Prep moved four times until it became the first charter to receive an investment grade rating and sold
$6 million in bonds. This sale helped finance the purchase of its current property on Royal Lane in Irving.
As it became apparent that its college preparatory program was working, school leaders were approached
by the Communities Foundation of Texas in 2004 and were asked to start an urban school.
In 2005, Uplift Peak Preparatory was launched, marking the beginning of the Uplift network and the
realization that what began at Uplift North Hills could be scaled. From that small beginning in 1996, Uplift
Education has since grown to 28 schools and educates nearly 10,000 scholars, with plans to enroll more than
13,000 by 2015.
Texas approves
formation of
charter schools
Minnesota
passes first
charter school
legislation in
the country
Uplift North
Hills
Preparatory
opens in Irving
TEA grants
charter to
Uplift North
Hills
Uplift North
Hills High
School
authorized as
IB school
Uplift’s first
graduating
class
Uplift Peak
Preparatory
opens in east
Dallas
Communities
Foundation of
Texas asks
North Hills to
open inner city
school
Uplift Charter
Management
Organization
formed
Uplift Summit
International
Preparatory opens
in Arlington
Uplift North
Hills Primary
authorized as
IB school
Uplift Hampton
Preparatory
opens in
southwest Dallas
Creation of the
Road To
College
program
Uplift Williams
Preparatory
opens in Dallas
Uplift North Hills
Middle School
authorized as IB
school
Uplift Heights
Preparatory
opens in west
Dallas
Uplift
Education
awarded
Teacher
Incentive
Fund (TIF)
grant
Re
iShin
s
plift
cation
arded
acher
entive
d (TIF)
rant
Uplift Scholar Demographics
1%
7%
13%
60%
19%
Hispanic
Black
Asian
White
Other
Dedicated teachers:
500+
Release of
iShine intranet
system
Uplift Laureate
Preparatory opens in
downtown Dallas
(renamed in 2013 to Uplift
Luna Preparatory)
College Signing
Day inaugural
event
Uplift Pinnacle
Preparatory
opens in
Oak Cliff
Uplift Infinity
Preparatory
opens in south
Irving
Uplift Williams &
Uplift Peak
Middle Schools
authorized as
IB schools
Uplift Mighty
Preparatory
opens in Fort
Worth
Uplift Meridian
Preparatory
opens in Fort
Worth
Parent
University
program
launched
Uplift Luna
Preparatory
Secondary
opens in Deep
Ellum
Uplift Triumph
Preparatory
opens in Dallas
Uplift Summit
Middle School
authorized as
IB school
Uplift Williams
Primary School
authorized as
IB school
Our
Schools
In just 16 short years, Uplift has grown from one campus in Irving, Texas
with 300 scholars to nearly 10,000 scholars on 13 campuses across North
Texas. Our network includes 28 primary, middle and high schools, a central
management office, and more than 500 skilled teachers.
As we continue to grow, we will keep our focus on under-served areas, and
strive to provide quality options for public education.
Campus Map
635
8
114
12
183
35W
3
360
FT. WORTH
13
2
14
ARLINGTON
30
4
5
DALLAS
11
6
9
35E
OUR SCHOOLS
Campus Map
820
10
7
67
20
35E
1
13 campuses, 28 schools, 1 Central Management Office
1
2
6
6
10
11
3
Primary
7
12
4
Secondary
Primary
5
8
9
13
14
Secondary
Central
Management
Office
Family Guide to Uplift Education
11
OUR SCHOOLS
Uplift Hampton & Uplift Heights Prep
Uplift Hampton Preparatory
8915 S. Hampton Road
Dallas, Texas 75232
972.421.1982
www.uplifthampton.org
Basic Info
Year opened: 2007-08
Grades served: K-4, 6-12 (planned K-12)
Number of scholars: 1,011
First graduating class: 2010-11
Number of Graduates for 2013: 39
Leadership Team
Managing Director- Jenai Emmel
Primary Director- Roxanne Ashley
Middle School Director- Sharon Duplantier
High School and Lead Director- Erin Barksdale
Operations Manager- Pairsh Wiggins
Highlights
•
•
•
•
Class of 2013 received $5.8 million in scholarships and grants
School made possible in part by a private philanthropic grant from The Harold Simmons Foundation
Currently an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program candidate school
Received United Way’s I Rock Math Grant, providing Middle School math teachers tablet computers for
personalized learning of core concepts and time for hand-on applied projects
Uplift Heights Preparatory
2650 Canada Dr.
Dallas, Texas 75212
214.442.7094
www.upliftheights.org
Basic Info
Year opened: 2010-11
Grades served: K-2, 6-9 (planned K-12)
Number of scholars: 722
Leadership Team
Managing Director- Jenai Emmel
Primary Director- Kristin Algier
Secondary Director- Cody Yocom
Operations Director- Myrtha Dubois
Highlights
•
•
•
12
Part of the “West Dallas School Zone,” a community-based effort to ensure that children stay on track
through college
Made possible through generous lease terms offered by Dallas Housing Authority and the generous
donations of The Rees-Jones Foundation, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Rowling Foundation, The
Dallas Foundation and TREC
New Uplift Heights Secondary School building opened in the fall of 2013
Family Guide to Uplift Education
Basic Info
Year opened: 2011-12
Grades served: K-3, 6-8 (planned K-12)
Number of scholars: 673
Leadership Team
Managing Director- Priscilla Parhms
Primary Director- Brian Hills
Middle School Director- Vachon Brackett
Operations Manager- Layne Fisher
Highlights
•
•
•
•
Opened in South Irving near the south campus of Northlake College
Uplift Education’s second campus in the Irving community
In 2012-2013, all primary grades scored above network and national averages in reading on the MAP test.
6th and 7th graders scored above network and national averages in math, reading, language usage, and
science on the MAP test.
Uplift Infinity & Uplift Luna Prep
1401 S. MacArthur
Irving, Texas 75060
469.621.9200
www.upliftinfinity.org
OUR SCHOOLS
Uplift Infinity Preparatory
Uplift Luna Preparatory
Primary
2020 N. Lamar
Dallas, Texas 75202
214.442.7882
www.upliftluna.org
Secondary
2625 Elm Street
Dallas, Texas 75226
214.445.3300
Basic Info
Year opened: 2010-11
expanded to secondary school in 2012
Grades served: K-10 (planned K-12)
Number of scholars: 804
Leadership Team
Managing Director- Jenai Emmel
Primary Director- Karen Aikman
Middle School Director- Kristina Nitahara
High School Director- Candice Dagnino
Operations Manager- Thalia Shaw
Highlights
•
•
•
A partner with the Perot Museum of Nature & Science, providing scholars with hands-on, in-museum lab
experiences
Uplift Luna Primary School located in the historic West End of Dallas and Secondary School located in the
Deep Ellum area
Made possible through the generous donations of The Rees-Jones Foundation, Michael & Susan Dell
Foundation, TI Foundation, The M. R. & Evelyn Hudson Foundation, The Perot Foundation, and the
Matejek Family Foundation
Family Guide to Uplift Education
13
OUR SCHOOLS
Uplift Meridian & Uplift Mighty Prep
Uplift Meridian Preparatory
1801 S. Beach Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76105
817.288.1700
www.upliftmeridian.org
Basic Info
Year opened: 2012-13
Grades served: K-2 (planned K-5 with option
to attend Uplift Mighty Preparatory in 6th grade)
Number of scholars: 240
Leadership Team
Managing Director- Priscilla Parhms
Primary Director- Ginger Cole-Leffel
Operations Director- Jung Cho
Highlights
•
•
•
One of two Uplift campuses in southeast Fort Worth
Opened in 2012 to mark the beginning of Uplift Education’s expansion into the Fort Worth area
Supported by Sid W. Richardson Foundation, Amon G. Carter Foundation, Rainwater Charitable
Foundation, The Morris Foundation, and the Mary Potishman Lard Trust
Uplift Mighty Preparatory
Primary
3700 Mighty Mite Drive
Ft. Worth, Texas 76119
817.288.3800
www.upliftmighty.org
Secondary
1801 S. Beach Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76105
817.288.1700
Basic Info
Year opened: 2012-13
Grades served: K-3, 6-8 (planned K-12)
Number of scholars: 566
Leadership Team
Managing Director- Priscilla Parhms
Primary Director- Megan Vroman
Middle School Director- Aleia Mims
Operations Manager- Andre Briggs
Highlights
•
•
•
•
14
One of two new Uplift Education schools in southeast Fort Worth -marking the expansion of Uplift into the
city of Fort Worth
Located in the historic Forth Worth Masonic Home - this depression-era orphanage is famous for
overcoming the odds and fostering the state-champion “Mighty Mites” football team
Selected by the George W. Bush Institute to participate in the Middle School Matters Institute
Supported by Sid W. Richardson Foundation, Amon G. Carter Foundation, Rainwater Charitable
Foundation, The Morris Foundation, and the Mary Potishman Lard Trust
Family Guide to Uplift Education
Basic Info
Year opened: 1997-98
Grades served: K-12
Number of scholars: 1,527
First graduating class: 2001-2002
Leadership Team
Managing Director- Yasmin Bhatia
Associate Managing Director - Richard Young
Primary Director- Becky Christiensen
Middle School Director- George Rutzen
High School Director- Tracy Odom
Operations Director- Ray Chavez
Highlights
•
•
•
•
Class of 2013 received more than $10.3 million in scholarships and grants
Ranked as #41 top public school in the nation by Newsweek; #22 of Top 25 High Schools in the South by
Newsweek ; #8 in state and #51 in nation by U.S. News & World Report
Gold medal winner for Best High Schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
InternationalBaccalaureate(IB®)certifiedforPrimaryYearsProgramme,MiddleYearsProgrammeand
Diploma Programme
Uplift North Hills & Uplift Peak Prep
606 E. Royal Lane
Irving Texas 75039
972.501.0645
www.upliftnorthhills.org
OUR SCHOOLS
Uplift North Hills Preparatory
Uplift Peak Preparatory
4600 Bryan Street
Dallas Texas 75204
214.276.0879
www.upliftpeak.org
Basic Info
Year opened: 2005-06
Grades served: K-12
Number of scholars: 1,292
First graduating class: 2009-100
Number of Graduates for 2013: 70
Leadership Team
Managing Director- Priscilla Parhms
Primary and Lead Director- Chris Garcia
Middle School Director- Emily Nolen
High School Director- Remy Washington
Operations Director- Carlos DeLaGarza
Highlights
•
•
•
•
•
Class of 2013 received more than $18.3 million in scholarships and grants
Ranked #5 of Top 25 Transformative High Schools in Country by Newsweek; Primary and Middle School
received Children at Risk’s A rating in North Texas school rankings
Bronze medal winner for Best High Schools in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report
Senior from graduating class of 2013 recognized as Dell Scholar
International Baccalaureate (IB®) accredited for the Middle Years Programme
Family Guide to Uplift Education
15
OUR SCHOOLS
Uplift Pinnacle & Uplift Summit Prep
Uplift Pinnacle Preparatory
2510 South Vernon Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75224
214.442.6100
www.upliftpinnacle.org
Basic Info
Year opened: 2011-12
Grades served: K-3 (planned K-5 with option to attend Uplift Luna Preparatory
Secondary in 6th grade)
Number of scholars: 374
Leadership Team
Managing Director- Rich Harrison
Associate Managing Director- Karen Salerno
Highlights
•
•
•
•
Supported through the generosity of The Harold Simmons Foundation and The Rees-Jones Foundation
Partnership with the YMCA, through which scholars can participate in a variety of sports activities
Extra-curricular groups led by instructional staff include debate team, gardening club, readers’ theatre,
violin club, cheerleading, and choir
In 2012-2103, 80% of scholars achieved 1.5 years or more of academic growth as measured by BAS and/
or MAP.
Uplift Summit International
Preparatory
1305 North Center Street
Arlington, Texas 76011
817.287.5121
www.upliftsummit.org
Basic Info
Year opened: 2007-08
Grades served: K-12
Number of scholars: 1,183
First graduating class: 2010-11
Number of Graduates for 2013: 26
Leadership Team
Managing Director- Priscilla Parhms
Primary Director- Lindyn Kish
Middle School Director- Anson Jackson
High School and Lead Director- Karen Evans
Operations Director- Alan Tolleson
Highlights
•
•
•
•
•
•
16
Class of 2013 received $14.2 million in scholarships and grants
Ranked #51 of America’s Best High Schools by Newsweek; #25 of Top 25 High Schools in South by
Newsweek; #14 of Top 25 Transformative High Schools in country by Newsweek
Bronze medal winner for Best High Schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
International Baccalaureate (IB®) accredited for the Middle Years Programme
2 seniors from the graduating class of 2013 recognized as Dell Scholars
In 2012-2103, 80% of scholars achieved 1.5 years or more of academic growth as measured by BAS and/
or MAP.
Family Guide to Uplift Education
Basic Info
Year opened: 2013-14
Grades served: K-2 (planned K-5 with option to attend Uplift Williams Preparatory in
6th grade)
Number of scholars: 288
Leadership Team
Managing Director- Rich Harrison
Associate Managing Director- Karen Salerno
Primary Director- Christine Denison
Operations Manager- Brent Schoening
Highlights
•
•
•
•
Community garden on school campus providing scholars with hands on experiences learning about
ecosystems, plant life cycles, and healthy food choices
Blended learning through computer-based math program that allows scholars to explore and master math
concepts tailored to their particular academic needs
Small group instruction during reading block focused on growing scholars reading levels 1.5 to 2 years
Accelerated program for scholars who have already mastered grade level objectives
Uplift Williams Preparatory
1750 Viceroy Drive
Dallas, Texas 75235
214.276.0352
www.upliftwilliams.org
Uplift Triumph & Uplift Williams Prep
9411 Hargrove
Dallas Texas 75220
972.590.5100
www.uplifttriumph.org
OUR SCHOOLS
Uplift Triumph Preparatory
Basic Info
Year opened: 2007-08
Grades served: K-12
Number of scholars: 1,365
First graduating class: 2010-11
Number of Graduates for 2013: 46
Leadership Team
Managing Director- Yasmin Bhatia
Associate Managing Director - Richard Young
Primary Director- Wendy DeSpain
Middle School Director- Denise De La Rosa
High School Director- Edgar Rodriguez
Operations Director- Monique Robinson
Highlights
•
•
•
•
•
Class of 2013 received $9 million in scholarships and grants
Ranked #3 of Top 25 Transformative High Schools in Country by Newsweek; #48 in state by U.S. News &
World Report; Gold medal winner for Best High Schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
SelectedandfinanciallysupportedasaScience,Technology,Engineering,andMath(STEM)school
InternationalBaccalaureate(IB®)certifiedforPrimaryandMiddleYearsProgramme
3 seniors from the graduating class of 2013 recognized as Dell Scholars
Family Guide to Uplift Education
17
OUR SCHOOLS
Uplift Board of Directors
Uplift Board of Directors
Kevin Bryant
Ossa Fisher
Chairman of the Board
Chief Counsel, Crow Holdings
Southwest Dallas Advisory Board Chair
Senior Vice President, Strategy &
Analytics, Match.com
Tony Dona
Vice Chairman of Uplift Board
Partner, Thackeray Partners
Richard R. Frapart
George P. Bush
Michael Giles
CFO, Mount Kellett Capital Mgmt.
Fort Worth Advisory Board Chair
St. Augustine Partners, LLC
W. Carey Carter
Arlington Advisory Board Chair
President, Right Management
Carrie L. Kirby
Partner, Deloitte & Touche
Vice President, Human Resources,
TXU Energy
Angie Dickson
West Dallas Advisory Board Chair
Valencia
Melissa McNeil
Angela Farley
Gilbert Prado
Irving Advisory Board Chair
Dallas Regional Chamber of
Commerce
Randall Ray
East Dallas Advisory Board Chair
Partner, Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP
Srikanth Srinivas
Innovation Catalyst and Author
Josh Terry
Partner, Highland Capital Management
Mary Ellen Weber, Ph.D.
Consultant, Stellar Assoc.
Donell Wiggins
Community Volunteer
Marnie Wildenthal
Community Volunteer
Community Volunteer
Dallas Independent School District
Uplift Board Meeting Dates
September 24, 2013
October 29, 2013
December 10, 2013
January 28, 2014
February 25, 2014
4:30
4:30
4:30
4:30
4:30
Uplift CMO
Uplift CMO
Uplift CMO
Uplift CMO
Uplift CMO
March 25, 2014
April 29, 2014
May 27, 2014
June 24, 2014
4:30
4:30
4:30
4:30
Uplift CMO
Uplift CMO
Uplift CMO
Uplift CMO
Uplift Arlington Advisory Board
Michael Giles
Patricia Healy-Ortiz
Barbara Khirallah
Alan LeBlanc
Uplift Arlington Board Co-Chair
President, Right Management
Assistant Director, The Gallery at UTA,
University of Texas at Arlington
Uplift Arlington Board Co-Chair
Professor, UT Dallas
Lynn Rossi Scott
Shareholder/Attorney, Brackett & Ellis,
PC
Vice President, Sales and Marketing,
RAM Surgical Instruments
Uplift Arlington Advisory Board Meeting Dates
September 23, 2013
November 18, 2013
February 24, 2014
June 23, 2014
5:30 PM
5:30 PM
5:30 PM
5:30 PM
Uplift Summit Prep
Uplift Summit Prep
Uplift Summit Prep
Uplift Summit Prep
Uplift West Dallas Advisory Board
Angie Dickson
Uplift West Dallas Board Chair
Valencia
Mark Dodd
Partner, Sidley Austin, LLP
Esmeralda Ortiz
Community Relations Director, SMU–
Center on Communities and Education
Mark Plunkett
Managing Director, Capital Tactics
Stuart Ravnik
Assistant Dean, Graduate School
of Biomedical Sciences/Associate
Director, STARS, UT Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas
Owen Ross
Pastor, Christ’s Foundry of the United
Methodist Church
Abby Williams
The Todd & Abby Williams Family
Foundation
Uplift West Dallas Advisory Board Meeting Dates
18
September 4, 2013
November 6, 2013
February 5, 2014
June 4, 2014
12:00 PM
12:00 PM
12:00 PM
12:00 PM
Uplift Triumph Prep
Uplift Heights Prep
Uplift Williams Prep
Uplift Triumph Prep
Family Guide to Uplift Education
Uplift East Dallas Board Chair
Partner, Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP
Kashundra Foreman
Quality Analyst, Children’s Medical
Center of Dallas
Ardo Fuentes
Amy Roman
Sandie Matejek
Richard Rosalez
Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch
Senior Vice President, Jones Lang
LaSalle Americas, Inc.
Senior Counsel, Ace Cash Express
Senior Legal Counsel, Litigation,
Samsung Telecommunications
America, LLC
Uplift East Dallas Advisory Board Meeting Dates
September 17, 2013
November 19, 2013
February 18, 2014
June 17, 2014
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
Uplift Peak Prep
Uplift Luna Primary Prep
Uplift Pinnacle Prep
Uplift Luna Prep
Uplift Irving Advisory Board
Angela Farley
Laurie Elmore
Uplift Irving Board Chair
Dallas Regional Chamber of
Commerce
Senior Tax Director, BDO
Shadab Shahabuddin
Community Volunteer
Beth Bowman
Irving Chamber of Commerce
Uplift Board of Directors
Randall Ray
OUR SCHOOLS
Uplift East Dallas Advisory Board
Mark Vander Voort
Associate Principal and Senior Vice
President, HKS Architects, Inc.
Dustin Marshall
CEO, Hazels Hot Shot, Inc.
Uplift Irving Advisory Board Meeting Dates
September 16, 2013
November 18, 2013
February 24, 2014
June 16, 2014
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
Uplift
Uplift
Uplift
Uplift
Infinity Prep
North Hills Prep
Infinity Prep
North Hills Prep
Uplift Fort Worth Advisory Board
George P. Bush
Cathy Estrada
Uplift Fort Worth Board Chair
Partner, St. Augustine Partners
Community Volunteer
Andre McEwing
Tarrant County Community College
Uplift Fort Worth Board Meeting Dates
September 3, 2013
November 5, 2013
February 4, 2014
June 3, 2014
5:00 PM
5:00 PM
5:00 PM
5:00 PM
Uplift Mighty Prep
Uplift Meridian Prep
Uplift Mighty Prep
Uplift Meridian Prep
Uplift Southwest Dallas Advisory Board
Ossa Fisher
Uplift Southwest Dallas Board Chair
Senior Vice President, Strategy &
Analytics, Match.com
Jeffrey Helfrich
Portfolio Manager & Analyst, Penn
Davis McFarland, Inc.
Justin Henry
Anthony Tillman
Dawn Mann
Bruce Ware
Attorney/Associate, Vinson & Elkins,
LLP
Founding Principal, Break of Day
Design
Assistant Provost, Southern Methodist
University
Davita Healthcare Partners
Director, Joint Ventures
Uplift Southwest Dallas Board Meeting Dates
September 12, 2013
November 14, 2013
February 13, 2014
June 12, 2014
5:30 PM
5:30 PM
5:30 PM
5:30 PM
Family Guide to Uplift Education
Uplift Hampton Prep
Uplift Hampton Prep
Uplift Hampton Prep
Uplift Hampton Prep
19
Academic
Partnership
Scholar success starts with the academic partnership between teachers, scholars, and families.
This relationship is one of the most important in the lives of our scholars. How well we all work
together will have a long-term impact on how much scholars grow academically, what interests
they develop, what college options they have and what impact they will have in their careers.
Uplift Education is committed to helping schools, staff, families, scholars, and community friends
establish active connections to strengthen learning and increase academic growth.
Our parent engagement team works with our schools to create an environment of support,
advocacy, access, and involvement. We want you to participate in your child’s education and
help him or her be ready for college. This section provides information and resources about how
you can contribute to the process and interact with your school effectively.
1. Constantly remind your scholar that education is important to your family.
2. Talk every day with your scholar about his or her school day. Get to know his
or her interests, strengths, and talents, and ask lots of questions.
3. Make sure your scholar attends school every day and arrives on time ready to
learn.
4. Have a set time and place for your scholar to complete homework and read
every day.
5. Check the Parent/Scholar Portal (PowerSchool) so that you know what
homework has been assigned and how your scholar is doing in school.
6. Check in regularly with your scholar’s teachers about his or her progress.
Always attend parent/teacher conferences and make additional teacher
appointments as needed.
Family Guide to Uplift Education
The Home Connection
Studies show that parent involvement is a major factor in determining a child’s
success in school. Here are some easy things you can do to help your scholar
succeed in school:
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
The Home Connection
21
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
Our Philosophy (why we do what we do)
22
Our Philosophy
(why we do what we do)
We are committed to providing a high-quality, college preparatory
education to all scholars.
At Uplift, we believe every one of our scholars should be prepared to be successful
in college. This readiness will open up many new opportunities for them, allowing
them to choose how they want to build their futures. In addition to being wellrounded in all core subject areas, a scholar who is accustomed to rigorous work,
able to think through complex problems, can write well, and is able to work
productively with others will be poised for success in college and beyond. We do
realize not all of our graduates choose to go to college, but the knowledge and
skills they will build at an Uplift school will help them in every walk of life.
The International Baccalaureate® (IB®) program is at the core of our
program.
We believe in an “IB® for all” approach because IB® sets an extremely high academic
bar. As an international standard of success, it helps build critical thinking skills,
global mindedness and well-roundedness through project-based learning. For more
information on how IB® works, see our section on page 32.
Family Guide to Uplift Education
Teacher development means better classroom experiences for
scholars.
Excellent teachers make all the difference in your scholar’s academic success,
and we invest a great deal of training in every one of our teachers, whether they
are brand new to the profession or are seasoned veterans. We provide special
certification opportunities through Teaching Excellence for our new teachers,
leadership training, coaching support, curriculum guidance, mentoring, and
performance management feedback.
This year, we have instituted an innovative performance raise system that rewards
teachers with salary increases when they consistently create great classroom
experiences for their scholars and help them reach their academic goals.
Teachers and School Directors need feedback, too.
We believe our schools and classroom experience only get better when we give
each other candid and regular feedback and support. Each school director observes
teachers regularly, giving them action-oriented feedback to help them grow.
Our School Directors receive similar feedback through our Internal School Review
process, where teams of educational leaders assess each school and provide advice
to directors about how to improve school processes.
Family Guide to Uplift Education
Our Philosophy (why we do what we do)
Both our teachers and scholars need to know what academic skills have been
mastered and where we need to dive deeper. Tracking standards allows teachers
to adjust small group instruction in the classroom and intervention outside the
typical day. Understanding performance data makes it easier to offer customized
homework and in-class assignments for scholars. Most importantly, it gives scholars
ownership over their learning by knowing where they excel and where they need to
keep pushing themselves. They will need this skill in college to be successful.
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
Tracking progress is important to learning.
23
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
PowerSchool
PowerSchool
PowerSchool is Uplift’s parent/scholar portal, a powerful and private website
that gives parents access to their children’s academic information. By checking it
regularly, you will know what your scholars are working on and how they are doing
in school.
The PowerSchool portal has many great features:
Feature 1: View your scholar’s grades
Feature 2: View attendance records
Feature 3: Teacher Comments (if they are entered)
Feature 4: Teacher contact information and requests for email notifications
Feature 5: View general school information
SCREENSHOT
Families can get to the portal anywhere there is Internet access, or with the mobile
app available for both iPhone and Android smartphones. The parent/scholar portal
is easy to navigate and also available in several different languages.
To access the portal, log on to your school’s website and click on the parent portal
link. To receive a username and password, please contact your school.
24
Family Guide to Uplift Education
Getting Ready for Your Parent/Teacher Conference
Before the conference, talk to your scholar about how he or she feels about
school, teachers, and academic progress.
Questions can include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
What do you like about school?
What challenges are you having?
What are your favorite subjects?
Is there anything you would like me to ask or tell your teacher?
Review your scholar’s grades on PowerSchool and ask yourself:
1. Do I have specific concerns about his or her academic progress?
2. Do I have questions about the curriculum?
3. Do I understand how my scholar is assessed in class?
Parent/Teacher Conferences
At least twice a year, Uplift schools hold parent/teacher conferences. These
conferences play a critical role in establishing a good relationship with your
scholar’s teacher. Careful preparation for this conference can help you get more
out of the meeting and help you understand how you can help your scholar
succeed in school.
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Questions for the conference:
1. How does my scholar participate in class discussions and activities?
2. What are my scholar’s best and worst subjects? How can he or she improve in
areas that need work?
3. What are the standards for my scholar’s grade level? Can you show me an
example of work that reflects the highest standard?
4. How does my scholar compare to other children in the class?
5. How does my scholar interact with other children and adults?
6. How much help should I provide on homework assignments?
7. What is your homework policy, including late and make-up work?
8. Is my scholar trying as hard as he or she can?
9. How can I best I communicate with you?
Follow up after the conference:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Tell your scholar how the parent/teacher conference went.
Praise your scholar’s strengths.
Talk with your scholar about how to address areas for improvement.
Ask how you can continue to help your scholar succeed in school.
Family Guide to Uplift Education
25
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
Advocating for Your Child
Advocating for Your Child
If you have a school-related problem, we want to help you solve it. For the fastest
resolution to your problem, please contact the individuals or offices below in the
order listed.
Issues affecting your scholar’s learning:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Teacher
Academic Dean
School Director
Managing Director
School Advisory Board (Board lists are available on all school websites)
Discipline:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Teacher
Dean of Students
School Director
Managing Director
Safety:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Operations Manager/Director
School Director
Regional Operations Director
Chief Operations Officer
Car line:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Operations Manager/Director
School Director
Regional Operations Director
Managing Director
Re-enrollment:
1. Operations Manager/Director
2. Special Operations Manager
3. Chief Administrative Officer
English-Language Learner Concerns:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Teacher
School Director
Uplift English Language Coordinator
Chief Academic Officer
Special Education:
1.
2.
3.
4.
26
Teacher
Special Education Coordinator
School Director
Senior Director of Special Populations
Family Guide to Uplift Education
Uplift’s Parent Universities are collaborative programs, organized by Uplift
schools, teams of parents, and local community organizations. They will be held
at schools at scheduled times throughout the school year.
At our Parent University sessions, families can talk to experts in their field about
how they can be more effective education partners for their scholars on their
road to college and beyond.
Each Parent University can be a day-long summit or a year-long series. The
goal is to ensure that participating families’ needs are met. By providing and
connecting families to a larger network of experts in their community, Parent
University helps them navigate the road through school and the transition to
college and beyond.
In the spring, Uplift ran a Parent University pilot at Uplift Peak Preparatory in East
Dallas. More than 200 parents attended the event and raved about it afterwards.
To see a Parent University in action, visit www.uplifteducation.org and click on
the Vimeo ( ) link.
Parent University
Parent University is an important school-based parent information initiative
designed to equip families with the necessary tools to be strong advocates at
home and in their communities.
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
Parent University
To find out how you can help bring one to your campus, contact Martha
Fernandez (mfernanadez@uplifteducation.org) at the central office.
Family Guide to Uplift Education
27
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
How to Get Involved at the School Level
28
How to Get Involved at the School Level
The first and best way to get involved at the school level is to get to know your
scholar’s teachers, academic deans, Road to College counselors, and school
directors. Meet with them. Find out how your scholar is doing in class. Ask how
you can support the school and your scholar’s learning.
Secondly, join your school’s Volunteers in Partnership (VIP) program. You will
find many ways to help out on campus during the school year through VIP. Every
school needs parent help, and this is a great way to get involved. Please contact
your campus director about how to get involved with VIP
The third way is to participate in Parent University. If your school is not hosting
one this year, you may attend one at another campus. You will learn a great deal
about how to support your scholar, what community resources are available, and
how to prepare for the transition to college.
Keep up through our various communication channels:
•
•
•
•
•
Read your Tuesday notes and weekly email blasts that come from your
school.
Follow us on Facebook. Both the network and many of our individual schools
maintain pages.
If you like Twitter, follow our feed and look for new feeds from our schools
and executive staff.
Be sure to read our new network parent newsletter, Shine Through, which is
delivered to your email address and is posted in English and Spanish on our
website and Facebook.
Attend your advisory board meetings and parent coffees whenever you can.
Family Guide to Uplift Education
Advocacy activities include, but are not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
Texas Charter School Association Rally (during legislative sessions);
Letter/phone call campaigns to elected officials during legislative sessions in
support of education agenda;
Live testimony during legislative sessions;
District office visits to elected officials;
Hosting elected officials at school events.
In addition to advocacy activities, you can volunteer to participate in CEO
forums. Attending Uplift Board meetings (including your local advisory board
meetings) is also a great way to find out more about what the network is doing.
You can also volunteer to help with Road to College trips or, if you are a parent
of a junior, you can attend network-wide Junior to Undergraduate Master Plan
(JUMP) meetings.
We also encourage you to make your voice heard by answering our annual
parent survey or respond to news and information we place in the Uplift parent
e-newsletter, Shine Through.
How to Get Involved at the Network Level
The most impactful way to get involved at the network level is help advocate for
Uplift Education and for charter schools in our state. At the Central Office, Uplift’s
Community Advocacy Coordinator organizes parent advocates at each campus
to increase public and policy-maker support for Uplift Education and to be a part
of the Community Advocacy Coalition, an ongoing group of interested parents
supporting Uplift and education reform. As a public institution, it is imperative
that Uplift parents be mindful of the political forces that impact our destiny
and the sustainability of quality public education for all scholars. As part of the
Community Advocacy Coalition, parents are able to participate in a “Parent
Ambassador” program that provides them with the necessary knowledge and
skills to engage in dialogue with other parents, leaders, and government officials.
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
How to Get Involved at the Network Level
Attend Uplift Board Meetings
Coming to Uplift Board meetings is an excellent way to learn more about the
strategic plans the Board is making for the network. The Board discusses
academic progress of our schools, looks at the financial stability of the network,
explores where new schools should be started, considers how to help our
scholars prepare for and be successful in college, and explores ways to respond
to parent interests and concerns.
The Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month. All Board meetings
are open to the public, with the exception of executive sessions used to discuss
personnel and other privacy-protected matters.
For a complete list of Uplift Board members and meeting dates, see page 18.
For more information please contact Community Advocacy Coordinator, Martha
Fernandez at mfernandez@uplifteducation.org
Family Guide to Uplift Education
29
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
Measuring School Performance
Measuring School Performance
Uplift looks at a number of factors to determine how our schools are performing.
We look at STAAR scores, Texas school accountability ratings, end-of-course
(EOC) exams, the Measure of Academic Performance (MAP) test, and how our
scholars are growing academically. All of these measures tell us if we are ensuring
every scholar is reaching his or her highest potential.
As was mentioned earlier in this guide, we also conduct Internal School Reviews
(ISRs). These reviews help us balance the data with observations. Each school
is assigned a review team made up of educational leaders, partners from other
charters, and representatives from key educational programs. The teams are
usually made up of 6 to 11 people.
At the conclusion of the review, School Directors receive several resources to
support their growth and development including peer feedback, benchmarking
against the school’s strategic plan, an evaluation of instructional quality and
recommendations to accelerate progress.
The ISR team will return in the second semester to measure progress and to
help the campus team identify short and long-term strategies to enhance school
quality.
In addition to STAAR, EOCs, and MAP, we look at our scholars’ SAT and ACT
scores. While these tests do not measure how much they’ve grown in a year,
they do tell us where they stand in terms of college readiness. It also gives us an
indication of how well we’ve prepared them to be successful in college.
We also assess how well our scholars have performed on the Advanced
Placement® (AP) and International Baccalaureate exams. These are college-level
exams. If our scholars perform well on these and they have college-ready SAT
and ACT scores, we have a high level of confidence that our scholars are ready to
be successful at the college level.
30
Family Guide to Uplift Education
College
Readiness
At Uplift, we are laser-focused on college readiness. We believe no matter what
our scholars decide to do with their lives, their critical thinking skills should
be top-notch. A college-preparatory education, based on the International
Baccalaureate program, gives them these skills. That’s why for the past three
years, 100% of our graduates have been accepted to a four-year college. This
level of college readiness is the result of teachers dedicating thousands of hours
to their scholars each year and the hard work of our college counseling staff that
helps scholars prepare for and manage the college application process. We are
committed to not only help them enter college, but also supporting them once
they are in college so they will attain their degree.
COLLEGE READINESS
International Baccalaureate
To help our scholars prepare for college, we use the IB® framework, offer AP®
courses, and provide opportunities for dual credit and credit recovery. In
addition, we give our scholars extensive college counseling support starting in
6th grade. We administer several assessments throughout the year so we will
know where our scholars stand academically, and then modify our instruction to
meet their needs.
International Baccalaureate
Because we strive to develop scholars who think critically and solve problems,
we have put The International Baccalaureate® (IB) at the center of our academic
program. IB® is not a curriculum, but a framework for delivering instruction in the
classroom. While IB® at the middle school and high school levels has specific
classroom requirements and tests for scholars to take for college credit, IB® as a
whole focuses on organizing teaching and learning from kindergarten through
12th grade.
The IB® program’s mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring
young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through
intercultural understanding and respect. The IB® program encourages students
across the world to become active, compassionate, life-long learners who
understand that other people, with their differences, can also have a valid point
of view.
At the core of all IB® programs is the IB® learner profile, a set of attributes that
life-long learners portray. Uplift strives to develop these ten qualities in every
scholar and uses thoughtful classroom lessons to do so.
The IB® Learner Profile:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
32
Inquirers They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be
sustained throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable They acquire in-depth knowledge and develop
understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and
creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned,
ethical decisions.
Communicators They understand and express ideas and information
confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of
modes of communication.
Principled They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of
fairness, justice, and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups, and
communities.
Open-minded They understand and appreciate their own cultures and
personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values, and traditions of
other individuals and communities.
Caring They show empathy, compassion, and respect towards the needs and
feelings of others.
Risk-takers They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage
and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles,
ideas, and strategies.
Balanced They understand the importance of intellectual, physical, and
emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
Reflective They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and
experience.
Family Guide to Uplift Education
•
•
The Primary Years Programme: for students 3 to 12 years old. It is focused on
developing the whole child as an inquirer inside and outside of the classroom.
The Middle Years Programme: for students 11 to 16 years old. It provides
broad academic challenge and helps scholars understand the connections
between traditional subjects and the real world.
The Diploma Programme: for students 16 to 19 years old. This is an
academically challenging program with final examinations that prepares
students for success in college and beyond. If a student passes all six exams,
he or she may be able to enter college as a sophomore.
Where our schools stand in the IB® certification process:
PYP, MYP, DP
PYP, MYP
International Baccalaureate
•
COLLEGE READINESS
The IB® program is divided into four distinct levels. Uplift is either certified in or
pursuing certifications in three of them:
PYP, MYP
PYP, MYP
th
Au
ate
did
Can
l
or
W
IB
se
ha
nP
tio
era
sid
Con
PYP
PYP, MYP
PYP, MYP
or
ize
dI
BW
orld
PYP
d
Sc
ho
ols
yin
pl
(ap
g
e
as
Ph
ion
rat
pa
Pre
PYP
fo
rc
an
PYP
did
ac
yA
pri
l 20
14)
MYP
Scho
ols
MYP
PYP
MYP
PYP
DP
PYP - Primary Years Programme
MYP - Middle Years Programme
DP - Diploma Programme
AP®, Dual Credit, and Credit Recovery
In addition to our IB® program, we also offer a range of Advanced Placement®
(AP) classes, dual credit opportunities, and credit recovery during the summer.
AP® courses increase the academic rigor in our high schools and expose our
scholars to some of the material they will encounter in college. Scholars who
score 3-5 on the AP® tests can earn college credit, reducing the number of hours
they will have to take towards their undergraduate degree. Some scholars who
take both IB® and AP® exams are able to get credit for a semester or more of
college.
AP®, dual credit, and credit recovery opportunities vary from campus to campus.
Please contact your school director or academic dean for more information.
Family Guide to Uplift Education
33
COLLEGE READINESS
Assessments
Assessments
Assessments are an important way Uplift measures how our scholars are growing
academically. Since academic data is only meaningful if it is used, we constantly
train our teachers how to read the data and how to then modify it for each one of
their scholars.
Since Uplift is a public school network, every campus is accountable to Texas
accountability standards. Therefore every scholar will take the required state
tests (STAAR and end-of-course exams).
We also use national tests to track how our scholars are growing during the
school year and how they compare to other scholars across the country. The
Measure of Academic Performance (MAP) is a key tool in this effort. Uplift
schools administer MAP two to three times a year in grades K-8. Using the
results, School Directors can see where scholars begin the year and how much
they have grown in reading and math by the end of the year.
We use the ACT line of PLAN and EXPLORE tests in the beginning and end of
9th and 10th grades years to evaluate our scholars’ knowledge and conceptual
thinking skills. These exams help our scholars develop skills and strategies to
prepare them for the college readiness ACT and SAT tests.
Our juniors and seniors will take Advanced Placement® and IB® tests as well.
These exams can lead to college credit depending on the credit policies at
particular colleges and universities.
34
Family Guide to Uplift Education
The program includes academic preparation and support, college research and
exposure, assistance with college applications and financial aid, and transition
to college success. This is accomplished through a rigorous college-preparatory
curriculum, support for scholars before any academic issue becomes a crisis, and
a personal approach through counseling, mentoring, and peer community that
engage scholars through small groups and one-on-one exchanges.
We also provide exposure through annual college trips – local, regional, and
national. These trips are important for our scholars, providing a tangible sense of
the college experience and solidifying the goal of college enrollment and success.
RTC Support Staff
Our schools have a team of counselors who work with academic leaders to help
our scholars understand what colleges look for in an applicant. These counselors
guide the scholars through the application process, help families learn about the
financial options, and provide alumni support during college so our scholars can
complete their degree and begin their careers with confidence.
Road to College
All scholars in grades 6-12 are enrolled in Road to College (RTC), a
comprehensive program to prepare them academically, financially, practically,
and socially for college enrollment and success.
COLLEGE READINESS
Road to College
HERO Mentors
The mission of Uplift Education’s HERO mentor program is to pair scholars with
supportive community role models in order to help scholars through the college
process. Through commitment to this relationship, mentors will help empower
scholars as they cultivate the skills necessary to reach their highest potential
by demonstrating caring concern and support, offering assistance during the
college application process, advising scholars during the high school to college
transition, and providing opportunities and guidance for career exploration.
College Signing Day
It takes a lot of work to prepare for college. Our seniors have spent years working
towards this one goal. Once they reach their senior year, have taken their exams,
have submitted their applications, and received their acceptance letters, we take
the time to congratulate them.
We celebrate and acknowledge their achievements at College Signing Day.
At this high-energy event attended by scholars from every Uplift school, our
seniors walk the stage one at a time to announce where they will graduate from
college in four years. It’s an incredibly exciting moment for everyone involved in
educating our scholars. We invite every parent to attend and help us congratulate
our seniors for the hard work they’ve put in to preparing for the next stage in
their lives.
To see what happens at College Signing Day, watch the videos online
(www.vimeo.com/uplifteducation).
Family Guide to Uplift Education
35