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Institute for Student Achievement Continues Steady Growth, Opens 16 New Small Schools and Small Learning Communities for the 2006-2007 School Year

Organization Also Christens Inaugural New Jersey School Opening

LAKE SUCCESS, NY, September 5, 2006 – The Institute for Student Achievement (ISA), a leading school redesign partner that facilitates the transformation of low-performing high schools into academically rigorous and personalized small learning communities and small schools that graduate all students prepared for success in college, today announced the opening of 16 new small schools and small learning communities located in New York City and Union City, New Jersey, for the 2006-07 school year. These small high schools and small learning communities will provide a high-quality, college-preparatory education to approximately 1,600 students in their first year of operation.

“We’re committed to providing all of the students we serve, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or economic status, with an education that will prepare them for success in college and in life,” said Gerry House, CEO and President of ISA. “ISA’s new additions in 2006 are like-minded partners that are also focused on improving academic achievement. By implementing the ISA Model, guided by the Seven Principles, our partner small schools and small learning communities combine academic rigor and high expectations within a community that emphasizes social and emotional support – creating a learning environment that enables each student to reach his or her goals.

ISA has added 16 new small schools and small learning communities in two states to its growing network of school partnerships in 2006, including (by city and school genre):

New York City

Small Schools (three)

ISA partnered with the New York City Department of Education to design and open three new small schools, supported by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure that high school students are prepared for the challenges of higher education and beyond.

• Academy for Young Writers, Brooklyn
• Brooklyn Community High School of Communications, Arts & Media (BCAM)
• Holcombe L. Rucker School of Community Research, Bronx

Small Learning Communities (seven)

• ISA partnered with Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers to convert this large school into seven small learning communities, all located on the school’s campus. Each community has its own theme and dedicated students, teachers, counselor and director. 

Union City, New Jersey

Small Learning Communities (six)

These six small learning communities are the first ISA partner schools in the state and represent the first non-mandated restructuring initiative in an Abbott district – the 15 neediest and most under-funded school districts in New Jersey.

• Emerson High School  – has three small learning communities
• Union Hill High School – has three small learning communities

How The Partnerships Work

ISA is working in partnership with the New York City Department of Education and the Union City Board of Education to design and create the 16 new small schools and small learning communities. The partnership process involves one year of intense planning prior to the schools’ opening, followed by a four-year implementation cycle beginning this fall. The implementation is a phase-in model, beginning with an entering 9th grade class of 100 students at each small school and SLC each year until the schools reach a maximum capacity of 400 students, grades 9-12, in four years. 

The ISA Model is framed by Seven Principles: a college preparatory instructional program; Distributed CounselingTM; a dedicated team of teachers and counselors; continuous professional development; extended school day and year; parent involvement; and continuous organizational improvement.

With the addition of ISA’s new partner small schools and small learning communities for the 2006-07 school year, over 10,000 public school students participate in 47 ISA small schools and small learning communities in school districts in New York, Georgia and New Jersey.

About the Institute for Student Achievement (ISA)

Focusing on improving academic achievement, the Institute for Student Achievement (ISA) is a leading school redesign partner that facilitates the transformation of low-performing high schools into small learning communities and small schools designed to prepare all students for success in college and beyond. Founded in 1990, ISA partners with school administrators and teachers to create and sustain intellectually rigorous and caring, personalized learning environments. A set of Seven Principles defines and guides the ISA Model. Building upon these Seven Principles, the Institute for Student Achievement collaborates with schools to create comprehensive plans and implementation strategies for school redesign that are customized to meet the unique needs of schools and districts. For more information contact us at (516) 812-6700 or visit www.studentachievement.org.

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