WLWT.Com / September 27, 2011 Several Cincinnati Public Schools are making huge academic gains, but one — Ethel Taylor Academy — is leading the way.
Resource coordinator Annie Bogenschutz just returned from New York, where she was selected as one of eight panelists to discuss education improvements.
“In the school building we’re expecting these kids to learn math, learn reading, but when they have all this baggage, it’s hard for them to learn,” Bogenschutz said.
She’s leading efforts to get community members involved with the school and increasing resources for students, parents and educators.
“These partnerships have helped teaching, and teachers have an easier time when they can actually focus on teaching and not have to worry about all the other issues going on with kids and families,” Bogenschutz said.
A behavioral health therapist from the Children’s Home has set up an office at the school to help students and teachers.
“I think they get that immediate attention, as opposed to dealing with a crisis a week or so later,” said behavioral health therapist Tiffany Fread.
About 50 community involvement programs, including meal services and tutors, have been brought into the school.
“Having wraparound services to provide different programs, different services and different partnerships in the building to help kids be successful,” Bogenschutz said.
The key is making the school the focus of the community, she said.
“There’s been huge gains in all the CPS schools,” Bogenschutz said. “Three years ago we had 14 schools in academic emergency, and now we have three.”
Although big gains have been made, school officials said they see room for improvement. They’re focusing this year on improving math and reading scores.