EDUCATION MATTERS: ASPIRANTES RANK ABOVE AVERAGE CITY-WIDE SCORES

On September 24th, 2008, eigth grade students at Cesar Batalla School participated in a city-wide Science Assessment. The mandated test, directly correlates to the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT's) and ensures that students are meeting and maintaining state standard levels of education in Math and Science. The exam is an online quarterly assessment designed to identify students' specific, strengths and weaknesses. Each of the Bridgeport Public School District's 19 eigth grade classes took part in the examination.

Overall, the 8th graders at Cesar Batalla School ranked 3rd behind 2 magnet schools in the Bridgeport district . However, just as interesting is the fact that Cesar Batalla students had the highest scoring classroom in the district, which included 5 students (Aspirantes) enrolled in ASPIRA's math and science after school program. As a whole, the students that participated in the ASPIRA after school programs not only ranked higher than the school's average but averaged nearly a 15% higher score than the average student score for the entire district.

"I really believe it {the ASPIRA math and science after school program} has a positive impact; the kids have great attendance and are really committed to the program."- Hector Sanchez, Principal of Cesar Batalla School (Bridgeport)

In just a short time the ASPIRA program has made a profound impact on Cesar Batalla School students studying Math and Science. Since January 2008, ASPIRA has successfully continued to meet with approximately 17 students, 6 hours per week, on Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 3-5pm. Much of the success of the program is attributed to its more non-conventional, hands on approach of activities and training. The program tries to introduce personalized projects that require students to research and present a subject that pertains to Math, Science and the Environment.

"In general, I think most of the children have a genuine interest in school. I think it’s amazing that the students have taken the initiative to participate in the after school program. ASPIRA has really become an outlet for students to explore their interest in Math and Science."- Meredith White (Ms. White is a Connecticut state certifiied teacher at Batalla School and the ASPIRA Advisor for the math and science program at Batalla School).

As ASPIRA continues to grow and aid the success of Hispanic/Latino students throughout Connecticut, it encourages schools to really consider the use and implementation of experiential, hands-on after school programs. ASPIRA believes that its programs not only keep students involved with school activities but help students to maintain good grades by allowing students to participate in after school programs where thay can have some control over the direction of their learning; where they are able to learn through experiences of touching, moving, listening, seeing, and hearing; where they build on their relationships with other students, and where they are provided endless ways and opportunities to express themselves - just like real-life.. For many students, these projects are not only mentally simulating but in many ways are very interactive and fun. ASPIRA also conducts a 7 week summer program that has impressively aided students to keep students engaged in learning.
This past October the students also participated in a Math Assessment. We are confident that those students who participate in the ASPIRA programs will once again prove the successes associated with being Aspirantes. To those participants, we congratulate you on a job well done and encourage you to continue to strive for excellence.