IMAGinE is a postsecondary preparation collaborative between the University of California Office of the President's (UCOP) College Going Initiative (CGI), UC Davis, and Esparto Unified School Districts. This collaborative is aimed at improving the college going culture in Esparto.
The community of Esparto is a small rural community approximately 30 miles from UC Davis. The school district consists of one elementary school, one middle school, one high school, and a continuation school. The total enrollment in the district is approximately 1,063 students.
Our goal for the district is to help facilitate a culture of excellence, to shape curriculum and instruction, to support student academic progress, school policies and practices that foster the highest level of preparation for higher education and the workplace.
In addition, the partnership has garnered strong support from the school board, parents, local postsecondary education institutions, local community‐based organizations, local businesses, and other members of the community.
The Summer Math Academy (SMA) is a cornerstone in the IMAGinE partnership. The SMA is a four‐week, intensive summer academy designed to prepare students for high school math instruction, increase 9th grade academic achievement, support students with their transition to high school, and expose students to postsecondary education opportunities.
In summer 2008, The Summer Algebra Academy (SAA) was held from May 29 through June 27 at Esparto High School. Thirty‐five incoming freshmen students successfully completed the four‐week academy. During the academy, students received approximately 60 hours of math instruction and participated in eight college readiness seminars. Each student completed an Individual Academic Plan and took a pre and post test.
During the summer, parents attended a mandatory new student/parent orientation, a CMIH parent workshop, and a graduation ceremony. Students were also given a pre and a post math test through the UC/CSU Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project (MDTP). In addition to the standards‐based curriculum developed by the academy teachers, students participated in the University of California College Prep (UCCP) online curriculum.
Furthermore, university tutors were placed in each math class for the duration of the academy. A UC Davis math specialist also provided support to the teachers, tutors, and students during the academy.
In addition to math instruction, all students received eight college readiness seminars or skills development workshops a week. Topics included: College Making it Happen (CMIH); Debunking Financial Aid Myths; Homework Completion; Time Management, Alcohol and Drug Awareness; Transitioning to High School; Dream‐a‐Little Dream; College Jeopardy; and Californiacolleges.edu. All workshops were facilitated by the academy counselor and/or university staff and students. All students participated in two college visits to UC Davis and UC Berkeley. The college visits included campus and dorm tours, admissions workshops, student panels, and lunch at the dining commons. Students also had half‐an‐hour advising appointments with the academy counselor or university staff and prepared a 4‐year individual academic plan (IAP).
During the summer parents also were required to participate in workshops and events including the Parent/Student Orientation, College: Making it Happen, Back‐to‐School Night, and the End‐of‐the‐Program Celebration.
During the course of the academic year school and university staff worked together to implement various components of CGI including workshops, college visits, and SAT/ACT test preparation opportunities.
The College Making It Happen (CMIH) workshops were implemented for the entire 9th grade class at Esparto High School (approximately 98 students). The CMIH was implemented early in the school year in order to assist students with the transition to high school. All 9th grade students also participated in a UC Gateways career search project in their health classes. Additionally, a CMIH presentation was offered to the parents during Back‐to‐School Night in September.
Sophomore and junior students had an opportunity to participate in the WACAC college fair at CSU East Bay in April. Fifty‐eight students attended the trip. In May, eight grade students at Esparto Middle school participated in the Educational Outreach Conference (EOC) at UC Davis. The EOC was a UC Davis student initiated and student organized all‐day conference that included campus tours, speakers, workshops, and a student panel.
In February, all juniors were invited to take the ACT/SAT Combo test offered at UC Davis. In addition, all students participating in EAOP had an opportunity to take the ACT Plan or the ACT Explore tests. A workshop explaining the results and offering testing strategies was offered in April to all students and their parents.
Please contact the Regional Assistant Director, at (530) 752-9227.