Escuela Tlatelolco Centro de Estudios curriculum is built around how people learn--not how teachers teach. Simply put, what is most important is that young people learn to read and find things that they like to read; think clearly, curiously and imaginatively; write well and persuasively and speak their minds with reason, courage an compassion.

Students at Escuela Tlatelolco are exposed to a rigorous academic program in a structured and safe atmosphere. Small class sizes (10/1 in the pre-K-2; 18/1 in middle and high school) enable the educators to meet the needs of the individual child, in a calm but stimulating classroom. As a bicultural/bilingual, family education community, Escuela serves the needs of our students rather than designed to have students meet the needs of an educational system. In this manner, the students starting point of reference is strengthened.

All levels of Escuela utilize a multi-age setting, this facilitates each student's ability to learn from each other, and they learn because of each other. Younger students get a chance to look ahead and see what is coming next by watching the older students. Older students have the opportunity to reinforce their knowledge by sharing it with the younger students.

Curriculum and Instructional Program: Escuela's curriculum is based on the four cornerstones of: critical and creative thinking; written, artistic and mathematical expression; culturally, socially, and politically competent communication; and spiritual growth leading to healthy decision-making. Escuela Tlatelolco Centro de Estudios' program is based on Pablo Friere's Empowerment Education model. Curricula and teaching help discipline the minds of Students to participate in active, engaged thinking. A student with a disciplined mind can challenge the reliability of evidence; recognize the viewpoint or voice behind the words, pictures, or ideas presented; see relationships between ideas; and ask what-if and suppose-that questions.

Tlatelolco's innovative educational curriculum incorporates culture and relative historical and contemporary events into the classroom curricula and simultaneously unites the curricula with practical experience in the home, school, and community. Escuela provides every student with skills to think critically through mastery of an appropriate body of knowledge, lead a healthy life, behave ethically and lawfully, and assume the responsibilities of citizenship in a pluralistic society. Experiential activities empower students to think critically and understand a complex issue that directly affects the lives of their families and friends.

Because young adolescents frequently thrive in-group learning environments, Escuela will provide the opportunities to discuss, analyze, express opinions, and receive feedback from peers. The curriculum design is complemented by a block study and project oriented approach to scheduling and other extended day events and activities.

As a community of learning, the Escuela offers students an unlimited range of education opportunities. Escuela fashions a full academic program integrating English, fine arts, foreign languages, history, literature and grammar, mathematics, science, and social studies by:

•Organizing curriculum around integrated themes that young people find relevant to their own lives;

•Promote a spirit of inquiry;

•Stimulate students to think about and communicate ideas;

•Integrating subject matter across disciplines;

•Teaching students to learn as well as to test successfully,

•Teaching young adolescents to be active citizens

•Teaching young adolescents to develop healthful lifestyles;

•Provide community service learning opportunities; and

•Provide career development and work experience opportunities.

Community Service Projects: Escuela requires community service projects as part of elective credit, limited internships as part of career development credit, and/or a work experience component as part of either elective or career development credit. Students are required to complete 360 hours of community service as part of Escuela's graduation requirement. Many students will select their own projects such as volunteering at hospitals and retirement homes. In addition, students participate in school-wide volunteer programs. For example, Escuela students recently initiated United Families for a Safe Cinco de Mayo (fifth of May) - a parent-Escuela Tlatelolco campaign for a safer community celebration. Students also organize alcohol- and drug-free events, including a candlelight march and potluck for El Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and an annual El Dia De La Independencia (Mexican Independence Day) celebration. These projects provide Students an opportunity to apply their learning and reflection to practical activities.

Adolescence offers an immense opportunity to learn values, skills, and a sense of social responsibility important to become a productive world citizen. Community service teaches values related to full participation in this society, including compassion, human worth and dignity, respect for other's rights, tolerance and appreciation of human diversity, cooperation, and social justice. This component also emphasizes collaboration, problem solving, conflict resolution, and seeing projects in their entirety rather than in pieces - all skills that are critical in the workplace.

Graduation Requirements: Students must accrue at least 230 academic credits to graduate in good standing from Escuela Tlatelolco. The graduate requirements are as follows: English - 40, Math - 40, Social Studies - 30, Science - 30, P/E - 10, Foreign Language - 20, Career Development -10, Service Learning - 10, Electives - 50 (Must include Art 5.0, Music 5.0, Cultural 5.0)

Support Services: Trouble for many inner-city young adolescents comes in multiple doses. Based on the needs assessment, families targeted for Escuela are likely to face poverty, unemployment, housing issues and difficulty accessing health care. A student's success in school depends not only on the effectiveness of the traditional school experience, but also on the overall health of the student's family and community. Tlatelolco's brings forward years of experience addressing these issues, and incorporates the following components into the Escuela Tlatelolco Centro de Estudios model.

•A study skills hour incorporates one-on-one tutoring/homework assistance and other group and individual activities focused on building literacy, math, and study skills. Students also have the option of studying and completing assignments on the school's computers. After school Art Workshops will include photography, mural art, and teatro (street theatre).

•A Family Resource Center meets the needs of the entire family including health assistance, counseling, job training, financial assistance, and adult education. Adult classes and workshops are available held Monday through Thursday from 6:30pm to 8pm. Classes will include GED, English as a Second Language and Citizenship. The computer lab is available as a resource for adults.

•An after-school therapeutic program to provide intensive intervention with youth and their families, including group, individual and family counseling. The program also refers families to mental health and counseling services, and brings outside resources on-site when necessary.

•Limited internships will be developed to give Students experience in selected careers.

•A seven-week outward-bound learning experience for all pupils entitled the Summer Institute for Learning.

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