On TRAC Success Report

Written by Alice Knotts

Tuesday, 09 February 2010

Standing before an intimidating panel of Walla Walla School District Board members, three brave students presented their testimonies as proof of the success of a great new program at Pioneer Middle School called On TRAC. Rogelio Jara was the first student to speak. A little nervous, he looked into the eyes of the board members and said, “On TRAC helped me get my homework done. My binder was such a mess. Now my binder is neat, and it’s easier to succeed in my classes.” His voice quavered a little at the end of his monologue, but he kept his composure. On TRAC is the product of a GEAR UP sponsored partner program with the Pioneer Middle School counseling department. The partnership was created with the intention of developing a program to target students who have high test scores, but poor school grades, and is part of the district’s Response to Intervention (RTI) model. The three driving forces behind the project are GEAR UP representatives Margaret Thomas and Christina Price-Huntington, and school counselor David Tegtmeier. Together, the dynamic three combined AVID strategies with sheer brainpower and the end result was Taking Responsibility for Academic Commitment (TRAC). The fundamental components for the On TRAC program are student planning, advocating, and organization. On TRAC believes students’ organizational skills can shape their success or failure in school. The first thing On TRAC leaders do when a new student joins the program is ask to see their school binder. They require students to keep their binders neat and functional, and that students use their school planner to keep track of their daily school requirements. When assignments are due, there is a three step accountability process in place for students. The process includes a teacher signature, a parent signature, and a signature from an On TRAC leader. In addition to planning and organization students are taught to advocate for themselves by learning to access their online grades and talking to their teachers about any questions they may have concerning their grades. They are also taught to approach their teachers to ask for help when they need it. The greatest testimony to On TRAC’s success is from the students themselves. The three students who spoke at the District Board meeting were Rogelio Jara, Abraham Diaz, and Cougar Walker. The Members of the Board were very impressed by the children’s testimonies. One Board Member said, “This is a great start, and I’m glad you guys are doing this.” All were impressed by the students’ courage in presenting their case. Afterward, when the students, parents, and adult On TRAC presenters gathered for a group photo, one Spanish speaking parent of an On TRAC student, found Lysandra, a GEAR UP staff member who also speaks Spanish. His testimony was from the heart. He said, “My son’s not stupid. This is a great program to put his brain to work. It’s the environment he needs. The structure and organization [of On TRAC] has met that need. I am really proud of my son.” The On TRAC program is already having an enormously positive impact the lives of every student currently involved in it, and this is just the beginning; we are anticipating many more great things to come. Event Date: February 2nd, Walla Walla School District Board Meeting

Last Updated ( Saturday, 13 February 2010 )