STA Vision and Mission StatementsVISION STATEMENT Sojourner Truth Academy (STA) is passionate about helping children achieve academic and social success in a community of high expectations where each child is valued. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the school is to prepare children for the future by building confidence and a strong sense of self-worth through small classrooms and an open, safe, family-like environment. STA supports families by embracing change when necessary for the good of the children and serving as a bridge to the community. Staff at STA is dedicated to and held accountable for providing a learning experience that is culturally relevant, challenging and fun. All About UsSchool Information Sojourner Truth Academy is a Pre K-8 public charter elementary school in North Minneapolis with proven academic and fiscal records. Established by parents and community members in 1999, we continue to offer our students a data driven, balanced curriculum with a highly qualified staff that is supported through the Teacher Advancement Program. Our student population of 346 is 24% Hispanic and 75% African American with less than 2% Caucasian and Native American students. Twenty-three percent do not speak English as their primary language. Over 90% of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch benefits. The Minnesota State Standards drive the instructional planning at Sojourner Truth Academy. Classroom teachers ensure that every scholar at STA has the opportunity to master state standards by using a variety of materials and resources to teach the skills and concepts outlined in the State Standards. Small class sizes give teachers the flexibility to differentiate instruction based on academic needs. Some of the resources used are Scott Foresman Reading and Math, Prentice Hall Literature, Math Connects, Core Knowledge, and inquiry based science lessons. Each classroom is equipped with a SMART Board for optimal learning. The SMART board allows scholars to become active participants in their learning. It is a great resource that energizes lessons and motivates learners. STA also provides three specialty classes: Art, Media, and Physical Education. Each classroom is rotated through these classes every three days. Free, all-day kindergarten helps us prepare students more thoroughly for the expectations of the upper grades. Monthly parent events, after school enrichment, an on-site, full-time social worker, ESL program, and Special Education program give us the opportunity to build real relationships and supply students and families with the support they need, when they need it. For more about Sojourner Truth Academy contact: Julie Guy School Director 612-588-3599 x 205 jguy@sojournertruthacademy.org Professional DevelopmentOur school takes part in TAP, the Teacher Advancement Program. Each year the leadership team at STA reviews and analyzes data to help write our school improvement plan. The school improvement plan focuses on a needed area of academic growth. During the 2006-2007 school year our focus was Math and will be again this year. Although the number of students reaching proficiency in the area of math on the MCA II increased by 10% last school year, there is still room for improvement. The staff at STA is dedicated to increasing the number of students proficient again this year. TAP provides a structure for our teachers where they receive weekly, job-embedded professional development. Each week, teachers attend a 90-minute student strategy focused cluster meeting. During these meetings teachers learn research-based student strategies and develop lessons to implement the strategies in their classrooms to help improve student achievement. Teachers receive support and feedback from two master teachers on staff. School OverviewMale: 165 (49%) Female: 174 (51%) Students of Color 333 (98%) Minority Breakdown: LEP: 68 (20%) Poverty: 334 (98.5%) Special Ed: 62 (18%) Mobility: 30% Number of Teachers: 29 Certified Teachers: 29 Board Make-up: 4 licensed teachers, 2 Parents Attendance: 97.8% Last Financial Audit: 2008-2009 NWEA and MCA II AssessmentsEach year STA students participate in taking the NWEA and MCA II assessments. These assessments are aligned to the Minnesota State Standards. Sojourner Truth Academy students continue to make progress each year in the areas of Reading and Math. Staff is dedicated to learning and implementing subject specific strategies in each area to help increase student proficiency. SponsorshipCharter Sponsor: Pillsbury United Communities Contact: Katie Black Kohn- kohnk@puc-mn.orgCharter School Liaison Pillsbury United Communities 1200- 37th Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55412 Direct Line (612) 787-3657 Fax (612) 302-3414
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