Urban Ed has implemented a unique approach to our technology programs by using the computer to enrich children by at least one letter grade during the summer months. A fully aligned curriculum with the Common Core standards for children in grades K - 2, we are taking technology to a new height for urban children. Our summer camp program is for children ages 4-7 and/or going to kindergarten, first grade or second grade. The grade level is a mandatory requirement for enrollment. Only children going to K-2 grades for the upcoming school year will be enrolled.
Now growing the work of the program to support Urban Ed’s young mothers of color in IT 3 year plan, the Lil Bitties program will become part of a year-round support service to these young mothers as they work to become certified and prepared for stable careers within the tech sector.
Using web-based, interactive tools installed and pre-configured on tablets for the children, while these mothers are learning, the children will also be supported to stay on track with their school work and in most cases, make gains to move from low-performance to at or above grade level.
Within DC, 86% of children are assessed well below grade level proficiency for the grade they are in or entering. Urban Ed goals are to support mothers with resources, tools, and mentors to support the educational and STEM advancement of their children while they also learn, making educational improvements part of the family structure.
The Lil Bitties outcomes include:
• Improved Academic Performance: Children in the program will demonstrate an average of 85% increases in reading and 80% increases in math each year.
• Enhanced Confidence and Commitment: The program will build young children's STEM skills, confidence, and commitment to school and learning.
• Leadership Development & Family Cohesion: Older youth and parent engagement in the Lil Bitties program will stimulate leadership skills, a sense of responsibility and family cohesion.
Urban Ed will start with ascertaining each child’s need around academic content through two pre-assessments, one on their math levels and one on their reading levels. These assessments measure the child’s current progress and help us chart out a plan for catching each child up on school content. Our plan includes over 60 lessons in each subject area (a total of 120) and adapts to each child’s needs. Our delivery will include one-on-one interaction after or during school, individual-independent learning by the child, include web-based and remote tutoring/support and help parents more effectively support their child’s academic needs through individualized reports on progress & feedback on how to help. Because Urban Ed is STEM based, children also learn a very basic level of cybersecurity, gain an elementary understanding of computer parts/components (hardware & software), and get to do creative digital art & music.
Urban Ed envisions that every plan will include a goal around Urban Ed’s academic advancement based on the academic assessments as well as become an integrated part of any family’s case management assessments and ultimately become a part of the overall family development plan.
This exciting expansion is much needed as so many of our children are not just missing school but are struggling to grasp the school content. DCPS records for elementary schools have consistently shown numbers averaging 83-87% of our children failing by the time they reach the 3rd grade. Our youth were behind before COVID-19, but with the school closures it has now put our youth even further behind. Affluent schools embrace exposing their children to technology in creative ways to spur their success. Urban Ed hopes to do the same within urban cores in DC where Title I schools need more innovative partnerships to change the paradigm.
