Through this model, students will begin to think critically and form higher order thinking skills in order to perform successfully, in and outside of the classroom. With this in mind, educators and administrators can help to eliminate the minority performance gap through staff development in direct instruction, revision of current curricula, and through the use of technology. Mineral Springs Elementary School will involve students, staff, and the Winston-Salem State University faculty and preservice teachers in developing shared goals and practices directed at accelerated learning of all children. Teachers participated in a restructuring of mathematics education, with an emphasis on math manipulatives and computer-assisted instruction. Integrated curriculum, family involvement, and a school-wide discipline policy that supports prosocial development were other aspects of the partnership.
Preliminary data reflect a significant improvement in student achievement.
During the 1997-98 school year, Elizabeth City State University received a grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation to implement the Northeastern North Carolina Communication Skills Enhancement Program. In collaboration with the Halifax County Schools, ECSU offered workshops for high school students to help them understand how to apply content knowledge in testing situations and provided strategies that would result in successful performance on the SAT and other standardized tests. In addition, classroom teachers in Halifax County and surrounding school districts were trained to conduct these workshops in order to reach more students. ECSU provided assistance to pre-service and classroom teachers in order to improve their ability to pass the Praxis exams. The pool of candidates entering the teaching profession will be increased as students strengthen their communication skills, improve test-taking strategies, and receive needed support.