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Union launches Carrera model at 6th Grade

_{Originally posted November 17, 2011}

Parents showed strong support for a new program designed to help more than 200 Union sixth graders during a parent forum on November 8 and learned more about a program in which their children had been selected to be part of a new program aimed at helping them reach their academic and life potential.

First known as a pregnancy prevention initiative, this intensive prevention program was developed in 1984 by Dr. Michael Carrera to educate children at an appropriate age about the consequences of sexual activity. It expanded to provide a full array of services, from tutors to mental health counselors and health care.

"It really is the full package for helping children and their families get a quality education," Superintendent Dr. Burden said. She and Carrera (both pictured at right) talked to parents about the program during a supper at the school while children enjoyed a pizza supper in another part of the school.

More than 200 Union sixth-graders will be the first in the state to participate in this nationally renowned program aimed at breaking down economic and social barriers to a quality education.

The program, which effectively launches with the parent forum, may be expanded each year. Students will be selected based on certain criteria, which the Carrera model refers to as "at promise" students. See related story

Brian Grimm, a former Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year, is overseeing the program.

The three-year initiative will be funded by a federal grant, the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation and Tulsa's George Kaiser Family Foundation, which will provide half of the first year's $1-million funding.

The Children's Aid Society will direct the federal and Edna McConnell Clark Foundation grants to Tulsa.

Many children have parents who are able to provide various support and health care, Burden said. But for those children who don't, the Carrera model compensates for those things not available to them and their families.

Program highlights

• Daily in-class education and support to teachers.
• Weekly in-class Job Club where students start bank accounts, entrepreneurial efforts and internships.
• Weekly in-class "power group" with licensed full-time mental health staff available throughout the day.
• Weekly in-class family life and sexuality education, with a full-time sexuality educator available throughout the day.
• Weekly lifetime individual sports in conjunction with the physical education schedule.
• Weekly self-expression in conjunction with art and music programs offered at school.
• Free comprehensive medical, dental and vision services on school premises or at an adolescent health services provider in the community.

Source: Children's Aid Society

Below are selected images from the parent meeting.

Pictured are the staff who will work on the program with Brian Grimm. They include, left to right, Judith Dickson, LaToya Scott, Amanda Johnson, Brent Rempe, Libby Adjei, Linda McGinnis, Grimm, Paula Dayana and Alice Blue.

 

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