MODELS Schools
MODELS is collaborating with three similar, minority-serving secondary school districts in two states. These two states also have at least one district implementing a university-based professional development program that is supported, in part, by the Technology Enhanced Learning in Science center (http://TELSCenter.org). MODELS supports the three new districts as they create school-based mentoring programs.

   
      North Bay District , VA* educates approximately 33,000 children in three early childhood centers, 28 elementary schools, nine middle schools, and five high schools. In 2003, 26 North Bay public schools received full state accreditation. The district serves African American (55%), White (38%), Hispanic (4%), Asian (2%) and American Indian (1%) students. 1% of students in the district have English as a Second language, and 45% qualify for free or reduced price lunches. Teachers influence the staff development council, which defines professional development and coordinates workshops. We are currently working with one middle school and one high school.    
     

Alta Vista, CA* is an urban fringe district in the San Francisco Bay Area. The district enrolls 1864 students with one middle school (890 students) and one high school (974 students). The district serves African American (10%), Asian (34%) Hispanic (10%) and White (46%) students. 9% of students in the district quality as language learners, and 12% qualify for free or reduced price lunches. Teachers have an average of 12 years teaching experience. The science teachers are committed to engaging their students in inquiry projects and integrating technology-enhanced curriculum.

    
      Midvale, CA* is an established industrial suburb of the San Francisco Bay area, with an ethnically and economically diverse population. The district enrolls 4300 students with one middle school (1073 students) and one senior high school (1339 students) . The district serves African American (4%), White (73%), Hispanic (16%) and Asian (3%) students. 23% of students in the district qualify as language learners and 18% qualify for free or reduced price lunches. Both the middle and senior high have a lower than state average for mobility (9% compared to the state average of 14%) and most students who enter the middle school remain through high school. Teachers have an average of 16 years teaching experience.    
       

*Pseudonyms are used to protect teacher and student identities.