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In the News:
Arrupe Lauded in National Study:
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Rethinking High School:
Five Profile of Innovative Models for Student Success
Copywrite 2004
By Tracy A. Huebner
and Grace Calisi Corbert
A WestEd Study Sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |
Selection from Rethinking High School:
The Three Keys to Arrupe Success
Arrupe leaders cite the strength of the Cristo Rey model, partnerships with businesses and the community, and the students as key factors contributing to their success.
A Strong Foundation from Which to Grow
Since the Cristo Rey model had already been successfully imlemented in 11 sites throughout the United States, Arrupe leaders were not faced with the challenge - and subsequent uncertainty - of designing a new program. Rather, they took the central elements of the Cristo Rey model - college preparatory, faith/value-based, and corporate work-study program - and tailored them to the needs of Denver's inner-city students.
Community and Business Support
Arrupe Jesuit High School has created excellent partnerships among its students, the community, and the private sector. The corporate sponsors who employ Arrupe students not only offer financial support but also have invested themselves and the resources of their businesses to support the students' development. Teachers regard student learning as their main priority and they work constantly to develop an effective curriculum. Arrupe staff and students work with several nonprofits within the work-study program including a dual-language grade school, a radio station, and a research agency.
Committed Students
Leaders stated that the students themselves are the most impressive contributors to their own success. Freshmen entered a new school offering a distinctive program. A year later, students were more prepared for both an increased academic load and the responsibilities of a part-time job. For many, this was the first time they were required to perform at a high academic level. As well, this was the first time many students were exposed to or worked in an adult environment where their performance was measured according to objective standards set by a supervisor. And, for many, it was the first time they could place their classroom studies in the context of a work setting and see what they could earn for themselves through their education. This has created more motivated students focused on using their high school education to prepare them for college and to be responsible citizens.
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