Project High Five - Culture, Collaboration, Commitment, Communication, and Community (2014-2015) is a Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Practices grant sponsored by the Oregon Department of Education. The project has three main goals: (1) to develop a strong Professional Development School (PDS) partnership program between Central School District and Western Oregon University focused on the co-teaching approach and based on principles of culturally responsive pedagogy; (2) to strengthen and expand a contextualized English Language Development (ELD) model of instruction for English Learners by utilizing their “funds of knowledge” (Gonzalez, Moll & Amanti, 2005, p. 72) and intentional instructional practices; and (3) to actively involve pre-service and in-service teachers, as well as K-12 students in self-reflection and community service activities framed toward advocacy for equity and social justice. The three interrelated foundational threads will improve the preparation of pre-service teachers; the professional development for in-service teachers; and a commitment for equity by university and school district educators resulting in higher achievement opportunities for every student in Central School District.
Project LUISA-- Language Understanding to Improve Student Achievement (2013-2014) is a University/School Partnership Title II-A grant. It is a partnership among Western Oregon University, Central and Woodburn School Districts. At Central School District, the project offers professional development activities related to contextualizing ELD instruction (e.g., workshops and coaching) for elementary and secondary classroom teachers, as well as administrators and other district staff members.