Reducing Achievement Gaps
Woodrow Wilson Elementary School Project

Framingham’s most economically and educationally distressed young school age children and families are served in this unique three tiered program. The students are culturally and linguistically diverse and the most at risk for growing educational, health and social gaps. Over 60% of the Woodrow Wilson Elementary School students are bilingual/bicultural. With these expanding achievement gaps, interventions are required in elementary school to prevent later school failure. Reducing the Gaps has proven to be a successful, evidence-based model. This project is lead by JFS Metrowest in collaboration with the United Way of Tri-County, private donors and the Framingham School Department.  It is made up of three components:

Wilson All Stars This component targets third and fourth grade boys and girls, with a commitment to identifying children from the sheltered and bilingual classrooms and those with specific educational needs.  Building confidence and self esteem while focusing on reading and understanding school materials, improving communication skills, and troubleshooting cultural differences, form the underpinning of this enhanced educational experience for these youth.  The All Stars meet twice a week throughout the school year and are mentored by volunteers of all ages.
                                                                                              
Wilson Wizards TheWizards is the newest after school component to the program, added in the 2005-06 school year.  For fifth grade girls only, it is specifically designed to decrease the science and math learning gap between male and female students entering middle school. Program elements include a variety of hands-on activities and experiments.  The program utilizes a Lego Robotics curriculum that gives the girls the opportunity to research, design, build and program a device that they believe could help a person with a disability.  A critical aspect of Wizards is the female-only volunteer and staff mentors who provide the girls with strong, successful role models. The Wizards meet twice a week throughout the school year.
                                                                               
ESL Classes for Parents  Language and cultural differences inherent in the service population prevent many parents from easily accessing school and community services or helping children with homework.  Increased parental involvement in children’s learning, coupled with a successful transition to life in the United States, contributes dramatically to the overall success of the Wilson children.  To meet this need, the project collaborates with the Framingham ESLPlus program by providing experienced ESL teachers to provide English language instruction specifically for parents of Wilson students. The weekly classes teach English language skills of all levels and also focus on ways parents can work with their children and school to improve their children’s learning experience.