SB 390 Let’s expand ZOOM school opportunities for more students who need it

Announcements, School Finance Reform  |     |  
Tuesday, April 11th  there is a scheduled hearing with the Education Committee to begin at 3:30 p.m. on various topics including ZOOM schools, we encourage people to tune in, testify and help us support the students who need it most. Please testify or send an email to the Education Committee (https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/79th2017/Committee/185/Overview). You can testify in person in Carson City or in Las Vegas at the Grant Sawyer Building. Follow us on Twitter for updates.

ZOOM schools were introduced four years ago to serve our English Language Learners and provide interventions that include extended school years, reading skill centers, family engagement, half day pre-school and professional development for teachers.

ZOOM schools have shown amazing returns on investment with the majority of students showing progress and demonstrating that they read, write and comprehend at grade-level after only one or two years of interventions. These programs work, they serve our students early and set them up for success to graduate on time and prepared for college and the workforce.

What are ZOOM Schools?:

ZOOM schools serve elementary and secondary schools that have the highest percentage of students who are limited English proficient (English Language Learners –ELLs) and provides them with additional supports.

How many?: There are currently 38 ZOOM Schools operating in Clark County

By the numbers

·      ZOOM Schools serve close to 38,000 students in Clark County

·      ZOOM Schools only serve 32% of ELL students in Clark County

·      30,000 total Clark County ELL students who don’t participate in ZOOM

Why we need more:

  • In language acquisition Pre-K students at the Meets/Exceeds level was 92% compared to 84% in spring 2013-2014.
  • After only two years 60% of students who participated in reading skill centers were reading proficiently at grade level.
  • After only one year in ZOOM Orr Middle School had an Annual Growth Percentile (AGP) percentage of 43.8% in Language proficiency, which is an increase of 6.2% from the 2014-2015 school year.
  • After only one year in ZOOM Robison Middle School had an AGP percentage of 42.3% in language proficiency, which is an increase of 7.8% from 2014-2015 school year.
  • In most categories, more than 70% of Kindergarten students were able to perform the given task at the end of the school year.

This is a program that we’ve seen work, it provides a tremendous Return on Investment and students in these schools are thriving. These are the kinds of investments that produce results and move us out of 50th in the nation in education. Our students deserve it, our families deserve it, Nevada deserves it!

Let’s say yes to Senate Bill 390 and ask our legislators to support the Governor’s plan to expand ZOOM schools!