What Works?

Having the right staff makes all the difference. Three schools in the Bronx have CN programs, but CN at Columbus has had the greatest success thus far. Phil Panaritis, the district's project director, attributes this to CN Coordinator Paul Munsinger. Panaritis contends that selecting widely respected staff members who inspire trust has been critical for success. Credit is also given to the leadership and support of Principal Gerald Garfin. Staff members said knowing that the principal will stand by them enables them to try innovative approaches without feeling that they might get "hammered."

Finding the right teachers and keeping the program small is key. A staff of 14 means teachers can sit around a table together, problem solve, and share what they know about the needs of their students. As one teacher describes it: "Being in this program means getting a broader perspective on the students. Knowing what they face in their families changes my attitudes. I can understand why students did not get their homework done or why they may be withdrawn in class."

Enriched instruction optimizes the level of challenge. Curriculum decisions center on the challenging New York state standards and the need for students to pass the state's Regents Exams. The Ventures Education Systems professional development program helped staff acquire skills in student-centered, inquiry-based teaching strategies, and project-based learning needed for longer class periods. Flexibility in the CN schedule allows teachers to change their teaching schedules as needed. The addition of an extra teaching period each day has proved to be vital. With the block programming structure, this extra period allows time for each of the four major subjects (math, science, social studies, and English) to be taught eight periods a week, instead of the usual five.