The work is focused on learning and teaching. Consultants in NUA’s network plan with school districts and provide ongoing professional development activities for teachers and administrators to improve classroom instruction, and to improve how school communities are organized for sustained achievement.

 NUA consultants are scholar practitioners, teachers and university faculty who promote higher student achievement through structural and instructional interventions incorporating the latest research on organizational development, cognition, reasoning, thinking, and higher-order comprehension skills.

Bridgeport Educators Share Their Teaching Practices

at NUA Conference in Albany

    NUA Making a Difference in Bridgeport & Nationwide

  

 Teachers, administrators and world renowned experts on education flooded Albany , New York back in March for the annual, National Urban Alliance (NUA) for Effective Education Conference. This year’s theme: “Teaching for Intelligence Believe to Achieve”, was more than a series of ‘feel good’ sessions and motivational speeches. In fact, participants returned home armed with valuable information and skills they can use in their classrooms.

 The conference addressed the most critical issues facing educators today, including the achievement gap, graduation rates, multilingual education, language development and literacy, culture and learning, educator preparation, educational leadership in the 21st century and numerous other themes.        

 This is the third in a series of tradition and work that began November 2006 in Minneapolis .  Birmingham set the stage for last year’s conference and the feeling of collaboration, reflection and rejuvenation was passed on by the ‘torch of hope’ to the Albany experience.  The overall mission of the three day conference was designed for educators to walk away challenged with strategies which can be used across the curriculum to enhance student learning and achievement. Since 1989, NUA’s work has focused on the public schools of urban America , where the achievement gap is the greatest.

 

 

 

Bridgeport teachers and administrators, along with others from throughout the country learning NUA techniques. Pictured: Principal Steven Douglas of Luis Munoz Marin, enjoying the fun of learning and professional development.

 The NUA concept has been in Bridgeport schools for the past three years and so far 19 schools have taken advantage of the NUA strategies. Throughout the years, NUA mentors camp out in the schools working with educators. They demonstrate lessons in reading, writing, mathematics and literacy in various subjects with groups of students.  While the learning is happening in the classroom, teachers and other instructional staff members are coached to adapt the strategies. Beardsley, Blackham,  Barnum, Batalla, Bryant, Columbus, Curiale, Cross, Dunbar, Garfield, Hallen, Longfellow, Maplewood Annex, Marin, Madison, McKinley Read, Roosevelt and Waltersville are among the schools who have proudly worked NUA’s culturally relevant methodologies, to ensure no child is left behind.  

 

Gregory Pacific, reading and language arts teacher at James C. Curiale, gives NUA conference participants an inside look on how he blends NUA strategies with his teaching plan and style. Pacific said, "I love seeing the excitement in my students faces when they discover and challenge themselves in my classroom. NUA builds on their strengths and then I mediate the learning."

 Superintendent of schools Dr. John J. Ramos noted,

“We are certain that the Bridgeport/NUA initiative is not only providing our teachers with the necessary tools to enhance student learning, but it is also raising literacy and math scores. As a result, our students are gaining the confidence to pursue any professional or academic endeavor in the future, which reflects our mission: To prepare students to be college ready and prepared to succeed in life. We are committed to excellence in education for all youth, and we hope to continue this partnership to further develop the success of our students. We have outstanding teachers throughout our district who are committed to improve student achievement as well as their own professional growth.”

 Gregory Pacific, an eighth grade reading and language arts teacher from James J. Curiale, represented Bridgeport as a presenter at the NUA conference accompanied by literacy coaches Diana and Betsy Sisson. Pacific shared his thoughts about the impact and benefits he and his students have experienced through NUA. “The NUA program has a great impact because NUA believes that all children can learn and achieve at high levels. The strategies give students the confidence to succeed and understand material. They can be used across the curriculum to enhance student learning and achievement.  One of the benefits I have found with my students is that it is not overbearing.  Students can sometimes become discouraged when an assignment seems too difficult or long.  The NUA strategies are comfortable for students and allow them to understand material regardless of their learning level.  I have foun d that students retain information much better and have learned the different structures for answering questions. The NUA strategies work across the curriculum so we have seen improvement in a range of subject areas,” said Gregory Pacific.

 The president of the national organization, Eric Cooper was on hand to welcome the more than 1200 participants to Albany and reminded them of their assignment, to learn and share. Cooper said, “We have come together to listen and to speak; to be introspective and to be interactive; to reflect and renew; and, above all, to learn and to share. We all know that learning is best accomplished when we, the learners, work together with open minds and open hearts and are willing to listen, to change and commit.”

 

Superintendent, Dr. Ramos congratulating Sisson and Pacific after their presentation at the NUA Conference in Albany, New York. Ramos said, "His staff's presentation along with their NUA mentor was an excellent example of teamwork and collaboration." 

 Diana Sisson, a literacy coach at Curiale School , has worked in Bridgeport for seven years. Sisson said there is inherent value of the NUA practices.  “I think of two overarching benefits to students.  First, educators are encouraged to modify their instructional practices to be inclusive of culturally-responsive instruction.  I believe this is key in a school district that represents diverse backgrounds and cultures.

  Second, NUA pedagogy emphasizes critical thinking skill development, compelling students to think deeply about content as well as their understanding and perception of that content. Paired, with our mentors (NUA), I believe these teachers serve to meet the needs of our students and provide the quality education they deserve.”     

 

 Pacific and the Sisson sisters are optimistic that their lesson shared during the break out session will change the mindset of urban school districts. “I hope the other participants at the Albany conference were able to see the great things that we are doing and accomplishing in Bridgeport through our partnership with NUA,” said Gregory Pacific.

   “Since NUA is a well known and respected organization it is great way for us to be able to break free from some of the stereotypes that people may have about Bridgeport Public Schools. As we did at this national conference, we can show how the partnership between NUA and various Bridgeport schools has produced great success.”

 Betsy Sisson agreed, “We hope that the teachers/principals who attended the NUA Teaching for Intelligence Conference left with a feeling that urban school districts share common concerns about how to move their students forward.

 

Sisson team and others sharing & learning during workshop. 

 

More significantly, as part of the NUA national partnership, we hope that they left with an understanding that we are taking part in a national movement to move from a “one size fits all” educational system toward schools that address the unique needs of their students. Being involved in a national educational reform movement allows us to share innovative strategies from across the country and be a part of positive change to lessen the achievement gap that currently exists in the United States .”

 

Brenda Collins from the Literacy Department

(pictured on the right) shares her excitement about this professional development opportunity and witnessing all that NUA has to offer.

 

This workshop with team leaders from Bridgeport Schools had a packed house with teachers and administration from throughout the country in attendance.

 As the conference and workshops ended, the momentum and feeling of pride in education, love for students and the will to succeed continued as the daughter of the late Dr. Asa Hilliard III thanked organizers and participants for honoring the memory of her father through their every day. The conference was dedicated to Hilliard, a world renowned teacher, psychologist and historian. 

 Dr. Hilliard died in Egypt on August 13, 2007 from complications due to malaria. He was in Egypt with students, continuing his world-renowned work on African studies and its impact on western culture. Professor Hilliard worked closely with NUA since its inception.

 
For more information about NUA 
Visit their website: www.nuatc.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NUA'S 10 POINT APPROACH

1. Advocates for Children
   National & local advocacy affirming that all children have the ability and deserve the opportunity to attain the highest levels of achievement.
   
   
2. Assesses the Situation
   On-site instructional assessment of the schools & district.
   
   
3. Provides Action Plan
   Action plan for accelerating achievement based on the instructional assessment, tailored to each district & school.
   
   
4. Motivates Teachers
   Systemic support for a highly qualified, highly motivated teacher in every classroom.
   
   
5. Engages the Community
   Engagement with principals, teachers, parents, and the community to reinforce & animate belief in the potential of each student.
   
   
6. Eliminates Achievement Gaps
   Modeling of successful instructional strategies to engage culturally diverse students and to accelerate, enrich & sustain student learning.
   
   
7. Uses Proven Products
   Focus on strategies & techniques for using proven products and programs to improve student outcomes.
   
   
8. Aligns with Standards
   Alignment of instruction & assessment with state standards for student achievement.
   
   
9. Succeeds with NCLB
   Practical support for realistic implementation of "No Child Left Behind," with focus on measures of accountability, high content and pedagogy.
   
   
10. Builds Local Leadership
    Development of community & school leadership to ensure educational excellence for all.