Washington County Demonstration Site
Educational Goals and Objectives
The central goal of the Oregon Outreach
demonstration sites is to expand the participation of Latino children
and families in educational programming that focuses on the development
of knowledge, skills, and competencies that will lead to roles as participating,
productive, and caring adults. Specific educational goals and objectives
have been developed at each site to further define the central goal as
it applies to local needs and assets.
The list of educational goals and objectives is considered to be a "working
document" and is modified and refined as the program matures. It
is designed to communicate a shared understanding of the program's focus
and content, keep program activities on target and consistent with the
identified focus and content, and provide direction for assessing
program outcomes. It further offers a resource to draw upon
in developing plans of work, designing or evaluating curriculum materials,
preparing supplemental funding proposals, recruiting potential collaborators,
and soliciting community support.
The educational goals and objectives for the Washington County Demonstration
Site appear below. (For a summary of program results related to these
goals and objectives, see key
outcomes.)
Goals
Discussion of the findings from the local needs and assets analysis led
to the development of three goals relating to educational programming:
- Latino youth will develop skills and competencies that will enhance
their school performance and facilitate their involvement in community
service.
- Latino youth will strengthen their cultural identity and their
appreciation of intergenerational relationships.
- Latino youth will gain understanding and experience support that
will enable them to envision a bright future for themselves.
Objectives
These goals are being addressed using the following objectives to design,
deliver, and evaluate the educational programs being offered. Examples
of learning activities supporting each objective are also listed for each
of the three current programs (the Web Wizards Computer and Internet Technology
program, the Video and Media Arts project, and the Summer Day Camp).
Program participants will be expected to:
- Increase their skills in technology (connectivity) and its applications.
Supporting activities: Web Wizards Basic focuses on learning
related to Internet technology and web page construction. Advanced skill
levels focus on more advanced specialized technology. The Video and
Media Arts project focuses on technology relating to video production.
- Gain knowledge, skills, and experience relating to career opportunities
in business and technology.
Supporting activities: All levels of Web Wizards include units
on careers in computer science and technology. Students also create
web pages for local businesses, learning about marketing, time lines,
contracts, budgets, and generating income. The Video and Media Arts
project provides hands-on training for preparation in media-related
careers. Participants learn production design and development, including
operation of video, audio, lighting, and editing equipment.
- Learn and practice decision making, problem solving, and goal setting
skills.
Supporting activities: Web Wizards Basic introduces a decision
making model and also addresses the related areas of problem solving
and goal setting. Each student selects a goal to achieve and is supported
by a mentor throughout the process. Advanced levels include more advanced
information and application opportunities. In the Video and Media Arts
project, students work in teams to set goals, make production and design
decisions, and solve problems relating to team activities.
- Expand their participation in community service activities.
Supporting activities: Web Wizard students at all levels have
opportunities for service, with the support of the adult mentors. High
school students mentor middle school students, teaching basic computer
skills. They also volunteer at local libraries and community resource
centers to teach basic computer skills to Latino patrons. Advanced
student activities for the Video and Media Arts project include facilitating
parent and community dialogues featuring team-produced videos and study
guides and teaching Video and Media Arts skills to middle school students.
Advanced students also volunteer for additional community service projects
related to video and media arts.
- Enhance their cultural awareness and strengthen their cultural
identity.
Supporting activities: All three programs are bilingual, with
mentors who are both bilingual and bicultural. As part of the Web Wizards
curriculum, students discuss culturally-related issues such as the attributes
of a positive role model in their culture (with implications for being
a mentor), the importance of volunteerism in a multicultural environment
(with implications for service), and the value of intergenerational
relationships (with implications for mentoring contacts by adults and
youth). Videos and study guides in the Video and Media Arts project
focus on various aspects of Latino culture and issues faced by Latino
youth and families. The Summer Day Camp explores Latino history,
geography, and culture through recreational, educational, and artistic
activities.
- Develop a positive sense of self and positive aspirations for their
future.
Supporting activities: Self esteem is a complex concept not entirely
understood. Current thinking, however, links the development of positive
self esteem with a variety of contributing factors reinforcing growth
and affirming positive attributes. All three programs offer a package
of supportive activities providing opportunities for youth to be successful
learners and role models, participate in meaningful experiences, see
themselves as valuable community resources, express pride in their ethnic
identity, and experience a positive relationship with an adult role
model from their own culture.
- Improve school performance and reduce at-risk behaviors.
Supporting activities: Web
Wizards students are referred to the program by school personnel,
but participation is voluntary. (Although the program avoids labeling,
these students might be described as "moderately-at-risk".)
Web Wizards addresses at-risk behavior by providing opportunities for
alternate activities focusing on positive youth development. For both
Web Wizards and the Video and Media Arts project (whose participants
are not necessarily at risk), improved school performance is encouraged
through activities supporting, reinforcing, and extending classroom
learning. Discussions of employment and career opportunities generate
and sustain interest in completing school.
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