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Academia Cesar Chavez Charter School 
Institution name:
Address: 1800 Ames Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55119
Telephone: (651) 778-2940
Extension:
Fax:
Web address: http://www.cesarchavezschool.com
 
Name: Academia Cesar Chavez
Title: Ramona A. de Rosales
Address: 1800 Ames Avenue
St. Paul,  MN  55119
Email: raderosales@cesarchavezschool.com
Telephone: (651) 294-4640
Extension:
Fax:
Purposes and goals of the program:
The Academia Cesar Chavez offers pre-school through adult education for the Latino community. It provides dual-language education with the goal of preparing critically thinking, socially competent, values driven, and culturally aware learners of Spanish and English by advocating Latino heritage values in an environment of family and community.
Program origin:
The idea for the school's foundation came from an outreach program by the University of St. Thomas called the Hispanic Pre-College Project.  Focus groups of parents and community members requested a school with a focus on Latino language and culture.  In May 2000, the State of Minnesota granted a charter to the Academia, and the school opened in September, 2001.
Program funding:
Sponsor = University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN)
 
Languages/dialects taught:
  • Spanish
    •
    Program type:  School-Based
      Elementary
         Grades taught: K-6
      Secondary
         Grades taught:
      Adult
    Average enrollment: 317
    Total contact hours per week: 30
    Times per week classes meet: 5
    When meetings take place:
    Regularly scheduled classes: 9:15-4:15 After-school program hours: 4:15-5:15
    Where meetings take place:
    School
    Parents' or guardians' expectations of the program:
    Parents can expect an education for their children at no cost to them, with a free breakfast and free/reduced cost lunch program for families who qualify. Said one parent: "My son's teacher has gone well beyond my expectations in keeping me informed individualy and also by sending home weekly reports on the class as a whole. He has felt welcome and challenged while learning about his cultural heritage and native language."
    Parents' or guardians' involvement in the program:
    Instructors' expectations of the program:
    Number of instructors in the program
    Full-time instructors: 22
    Part-time instructors:
    Volunteer instructors:
    Languages in which instructors are proficient:
    English, Spanish
    Educational backgrounds and credentials of instructors
    (e.g., diploma, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, certificate):
    Professional development opportunities instructors have:
    Professional development opportunities instructors need:
    Students' expectations of the program:
    The Academia accepts all students regardless of their ethnicity or national origin.  However, the student population is mostly Hispanic- 91%, with 2% White, 4% Black, and 3% Native American student representation.
    The Academia is a tuition-free school.
    Student background
    First-generation immigrants:
    Second-generation immigrants:
    Third-generation immigrants:
    Children of interethnic marriages:
    Children of interethnic adoption:
    Indigenous students:
    Others:
    Students' countries of origin:
    How the program identifies heritage language speakers:
    Average enrollment: 317
    Approximate percentage of students who complete the program:
    Approximate percentage of students who continue to study the heritage language after completing the program:
    Possible reasons that students continue to study the heritage language after completing the program:
    Total contact hours per week: 30
    Times per week: 9:15-4:15
    Student grouping (e.g., proficiency level, grade, age):
    Grade level
    Language skills taught in the program (e.g., reading, writing, speaking, and listening):
    •All students receive Language Development in both Spanish and English daily based on their level of proficiency •Strong emphasis on developing students’ math, reading, and writing skills •Reading Teacher •Math Teacher •English as a Second Language teachers, all working in small groups to provide intervention to students
    Aspects of culture included in the program (e.g., history, literature, traditions):
    The school is intentional about celebrating traditional holidays from the Hispanic world, such as Mexican Independence, el Día de Los Muertos, el Cinco de Mayo, and Cesar Chavez Day. Family-intended special events are often held in the cafeteria.
    Other content taught in the program:
    Special education services also available to eligible students.
    Instructional methodologies used in the program:
    • Class time • Yearly home visits conducted by instructional staff to build relationships with families • After-school academic support and enrichment programming
    Levels of language proficiency reached by the end of the program (e.g., ACTFL proficiency levels, language tasks able to perform):
    Complience with AMAO standards, including English ability testing (TEAE).
    Textbooks:
    Manuals and workbooks:
    Self-designed materials:
    Films, videos, and DVDs:
    Music:
    Technology:
    Standardized tests used:
    TEAE, MNSOLOM - Enligh language proficiency
    Other assessments used:
    Math and Reading proficiency from the State of Minnesota
    Connections with local schools or other organizations:
    Sponsor- U. of St. Thomas
    Credit received from formal education system:
    Types of support received (e.g., financial, time from parents or volunteers):
    Additional support desired:
    Challenges faced by the program:
     
    Comments: