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SAGE (Student Achievement Guarantee in Education)

Our school is one of many  MPS Schools participating in the SAGE program, funded by the Wisconsin D.P.I. The main goal of this program is to improve student achievement. The target grades are K-3. Class size is 15 students per teacher. Since most schools lack classroom space, two teachers each teach 15 students inside the same classroom. We organized some of our SAGE classrooms in a cross grade arrangement, such as grades K&1 and 1&2 in the same classrooms. Teachers and parents are pleased with the program. Most of the mandatory goals in reading, math and language arts are achieved each year. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction provides SAGE funding at the rate of $2,000.00 for each child who receives free or reduced lunch in the SAGE targeted grades (K-3). As an example, our school had free/reduce eligible children in Grade K-3 in the fall of 2003. Therefore, our SAGE budget for 2003-2004 was $850,000.00.

THE MAJOR COMPONENTS OF OUR 5-YEAR SAGE CONTRACT WITH THE STATE DPI 
1.Purpose                                                                                                                                                                 

The purpose of the SAGE program is to IMPROVE the ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT of ALL 

children in Grades K-3 through implementation of four strategies:
* 15:1 pupil/teacher ratio in Grades Kgn-3rd
* Family / Community Involvement in school program
* Rigorous Curriculum in Reading, Language & Math
* Staff Development & Evaluation for SAGE teachers 

2. PARTICIPANTS
The focus is on schools with high poverty rates. During 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 for example, 98% of the children at Wisconsin Avenue School were eligible for free or reduced lunch.


3. ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
Major components of the Performance Objectives:
*CONTENT What is expected to know/Be able to do *PERFORMANCE - Demonstration of achievement. *PROFICIENCY - Level of student achievement

* AREAS OF INSTRUCTION & ASSESSMENT
- Reading, Language Arts and Mathematics
- Assess annually for grades in the program (K-3)
- Developmentally appropriate methods measures
- School measured by own goals (few & focused)

4. CLASS SIZE -15 STUDENTS to 1 TEACHER SAGE teachers instruct no more than 15 pupils, grade only 15 papers, and work with 15 families. Due to the limited space in most schools, two teachers each teach 15 children in the same classroom. Some SAGE teachers use room dividers, team-teaching and other adaptations to provide the best possible teaching and learning atmosphere for each of our unique children.

SAGE - BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM
Wisconsin Avenue School offers an exciting Before/After School Program for all students interested in enhancing their reading and comprehension skills, as well as test-taking skills Children are also offered time to get assistance with homework. There are approximately 150 students presently enrolled in this SAGE-funded program. Students are grouped according to grade and reading levels so as to give them the appropriate assistance and enhancement they need. Groups are kept small (10-15 per classroom) to give individualized assistance. The program runs one hour prior to the start of the school day and 1 ¼ hours after school. The program offers students the opportunity to meet new friends, as well as a time to strengthen their learning skills.


Title 1 School Program
For many years schools throughout the U.S. have received Title 1 federal funds to supplement their instructional programs. Schools in poverty, based upon percentage of free/reduced lunch, are eligible to receive Title 1 funds at an established rate per child. Our school is eligible for Title 1 funding with 98% of our 550 children receiving free or reduced payment breakfast and lunch. The focus of our Title 1 funding has for years been centered around technology and computer education for all of our K-5 students. Title 1 funds have been used to establish and support two computer labs, with thirty (30) Dell PCs in each lab. The CCC software has been upgraded twice. Kindergarten children learn keyboarding skills and basic readiness skills in their daily lessons in a lab. All children in our twenty-two classrooms are scheduled for daily computer assisted instruction (CAI).  Beyond basic and valuable drill lessons, beginning at each child's entry level in reading and math, children word process, create original stories, explore the net and are involved in other activities as guided by lab and classroom teachers. 

Since 1993, Title 1 funds have been used to support four, five and six week all-day summer school sessions designed to strengthen the learning skills of our students. Children who attended each summer session from k5 ot grade 5 were in the classroom approximately 180 extra days, one full year. Our current Title 1 local school funds are used to fund one CAI lab para, four educational assistants, a technology coordinator, supplies, equipment, field trips, parent conferences & meeting expenses. Each classroom has 2-8 computers for use by our children. See the "Technology" section of our web site for more information.