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Programs
Program Evaluation and Results
YLFR takes data collection and evaluation of our children’s performance very seriously. The entire staff is dedicated to producing lasting results in the children’s lives; therefore, the organization carefully implements the evaluation process outlined below:
Each student has his or her own Individualized Education Plan referred to as the GPA, or goals, plans, and assessments. The GPA incorporates the necessary components for student improvements. These are written documents for staff, parents, students and other stakeholders to view each child's academic and character achievements. We require our certified teachers to create four goals for each student, which include objective academic goals. The resulting plan encompasses the action steps necessary to strengthen the student’s weak areas. At the end of each semester, an assessment is conducted to keep the teachers accountable to helping students reach their goals. Learning Center teachers hold a meeting with the student, parent(s), and teachers from the child's school to discuss the goals and add additional information to the plan; this group reconvenes each semester to check on the student’s progress.
In just five years, we have seen dramatic improvements in attitudes and academic achievements among the children at our Delmont Learning Center. In the 2007-2008 school year, our students accomplished the following:
- 74% increased their reading comprehension score by more than one grade level, with many of them improving by more than two to three grade levels. Each of our students read at least thirty minutes a day with an adult mentor
- 74% improved at least one grade level in Writing
- 65% improved at least one grade level in Math
- 48% improved at least one grade level in all subject areas
- 52% achieved honor roll at least once during the last school year
- 57% earned the Citizenship Award for outstanding conduct
- 78% earned Excellent Attendance Award
- 100% improved in all tested areas, with 50% improving more than one grade level
Experiencing personal achievement and receiving recognition have improved the self-esteem and confidence level of the children. They proudly display their certificates and awards to our staff and mentors when they have been successful at school. Likewise, parents have become more involved in supporting their children’s development. Parents, children, and teachers continually express their appreciation for the Youth Life Learning Centers. This positive reception is a testimony to the power of making a long-term commitment to love, develop, and nurture the children of the communities that we serve.