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Camelot Accelerated Schools lauded in new study
Jobs for the Future cites impressive gains using experimental program 

(October 25, 2011) –A study issued today by education advocates Jobs for the Future found that Philadelphia’s accelerated high school programs operated by Camelot showed remarkable results in bringing drop-outs and over-age students back up to grade level and ready for college.

The study – examining the 2009-2010 school year – found that between one fourth and one third of students advanced four grade levels in math and English. More than two thirds of students achieved progress of more than two grade levels.

“We have achieved great success for our students by combining JFF’s University Park Campus School teaching techniques with Camelot’s system of structure and peer accountability. As a result, we are helping Philadelphia lead the nation in closing the graduation gap – and more importantly getting these kids on track to a future with hope,” said Camelot Schools CEO Todd Bock.

School systems are looking with increasing interest at credit recovery and alternative education as a way to help more students graduate. JFF has been working with the Philadelphia Youth Network and the Philadelphia School District’s Office of Multiple Pathways to evaluate adapting a leadership and instructional approach originally designed for small, innovative high schools serving low-income populations.

A pilot program began in a small group of Philadelphia accelerated schools, including the two Camelot Excel sites, using these instructional strategies and a coaching program. Based on data from the first year studied, the University Park Campus School instructional model showed strong potential for accelerating the learning of off-track students.

According to the study, the two Philadelphia schools that most closely implemented the strategies – Excel Academy North and Excel Academy South – achieved strong skill gains. The study also points to a 2010 report by Mathematica that showed when comparing students at high risk for dropping out, accelerated school students graduated at higher rates and earned more credits over the one school year period.

“These strategies were made for this population. The students thrive in this environment. They were so unsuccessful previously, and now they have a chance to be successful. It just opens their eyes to what the possibilities are,” said Excel South principal Stephanie Goshert.

Some key lessons learned by JFF in its first year of studying Philadelphia accelerated schools include:

• Off-track students with large and varied gaps in their learning benefit from teaching one another.
• Students who were previously held to low expectations can quickly learn to take academic initiative.
• When students are engaged in and responsible for their learning, behavior problems decrease dramatically.
• When students are fully engaged, schools can reallocate staff to instruction (instead of discipline).
• Through collaborative learning, formerly out-of-school youth can build the social skills needed for success in college and the workplace.

JFF brings teachers and school leaders to its Massachusetts campus to learn these teaching strategies, but now, encouraged by the Philadelphia results, Jobs for the Future and Camelot are going to develop Excel South as a demonstration site to bring instructors to the school.

 “Visiting educators enter the classroom, where they observe teachers and students utilizing the JFF instructional strategies.  After the observation, the educators receive additional training regarding the instruction they observed.  Finally, they enter the classroom as informed observers enabled to better analyze the instruction taking place,” said Camelot’s COO, Joseph Carter.

 “We think this takes professional development to another level.  Rather than merely discussing what happens in an effective classroom, participants are able observe actual instruction and interactions between teachers and students which transforms the classroom into a laboratory for professional development. We are proud that JFF chose Camelot to set up this alternative school lab.”

To read the full JFF report, go to www.jff.org.