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Important Collaborations The SOAR program is a unique collaboration among several organizations. Each organization contributes important information and resources which combine to foster the strongest potential for reaching the goal of students who are successful in school. The Graduate School of Library Information and Science The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS) is recognized as a premier institution, frequently ranked number one and consistently among the top three library and information graduate schools in the U.S. For more than 100 years, GSLIS has prepared students for careers as leaders in information professions and research. As one of the oldest LIS schools in the country, Illinois helped establish and develop the methods used in the field of library and information science today. Graduates are adept at using the latest technology and methods for reference, research, information organization, and other professional tasks. The field is necessarily interdisciplinary, and the GSLIS recruits faculty with strong theoretical and methodological foundations who understand libraries and the broader context of information systems and services. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is considered one of the finest universities in the world. With a wealth of resources and highly ranked departments, Illinois long has been recognized for accomplishments in research and graduate education. Illinois boasts the third largest academic research library in the U.S., which includes a separate Library and Information Science Library. The mission of the GSLIS is to provide: Graduate education for leaders in research and practice in the fields of library and information science; Groundbreaking research to advance preservation of and access to information in both traditional and digital libraries and in the many settings outside of libraries where large amounts of critical information are collected; Useful service to librarians and other information service providers, as well as to the citizens of Illinois. In 1993 and 1996, library educators ranked Illinois first overall among schools of library and information science in providing the following: The highest quality education for librarianship at the master's level (the master's degree program is accredited by the American Library Association). The highest quality education for librarianship at the doctoral level. Faculty members who contribute most significantly to the advancement of the profession through research, publication, and leadership. In its most recent ranking of library and information programs, U.S. News and World Reports ranked GSLIS the top program in the nation. The faculty's areas of interest are as diverse as the students enrolled in the School. Highly regarded, the faculty pursue their scholarly interests and share discoveries and theories with students and colleagues alike. Current faculty projects include collaborations on campus with the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, the Institute for Competitive Manufacturing, the University Library, and the Center for Children's Books, and off campus with the Illinois State Library and individual libraries. Booker T. Washington Elementary School Two hundred fifty students attend Booker T. Washington Elementary School. One of the fastest growing programs is the Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) Program for bilingual Spanish speaking students. BTW serves a large Hispanic population as well as students from Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and other countries. The staff and families are very proud of the BTW, small family community. Technology is integrated into the regular curriculum to support, enhance and extend learning. Skills are developed in an interdisciplinary elementary education program that provides for the needs of the individual student. Visual and performing arts along with a strong emphasis on foreign language acquisition are important parts of the school’s strong curriculum. Designed to provide students with the opportunity to study the visual arts as an academic discipline, the arts program focuses upon four content areas: Art Making, Art Appreciation, Art Heritage, and Art Criticism. Art projects are integrated as often as possible with the core academic curriculum and literacy goals. In addition, at Booker T. Washington, all students are exposed to the three areas of the performing arts: Drama, Dance, and Music. Further, all students receive 30 minutes of French or Spanish every other day, the only Unit 4 elementary school to do so. As the site for the Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) Program, Booker T. Washington has a history of involvement with students from throughout the world. International students comprise slightly more than one-third of the enrollment and provide a rich resource for learning more about world cultures. Plans for Two-Way Immersion for English and Spanish students are being designed for the 2007-08 School Year. In addition, two self-contained gifted classrooms are at Booker T. Washington. School-wide enrichment is also offered in the areas of academics, creativity, and leadership. BTW School promotes a safe, positive, and orderly learning environment. To this end, everyone in the BTW community practice a system of “Rights and Responsibilities,” with the belief that the development and exercise of both are important in developing citizens who contribute positively to the growth of our community and world. Further, BTW School believes it is important to empower students, teaching them that in many situations they have the power of choice. BTW School teaches, supports, and encourages responsible and positive decision-making. Parents are “partners,” BTW needs their involvement and support to help children maximize their potential. Parents are always welcome, encouraged to come to school, visit the classroom, volunteer to assist, have lunch with their child. BTW School is a community (parents, students, and staff) and a “family.” In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them. The Don Moyers Boys & Girls Clubs offer that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow -- all while having fun. It is truly The Positive Place For Kids. We are dedicated to providing the facilities, services and support necessary to instill a sense of community, spirit, achievement, cooperation and self-esteem in the youth of Champaign County. The organization's programs and activities strive to improve the quality of life for each child served and insure a strong foundation for the future of our community, nation and world. The commitment of the club extends to all youth regardless of nationality, religion, race, creed or sex. La Casa Cultural Latina provides a welcoming environment for all who are interested in learning about issues relevant to the Latina/o community. Since its founding in 1974, La Casa Cultural Latina at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Latina/o students, the campus, and local as well as global communities. La Casa reflects the diversity of Latina/o cultures and exemplifies el exito Latino that shapes the Americas in our contemporary world.The mission of La Casa Cultural Latina is to promote a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere through the development of educational, cultural, socio-political, and social programs that lead to greater recruitment, retention, advancement, and empowerment of Latina/o students. La Casa engages current and future leaders through mentorship, civic engagement, and the promotion of social advocacy. La Casa Cultural Latina strives to promote a diverse and welcoming environment that supports full inclusion for all members of the university community. We recognize and respect the human dignity of all individuals and communities. We seek to provide arenas for the exploration of personal and community identities and opportunities to increase understanding and valuing of differences. The Latino Partnership of Greater Champaign County The Latino Partnership of Champaign County is a clearinghouse agency that exists to support and improve the services offered to the Latino population in Champaign County. The Latino Partnership was founded in 2002 in response to the need for human services in the growing Latino community in greater Champaign County and the difficulties in reaching that community experienced by area organizations. As our primary mission, the Latino Partnership of Champaign County enhances collaboration, promotes initiatives and increases public awareness and understanding in order to benefit the Latino community. These goals are accomplished through networking, outreach and training. Our mission is to collaboration with area agencies to enhance their effectiveness as they endeavor to serve the growing Latino community of Champaign County. We strive to increase public awareness and understanding of Latino needs and issues. We provide community outreach to connect with area Latinos and better understand their needs. |
Morey, October, 2007