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In the 1996-97 school year, CISP, in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, began the Transitional Opportunities Promoting Success (TOPS) program to provide an alternative educational environment and curriculum for students who were returning to school from a variety of nontraditional circumstances and who were having difficulty attending and achieving in a traditional classroom setting. Some students were prior dropouts, returning from incarceration or missed time from school because of pregnancy and parenting. Whatever their individual circumstances, TOPS students were characterized as being overage and/or under-credentialed. The mission of the TOPS Classroom is to provide a specially designed School-to-Career Program to help these students earn credits toward graduation, and when feasible, help them make a smooth transition into National Academy Foundation (NAF) within the same high school.
To serve the special needs of these students, TOPS Classrooms were established in four of the School District's Comprehensive High Schools. Designated classrooms were set aside, teachers received special training, and a curriculum tailored to the unique needs of these students was developed. Additional supportive curriculum materials emphasized employability and life skills. Since 1996, over 600 students have successfully completed the program and received their High School Diploma.
TOPS provides alternative education to students who are overage and/or returning to school from nontraditional circumstances. Environments were established, conducive for learning, and are ones in which the students feel safe and comfortable. Pre-level testing, in addition to credit assessments, are used to gauge academic benchmarks for each student. All students are taught from a standards-based curriculum, emphasizing Basic English and math. Each student is provided with continuous support from teachers and referrals of outside support through social service agencies when necessary. A modified school day allows the student to work or volunteer while attending school.
Eligibility for TOPS includes, but is not limited to, students who are:
• under 18 years of age
• pregnant and/or parenting
• behind in classroom credits earned
• disciplinary transfers
• returning to school from incarceration
School principals, guidance counselors or the student can initiate referrals for classroom enrollment. Students seeking enrollment on their own behalf must call the school to make an appointment with the TOPS Classroom teacher. Before admission into the program, the teacher and the student review the appropriate records and credit profiles. Math and English skills assessment tests are administered upon enrollment and at program termination.
Transitional Opportunities Promoting Success operates at University City High School.
Contact:
Darnetta Fuller
Administrator, TOPS
dfuller@cisphl.org
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