BEAT THE Odds School Partners Program
BackgroundBeat the Odds began as a research study that wanted to answer the question, "What does it take to get great results in schools with mostly low-income, minority students?" The findings, published in 2006, pointed to six keys, or principles for success: clear bottom line, ongoing assessment, strong and steady principal, collaborative solutions, stick with the program and built to suit. The Beat the Odds Institute was founded by Dr. Lattie Coor under the umbrella of the Center for the Future of Arizona to implement the results of this research study. The institute, in turn, developed the Beat the Odds School Partners Program to provide training, assistance and support to principals in applying the six keys for success.
Our MissionOur mission is to significantly improve individual student achievement and align student performance with national and global standards.
Partner School Goals| • | Earn a designation of at least "performing" on state assessments |
| • | Increase test scores in reading, writing and math |
| • | Perform better than predicted by demographics |
Partner School Objectives
| • | Implement and practice the six keys for success |
| • | Assess and benchmark their school's current academic progress |
| • | Develop an action plan based on the needs of their school population |
| • | Attend partner meetings to gain new knowledge, network and collaborate with others |
| • | Share information through the Beat the Odds website |
Our Services and Products
| • | Research information / Contributions to the field |
| • | Mentoring program for principals |
| • | Partner meetings for principals and mentors |
| • | Training seminars |
| • | Parents as Partners Program |
| • | Online resource center / Website |
| • | Recognition program |
Our Geographic Area
The 85 schools participating in the 2009-2010 Beat the Odds School Partners Program are located in the metro Phoenix area, in Tucson and surrounding areas, and in Whiteriver, Arizona. Opportunities for participation in seminars covering the Beat the Odds research and concepts are available nationwide.
Our Fees
Schools typically participate in the School Partners Program for three years. The annual fee for 2009-2010 partners is $7,500 per school. Fees for seminars vary according to the program provided.
Additional Information
Marjorie Kaplan, Ph.D., Director, Beat the Odds Institute
Tel: 602-496-1360 or E-mail: marjorie.kaplan@asu.edu