SPECIAL PROGRAMS OFFERED AT IRENE B. WEST ELEMENTARY

Computers
We have a computer lab equipped with 36 HP Compaq computers; all students in grades 1-6 use the lab. We have at least one computer in each classroom for students to use. By the time children complete Irene B West Elementary School, they can type by touch, use computers for word processing, utilize graphics, and conduct on-line research.

How does I. B. West Elementary Use Technology?

English Language Development

All teachers are trained to work with children whose first language is not English. Techniques and strategies such as controlled vocabulary, use of visual aides, hands-on activities, total physical response (TPR), and primary language support are given to help students succeed in strengthening and learning English skills.

CELDT
The CELDT (California English Language Development Test) is administered to new students within 30 days of beginning school. All students who are still identified as English language learners are reassessed annually by October 31st. On going testing will be done as students arrive at our school.

Healthy Start Assistance
Healthy Start is a State funded grant servicing four elementary schools in the Elk Grove Unified School District. Healthy Start enables students and families at our school to receive the following:

  • A comprehensive range of prevention oriented services that promote a healthy start for all children.
  • A child and family support network established and maintained through on-going collaboration of families, schools, community based organizations and city and county service agencies in order to maximize student and family potential.
  • Support for parents to maintain active participation in their child’s education.
  • Effective communication, team building and service evaluation between and among parents, schools and agencies, in order to promote Healthy Start goals.

Language, Speech, and Hearing Program (LSH)
A speech and language specialist is assigned to our school to assist students with identified needs. To qualify, students must be assessed by the specialist and meet certain qualifying criteria. The specialist also works closely with the Learning Center and the Student Study Team.

Think Together
THINK is an acronym that stands for Teaching, Helping, Inspiring & Nurturing Kids. And “together” with parents, teachers, school administrators, volunteers and our dedicated staff, we’re helping our students achieve their full potential.
THINK Together is one of the nation’s largest and leading non-profit providers of extended learning time programs (after-school, small group tutoring, summer learning, early literacy, etc.). Each year, our talented staff of 2,000 along with hundreds of volunteers serve 75,000 at-risk and low-income students at 300 sites across California – from San Diego to Sacramento County and including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

THINK Together’s dedicated staff and high-quality learning programs have demonstrated they can successfully help students and local schools close the academic achievement gap. A multi-year longitudinal study indicates: in general, students who participate in THINK Together’s after-school learning programs show twice the rate of growth in their California Standards Test (CST) scores as compared to their local peers. Where THINK Together’s after-school programs are intentionally aligned with normal school-day learning, students show even greater rates of growth in their CST scores.

Student Study Team
The Student Study Team (SST) is an effective way to bring tighter all resources to support students experiencing difficulties in regular classes (a group problem solving method). The team meets at the request of a teacher or parent or guardian for a concentrated problem-solving meeting where all the involved persons are present. The parent or guardian will be asked to participate in person or give input by phone conference. During the Student Study Team meeting, either specific recommendations or a comprehensive action plan will be formulated in an effort to assist the student. A brief follow-up meeting is scheduled to assess the child’s progress and make further recommendations that will enhance the child’s opportunities to succeed.