One Man’s Dream - Providing Better Education for the Youth of South Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA --

"A wonderful person who wants more African Americans and Hispanics to go to college and succeed" Melissa Antonio, 11th grade

"Dr. Yaw what can I say about him? He is a good Math teacher, has a good personality and does not play around. He is very serious about education and has set a high standard for us" - Omari Wise, 10th Grade

"I love the fact that he is motivating and encourages us because he knows we could reach any goals we set our minds to; he really ensures that no child is left behind." - Martha Barba, 11th grade

"A great man and Mathematician who understands students, he makes us want to persevere and pushes us to the limit." - Niall Goodluck, 11th Grade

The above comments are about Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, a Ghanaian who resides in Los Angeles and is the Chief Executive Officer of New Designs Charter School. They were made recently by students when Ghanaweb visited the school.

An overview - New Design Charter School

Over the past several decades the public education system in this country has fallen into a state of disarray. The current national dropout rate is in the high thirties and in Los Angeles it is nearly forty-four percent. Although, all students are adversely affected, students of color and those from low socio-economic backgrounds are suffering the most. In fact, it seems that African-American and Latino students are missing the proverbial boat. This particular chain of events is doubly troubling because they are not only failing in the classroom but they are not receiving the skills that they will need to be competitive in the workforce.

As a Math and Technology teacher in the LAUSD Dr. Yaw Adutwum observed this disturbing trend and vowed to do what ever he could to correct the situation. Through seminars and observations he noticed that his students were just as gifted as any he encountered in the more affluent districts. The problem he saw was a lack of motivation and low academic self-esteem. His students simply needed something to be a part of; a place where their opinions mattered and they were challenged. He also, understood that he would need the freedom to implement his vision if he was ever going to be able to positively impact the youth of South Los Angeles. With that in mind he began an eight year journey in which he went to countless educational conferences, professional development meetings, and spent thousands of dollars getting his masters and doctorate in education to better prepare him to start his own school. The school that Dr. Adutwum envisioned was New Designs Charter School. The School serves as an educational oasis in South Los Angeles. Students at New Designs are not just coming to school they are coming to their extended family. The entire faculty and staff of the school have bought into the concept of educating the whole child. Although, standardized testing and academic achievement are taken very seriously at New Designs they are not the sole focus. In fact, every morning students take part in a "mood check" in which they share their feelings with their classmates and teachers. In addition, each student has a faculty advisor who assists them both academically and socially.

Consequently, with all the individual attention that the students receive they have responded with one of the highest Academic Performance Index, (API) scores in the city. In addition, due to devotion of the faculty, students, and parents the school was able to attain WASC accreditation in only its second year of operation. The school has been able to achieve all of this with all of its funding coming from Average Daily Attendance, (ADA). In short, New Designs functions at a high level of productivity with a minimum of economic input. Therefore, it is even more remarkable that New Designs Charter School is on the forefront of pedagogical reform and its students are performing at exceptionally high levels. New Designs Charter School serves as a reminder that when presented with the opportunity students of color and low economic status can perform just as well as their more affluent counterparts.

The New Designs Model

New Designs Charter School derives its name from the New Designs for Learning, a national organization currently based in Oregon State University. The organization headed by Dr. George Copa has developed a model for the integration of academic and technical education curriculums. The New Designs model also emphasizes service learning, strong parent participation, post-secondary articulation and industry as well as community partnerships.

Vision

In pursuit of excellence, the New Designs Charter School will prepare students to succeed in a global, diverse; information based, and technologically advanced society.

Mission

The New Designs Charter School is committed to the development of a college-preparatory learning environment that will enable students to become literate, self-motivated, and lifelong learners.

Goals and Objectives

In line with our vision and mission, New Designs Charter School students will:

Meet the A-G requirements of the University of California/California State University systems.

Become technologically proficient, mastering core technology competencies and completing an information technology career major. Become proficient in academic core areas in accordance with district, state, and federal standards emphasizing literacy, mathematics, science, technology, and civic responsibility. Develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to be productive and responsible citizens.

Develop essential life skills to become self-motivated, competent, and lifelong learners, conduct themselves appropriately and contribute to a safe and orderly atmosphere both in the school and in their community. Respect and appreciate diverse cultures within and outside their school. Participate in our early college program by completing at least six units of college level course work while in high school.

Accomplishments

New Designs Charter School is an LAUSD approved charter school located in the heart of South Los Angeles. From the commencement of operations New Designs has been an academic forerunner in the community, posting an Academic Performance Index, (API) score of 659 in its inaugural year (2004-05). The score of 659 and the subsequent statewide ranking of 3 are higher than any traditional school in the community. In the second year of operations, New Designs Charter School set a much higher record, this time posting an Academic Performance Index, (API) score of 679, the statewide ranking of 4 and a similar schools ranking of 9 out of 10. This performance again is higher than all the traditional schools in the community. In 2007 New Designs posted a similar schools ranking of 8 and is still an academic leader in South Los Angeles. In fact, no traditional secondary school in the area has a statewide ranking above 1. The School ended its second year of operation with 280 students, third year with 425 students and is currently offering its exemplary academic programs to nearly 560 students in grades six through eleven. The School is poised to exceed the Adequate Yearly Progress; (AYP) benchmark set by the federal government and continues to make strides in academics, community outreach, and the overall enrichment of the families that it serves. Besides its great academic program, the school also offers CIF sponsored athletics in Football, Soccer, Basketball, and Track and Field. New Designs Charter School also competes in the national Academic Decathlon, cheerleading, and step team competitions.

Historical Timeline:

November, 2002: New Designs Charter School receives $450,000 in Federal Public Charter School Startup Grant funds through the California Department of Education.

October, 2003: New Designs Charter School is approved by the Los Angeles Unified School District.

September 7, 2004: First day of operation, New Designs opens with a student enrollment of 120.

August, 2005: New Designs obtains an Academic Performance Index (API) score of 659 during its inaugural year of state mandated testing.

September, 2005: New Designs begins its second year of operations with a student enrollment of 280.

September, 2005:New Designs introduces CIF sponsored sports programs in football and basketball.

January, 2005: New Designs attains full membership in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

June, 2006: The Accreditation Committee of the Western Association of Schools (WASC) and Colleges visits New Designs Charter School.

July, 2006: WASC grants New Designs Charter School full accreditation for grades 6-9 through June 30, 2009.

August, 2006: New Designs obtains an Academic Performance Index (API) score of 679 during its second year of state mandated testing.

September 5, 2006: New Designs Charter School opens a new middle school campus at Watts/Willowbrook Boys and Girls Club.

January, 2007: School receives $150,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through Edvisions Inc. to enhance curriculum development and instructional delivery.

April, 2007: New Designs purchases multi-million dollar facility in University Park area.

September, 2007: School receives a $150, 000 grant from the US Department of Education for the Extended Learning Academy.

December, 2007: Grand Opening of University Park Campus.

February, 2008: The Lady Cardinals basketball team makes school history by winning our first CIF playoff game.

May, 2008: New Designs solidifies partnership with Los Angeles Trade and Technical College (LATTC)

Unique Programs

New Designs considers itself a trailblazer and innovator in support services and the School has several programs and partnerships to ensure that its vision becomes a reality.

Learning Celebrations

A ray of hope, a beacon of light, a new beginning, these are just a few of the terms used by students, parents, and community members when describing New Designs Charter School (NDCS). NDCS has been these and many other spectacular things in its first four years of existence. The school is the brainchild of Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum an educator and community activist originally from Ghana. Dr. Yaw as he is affectionately referred to by his students had a dream of birthing an institution where students of color would receive all the resources that their more affluent counterparts do. Working at several schools in the South Los Angeles area including Audubon and Manual Arts he realized the huge academic and social chasms that existed between his students and those in the well to do areas that he visited and researched.

Consequently, Dr. Yaw set out to bring the American dream back to South Los Angeles. He knows that the most important contributing factor to academic success is, success. At first this statement made little sense but upon further review it was easy to see where he was coming from. Simply put if students can record even small academic victories then they will have the "academic self-esteem" to reach for higher goals. In short "success breeds success."

Therefore, NDCS has implemented several programs specifically designed to boast morale and to tap into the affective domain. Programs like the early morning mood check, mentor programs and most importantly, learning celebrations have transformed the hearts and minds of not only the students but the parents as well. The talk around campus is not centered on the latest video game or tennis shoe but of who has the highest G.P.A, the best science fair project, who is going to win student of the week, and most importantly who made it to the Honor Roll.

Perhaps, the biggest and most anticipated of these learning celebrations is the annual End of Year Celebration. The program is marked by the fact students are not just receiving certificates but medals and trophies as they would for athletic competitions. Both students and faculty eagerly await the awards and dress to the nines for the occasion. In fact, for many of the young men it is the only event that they have worn a tie and sport coat to in several years.

In addition, the program is not solely an avenue for the school to show off its academic prowess but a showcase of what a well rounded student really is. Awards include from citizenship, leadership, perfect attendance, most improved, and athletic M.V.P's. Furthermore, the voices and hands of the students are omnipresent during the event. The students are the ushers, the flag bearers, and even recite poetry and perform interpretative dance. In short, it was an all around celebration of and for talented young men and women.

Besides, being in a show case for the entire school the event was a means of expression for the truly multi-cultural community that Dr. Yaw has complied. It is nothing out of the ordinary to hear of a student body made up of 50% first and second generation immigrants, but to say the same of the staff is one of a kind. Faculty and staff members come from far flung places like Nigeria, the Philippines, Norway, and Ghana. In addition to immigrants from Latin America the student body also has individuals from Western Europe, The Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. In conclusion, NDCS has really become an oasis in South Los Angeles and a stark reminder that the American Dream still lives on in the hearts of many.

The Early College Program

The Early College Program is a new program on the campus of New Designs Charter School in partnership with Los Angeles Trade and Technical College. Professors from LA Trade Tech come to New Designs and offer college level courses to qualified students.

This program will allow successful students to: Choose an early college program while remaining connected to high school. Prepare for 21st Century careers in health, medicine, mathematics, science, technology and business.Graduate from high school with a high school diploma and up to 65 college credits. Attend classes on a university campus during summer. Learn in a college environment that fosters maturity and academic growth. Gain strong skills for college success.

What is the course of study?

Each student has a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) that will contain his/her customized Academic and Career Pathway. The Academic Pathway is aligned with the New Designs Charter High School Graduation requirements, state examination requirements and post-secondary coursework. The Post-Secondary Career Pathway is aligned with industry standards in one of these selected areas: health, medicine, mathematics, science, technology and business.

What makes this program unique?

The Early College Program allows students to develop a college going culture while accumulating college credit. The program offers something for advanced students, students who are struggling or students who are unsure if post-secondary education is the right option for them. It gives many students who might not otherwise have an opportunity for college a chance to earn college credits while still in high school.

Do I have to pay tuition?

No. There are no tuition fees at this time.

Do I have to pay for textbooks? Students do not currently have to pay for textbooks, which are funded through donations received by LATTC. However, students must return their textbooks at the end of each session in order to receive a free textbook for the next session.

Is the Early College Program suitable for a student interested in literature/social science or a career in education? Yes. Students who finish the Early College program will be more than adequately prepared to pursue any career they choose; students who are interested in teaching are especially encouraged to join.

Do students need to be referred in order to apply? No. All New Designs Charter School students who are interested in college experience are eligible to apply. We want all students to know about the Early College option to ensure that they make the appropriate educational choice for themselves. We prefer students choose to enroll in the Early College Program because they perceive it as a viable and appropriate educational opportunity that meets their individual short- and long-term educational needs.

Extended Learning Academy Imagine a school that is open from 7AM to 6PM and provides breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack. Now think of a tutoring program staffed by high performing local college students and credentialed teachers. Obviously this program would be expensive and hard to get into, right? In the case of the New Designs Charter School Extended Learning Academy (ELA) all these services are provided at no cost. The ELA has three components:

Zero Period 7AM to 8AM

After School Program 4PM to 6PM

Saturday School 8AM to Noon

The ELA provides enrichment activities in the subjects of Mathematics and English, in a well-supervised, structured setting. The program is set-up to enhance the student's ability to achieve on state tests, enhance their performance in their regular classes and receive high scores on the New SAT. Service Learning and Business Internship

All High School students will participate in a service-learning program aimed at bridging the digital-divide plaguing most urban and poor communities. Students will teach information technology skills to adults in their communities as well as build computer networks, repair computers, and design websites for community organizations and small businesses that can not afford the services of information technology professionals.

Advisory Program

Internally, New Designs Charter School is structured as a high performance organization focused on personalization, engagement and achievement. Each faculty member serves as an advisor to approximately 15 students. A team of six teachers are responsible for the academic achievement of the 150 students in their group. Each Advisor will stay with the students, if possible, for the entire four-year school span. The advisory program grounds students in the elements of independent thinking, planning, and study and guides them through a continuum of regularly monitored projects to a successful student-initiated senior project. Advisors monitor each student's performance through the student's Individual Learning Plan. Parents are an integral part of the Advisory Program and advisors make periodic home visits. Fulfillment Fund

For over thirty years the Fulfillment Fund has provided college access services to students in the Los Angeles area. The program targets well rounded students who would normally not has the access or financial wherewithal to attend a four year college. Students who gain admission to a four year college receive scholarships and are provided with mentoring and counseling. CISCO Systems Academy

In the fall of 2009 New Designs Charter School will offer high school students an opportunity to become certified network managers. The school has partnered with CISCO, a world leader in networking technologies to offer a two year course that will result in an industry standard networking certificate.

Partnerships

Americorps Close Up, Washington D.C. CSU Los Angeles Fulfillment Fund Inside Out Northrop Grumman Project Citizen Upward Bound USC J.E.P USC TRIO Programs

The Leadership Team

Yaw Osei Adutwum, Chief Executive Officer: Yaw is the CEO of New Designs Charter School. Prior to his current position he worked as Mathematics and a Business/Information Technology teacher at Manual Arts High School. He holds a teaching credential in Business Education as well as a California State Administrative Services Credential. His experience as a Mathematics teacher in the USC/Manual Arts Neighborhood Academic Initiative taught him what high standards in a well structured college and high school partnership could do for "at risk" students. Most of the students he taught while teaching in the program have proceeded to pursue advanced studies in Universities like UCLA, USC, Yale, UC Berkeley, Stanford, and Cornell University.

In 1997 he graduated from the University of La Verne with a Master of Education (M.Ed) degree in Educational Management. He wrote his Masters Degree thesis on "the evolution of Charter schools in California". He has completed a PhD program coursework in Educational Policy and Administration at the University of Southern California. Between 2000 and 2002 he served as a member of the New Designs Team-a thirteen person national team of educators and industry experts that evaluated career and technical education programs around the country. Yaw has extensive experience working with community organizations in South Central Los Angeles. In December 2002, he was recognized by the Supervisor Yvonne Burke for his services to the residents of Los Angeles County.

Aaron T. Akwaboah, Principal - "Probably The Youngest Principal in America" Aaron Akwaboah is Principal and has been a member of New Designs team since 2004. In the past four years Mr. Akwaboah has served in various capacities including Social Studies Instructor, Assistant Principal, and Director of School Operations. He is very happy in his new role as Principal and is eager to continue the great work of Dr. Adutwum and Mr. Sata as previous instructional leaders. Mr. Akwaboah approaches education not as a career but as a calling. He feels deeply indebted to his community and to his heritage and will do everything to empower the youth of South Los Angeles. He deeply believes in the "Three A's "; Attendance, Attitude, and Achievement.

Mr. Akwaboah stresses that students must be on time all the time, always have a positive attitude, and by doing so they ensure their academic and personal achievement. As a mentor and educator Mr. Akwaboah sets out to exemplify the "Three A's" in all of his endeavors both personal and professional. Mr. Akwaboah understands that to students in dire need of guidance he may be their only positive male role model and he must act accordingly.

Warren Sata, Director of School Operations Warren Sata comes to New Designs Charter School having recently taught in New York and Pasadena. A graduate of Harvard Graduate School of Education (MEd), and Teacher's College, Columbia University (EdM), Mr. Sata has also worked at the US Department of Labor (Washington DC) as a Policy Advisor, and served as a Summer Congressional Intern (Washington DC). As a musician Warren trained with members of the LA Philharmonic and holds the distinction of being an award recipient from the National Endowment for the Arts. Kim Smith, Assistant Principal

Ms. Kim Smith currently serves as the Assistant Principal at New Designs Charter School. She has over thirteen years of teaching experience. Her ability to effectively manage a classroom is beyond description. She has extensive experience working in collaboration with teaching, support and administrative staff, developing, planning and implementing curriculum. Prior to coming to New Designs Charter School Kim Smith prepared and organized materials for, and conducted school visitations for the Los Angeles County Office of Education. As apart of her administrative functions at New Designs Charter School Ms. Smith promotes the academic, social and emotional development of students while maintaining effective classroom discipline. In her current capacity she has trained and supervised paraprofessionals, monitored and evaluated student progress, as well as identified students eligible for categorical programs. In addition she is the testing coordinator and compliance review coordinator for federal programs.

The Board of Directors

Andrea Cockrum, Board President:

Ms. Andrea Cockrum is currently the CEO of the Fulfillment Fund, a non-profit educational organization providing opportunities to thousands of students in South Central Los Angeles. She joined the organization in 1989 as its first-time Executive Director after ten years at UCLA as Executive Director of both SPRINT (Special Preventative Research and New Technology) and the Early Intervention Program for Developmentally Handicapped Children. Andrea's dedication to her community is exemplified by her career change from the profit sector to the nonprofit sector, where her business skills and experiences she acquired in the world have been helpful in building the Fund into the award-winning organization it has become. The Fulfillment Fund has over the years partnered with the LAUSD in providing college counseling, mentoring and scholarships to minority students. Andrea was recognized in 1999 by the Los Angeles Dodgers as a Dodger Hometown Hero, was one of the recipients of the 200 Women of Achievement Awards presented by the Century City Chamber of Commerce, received special recognition by the League of Women Voters in 2001 and received a Treasures of Los Angeles award from the Central City Association of Los Angeles in 2001.

Selase Williams, PhD, Provost, East Connecticut State University: Selase W. Williams was until recently the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Currently he is the Provost of East Connecticut University. Williams began his academic career as an Assistant Professor with a joint appointment in Linguistics, International Studies, and Black Studies at the University of Washington in Seattle. In addition Selase served as the Director of the Afro-American Studies Program for six years until he was appointed the Director of Minority Student Services and a tenured Associate Professor of Humanities at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. In 1988 he relocated to California, assuming the position of Chair of the Pan African Studies Department at California State University-Northridge, where he was tenured and promoted to Full Professor in 1989. With this broad experience and after having been elected for a second term as President of the National Council for Black Studies, Williams was appointed Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at California State University, Dominguez Hills in 1994.

Other Board members include: Laura Wallace, Sheldon Saslanzky, Halilu Haruna, Sam Kodjoe Essien and Lloyd McKinney.

Comments by Students on New Designs Charter School as interviewed by Mr. CNN/Ghanaweb

Doriann McDonald, Ninth grade - "It is a small school with a big caring heart. The teachers inspire us by sharing their life experiences, they makes us feel that we can do it too. They advise you on how to be great and become a great adult.. The Principal is everything, loving and different". Dorian also said that she loves being a member of the school's cheerleading team.

Martha Barba, 11th grade - The school opens the door to many opportunities like college courses, sports activities, and even Academic Decathlon. NDCS prepares students for college; students who take full advantage of the program have a great future in store.

Niall Goodluck, 11th grade, Student Body President - "There are no words to articulate the impact of the teachers in fact; I would say it is indescribable. The Principal ensures that the voices of the students ring clear and that they are rewarded for outstanding performance.

Melissa Antonio, 11th grade - "The teachers always inspire us not to give up because we need education to be successful; the Principal is on top of everything he does.

Larry Lewis - Ninth grade - "The environment is very helpful for me to learn, very comfortable. My math teacher Mr. Join is fun to be with, and brings the best out of me. All the teachers are caring. The Principal is helpful, understands everything, he lets boys be boys and girls be girls, but believes in strong discipline,"

Omari Wise, 10th grade- "The school has its own community in a positive way. It is a school where every student knows each other. This is what makes it different from the other public schools in the area. The school serves as a sort of extended family. Teachers are always willing to help mentor and have time to listen to your needs.

Vincent Ague whose parents come from Teshie-Nungua, Accra, Ghana, - "New Designs is a family oriented small school, able to associate with other students. You are always aware of at least one person who will assist you when you are in need. Also Mr. Akwaboah is a unique administrator because he has a great sense of humor, is dedicated to the students, and is always honest and straight to the point.."

All the students interviewed spoke highly of the Principal, Mr. Aaron Akwaboah, a young, dynamic Ghanaian dubbed; "Probably The Youngest Principal in America".

Contacting New Designs Charter School

University-Park Campus (Grades 6-12), 2303 South Figueroa Way, Los Angeles, Ca 90007, Phone: 213-765-9084 Fax: 213-765-0139

Watts Campus (Grades 6-9) 1339 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, Ca 90059, Phone 323-563-3330, Fax 323-563-3334

Email: admin@newdesignschaerter.org Visit us on the Web @ www.newdesignscharter.com