Testimonials and Results
BRIDGES INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT
YouthStudies Inc. provided an independent assessment of the NSF-funded BRIDGES (Build, Research, Invent, Design, Grow and Explore through Science) after-school program during the 2011-2012 academic year.
The findings are extremely positive. You can download the complete report HERE.
Some of the highlights include:
- Surveyed participants experienced significant gains in their general engagement and interest in STEM…
- Surveyed participants experienced significant gains in their perception of mathematics
- and science as useful subjects…
- Surveyed participants also experienced significant gains in their knowledge of basic urban planning terminology and concepts…
- A large majority of surveyed participants responded that the BRIDGES program helped them “learn about developing plans for solving a problem,” and “learn about how building and structures are built”.
- Some of the students that had experienced multiple modules were eager to share their STEM knowledge as well as their interest in learning more about becoming architects or engineers.
The term “significant gain” as well as the progress Salvadori is making at strengthening the curriculum and the implementation is detailed in the full report.
ASPDP survey analysis
Based on pre- and post-surveys administered in two ASPDP courses provided by the Salvadori Center in Fall 2012, participants in these courses clearly increase both their content knowledge and confidence in their ability to apply relevant pedagogical skills. You can download the complete report HERE.
From EDUCATORS
"Through Salvadori, I learned to teach content and standards through activities-based lessons, to enhance curriculum with materials and objects, and to give students the opportunity to learn by doing." Teacher from PS 52, Queens
"My students were very engaged, interactive. They really responded well to the Salvadori educator’s personality and teaching style. His teaching technique of showing directions really helped my English-as-a-Second Language students. I also learned to let go of control and let students figure out the projects and experiments more on their own." Teacher at PS 22, Staten Island
"Our math scores were outstanding for our students this year. 94% of our students achieved in performance levels 3 and 4 on the NYS math assessment. We feel that the Salvadori experience helped our students learn and practice important math skills while they were engaged in exciting and fun-filled hands-on activities." Principal Valerie Sawinski from JHS 185, Queens
"I was worried. We got involved in a very ambitious project, a model of an ancient Roman city. But the kids came through―even the mischievous ones, the inattentive ones. They had learned to “read” buildings. They had developed a visual language. It all came together in their oral and written presentations." 6th grade language arts teacher
"We immediately noted a tremendous difference in attitude towards mathematics. We began to see wonderful hands-on projects that involved the very skills in which our students were weakest. Perhaps the best symbol of success was brought to our attention by the 9th grade math teacher who asked why her new 9th grade students were so superior to the students who came to her in previous years." Monte Joffee, former Principal, The Renaissance Charter School, Queens
From STUDENTS
"My goal is to one day construct a real bridge just like my model…one that will stand out in the world, demonstrating great beauty and strength. Before my experience with Salvadori I never imagined that this was something I would be interested in doing." Student from International High School, Queens
"Before Pat [a Salvadori architect-educator] came to our classroom, I always thought architecture was a job for a man. Well, I was wrong. I now have an understanding of how designing a building can be related to all the different academic subjects. I never imagined how exciting it could be--even though it’s hard!" Salvadori middle school student
"How would math help me when I got out there in the real world? Would circumference and area matter? That's when Janny, an architect-educator from the Salvadori Center, walked into my 8th grade classroom…I learned that math is numbers that translate into homes and offices where people live and work…The program instilled in me determination, motivation and hope." Salvadori scholarship winner
Findings from 2009/10 Teacher Survey:
- 95% of teachers said they believe or strongly believe that Salvadori curriculum materials are easily applied in the classroom.
- 90% of respondents indicated they were satisfied or very much satisfied with the way Salvadori programming is proceeding in their schools.
- 90% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the curriculum reflects important and easily applied learning standards and content.
