ASU Prep high school boys swim team crowned state champions
In a splash-tacular showcase of talent and teamwork, the ASU Preparatory Academy Polytechnic STEM high school boys swim team has made waves by securing the state championship title! These extraordinary athletes poured their hearts into every lap, outshining fierce competition to emerge victorious.
ASU Prep high school girls team celebrates third place finish
Not to be outdone, the ASU Prep Poly high school girls swim team made their mark by clinching a remarkable third place at the State Championship Meet! Each swimmer gave a stellar performance, demonstrating resilience and hard work that left the crowd and their competitors in awe.
Team highlights: Record-breaking races and star swimmers
Standout performances were everywhere, with Daniel Schwendinger stealing the show in the boys’ events. He dominated the 200 Freestyle, 200 Individual Medley and 500 Freestyle, taking home the “Swimmer of the Meet” accolade.
Hailey Schwendinger shone in the girls’ races, excelling in the 200 Freestyle, 50 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke, also earning “Swimmer of the Meet.”
Podium appearances were plentiful, with Leanne See, Noah Blair and Mark Mullenaux making their mark.
Relay teams delivered thrilling finishes, with the medley relay team of Noah Blair, Mark Mullenaux, Mason Carter and Corbin Hires snagging second place, and the free relay team of Corbin Hires, Mark Mullenaux, Gabe Smit and Elijah Linman securing third.
Coach Lora Colvin was deservedly honored as “Coach of the Year,” a testament to her leadership and dedication.
For seniors like Daniel, Elijah and Corbin, this victory is a crowning achievement in their high school careers, leaving behind a legacy of excellence. Meanwhile, talented underclassmen have shown that the future of ASU Prep swimming is bright and promising.
Celebrating dedication and team spirit
Angie Obert, ASU Prep Athletic Director for grades 6-12, praised the collective efforts, saying, “This season is a testament to the countless hours of hard work, dedication, character and team spirit our swimmers have put into every practice and competition under the direction of their dedicated coaches. Their commitment truly paid off, making this an unforgettable moment for everyone involved. This incredible team has made us all so proud!”
Congratulations to the ASU Prep Poly high school swim teams for an unforgettable season and for making a splash as state champions!
Welcome to the ASU Prep Casa Grande Transformational Teacher Leader program, a pioneering initiative dedicated to integrating the strengths of classroom teaching with leadership development. This program aims to empower outstanding educators to lead educational innovation and foster a collaborative learning environment. By providing teachers with leadership opportunities, ASU Prep is committed to enhancing educational quality and driving school-wide transformation.
What is a Transformational Teacher Leader?
A Transformational Teacher Leader is an educator who combines mastery of teaching with leadership acumen. These leaders are at the forefront of educational innovation, using data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes and cultivate a collaborative school culture.
By maintaining an active presence in the classroom, they ensure that their leadership is grounded in practical experience, allowing them to influence educational practices directly. This role offers teachers the chance to expand their impact without leaving the classroom, bridging the gap between teaching and leadership.
Introducing our Transformational Teacher Leader
Lisa Raymond
Meet Lisa Raymond, a distinguished Transformational Teacher Leader at ASU Prep Casa Grande. With a rich background as both a teacher and administrator, Raymond brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She holds an undergraduate degree from The State University of New York Geneseo and a master’s degree from the University of Buffalo. Her career journey includes teaching high school math in both Attica, NY, and Casa Grande, AZ, as well as serving as the principal of Mary C. O’Brien Elementary School, a three-time recipient of the A+ School of Excellence Award from the Arizona Educational Foundation.
Raymond is enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead, stating, “I am thrilled to return to my roots as a math teacher as well as the opportunity to support the staff in any capacity needed. ASU Prep is known for its innovation and student-centered focus, so I look forward to growing with the organization.”
Cultivating excellence
At ASU Prep, Transformational Teacher Leaders are the epitome of our mission and core values. These leaders not only teach but transform, ensuring that ASU Prep remains a leader in educational excellence and innovation. Through this program, our educators are empowered to become instructional leaders, enriching the educational experience for both students and faculty.
US News & World Report honor the latest in No. 1 rankings for university
For the 10th year in a row, Arizona State University is No. 1 in innovation in the newly released annual “Best Colleges” 2025 rankings by U.S. News & World Report — just one of many top rankings earned by the university.
ASU has placed first in the peer-nominated category every year since the “most innovative” category was created by U.S. News & World Report magazine, and the university has ranked ahead of MIT and Stanford University each time.
“Receiving the top innovation ranking from our peers for a decade is significant, as it affirms that our enterprise-wide innovation mindset is deeply tied to our institutional identity,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow.
“ASU works hard to find and act on every opportunity at every level of teaching, discovery and operations to collaborate and manifest better solutions. We are proud of the variety and scope of impact we are making.”
The latest accolade joins a series of repeated No. 1 rankings in recent years for high-impact areas including innovation, sustainability and impact.
In the just-released STARS Sustainable Campus Index from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, ASU ranked No. 1 in the United States and No. 2 in the world for its sustainability practices, ahead of Stanford, Cornell and Colorado State University. The index also put ASU in the top 10 worldwide for six “impact areas” of the assessment: No. 1 in air and climate, No. 2 in transportation, No. 3 in investment and finance, No. 7 in research, No. 9 in curriculum and No. 10 in public engagement.
For the fifth consecutive year, Times Higher Education ranked ASU No. 1 this summer in the U.S. for its work through education, research and practice in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For the overall ranking, ASU came in ahead of Michigan State University, Penn State University and MIT.
For the third consecutive year, ASU was the No. 1 public university for hosting international students by the 2023 Institute of International Education’s Open Doors Report, ahead of the University of Illinois, Purdue and the University of Michigan.
Other No. 1 rankings over the past several years include:
No. 1 in research expenditures for anthropology, by the National Science Foundation (2023), ahead of the University of Michigan, Harvard University, Stanford University and the University of Arizona.
No. 1 in transdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and other sciences, by the National Science Foundation (2023), ahead of Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Pittsburgh and Ohio State University.
No. 1 journalism school in top overall awards for news, by the Broadcast Education Association (2022–24), ahead of Syracuse, the University of Florida and the University of Southern California.
No. 1 in the world for international trade, by the QS International Trade Rankings (2023–24), ahead of the University of Michigan, Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania domestically, and the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, University of Toronto in Canada and IMD in Switzerland, internationally.
In the past year, ASU has made a huge impact in several areas:
Microelectronics
Earlier this month, five projects in the ASU-led Southwest Advanced Prototyping Hub won nearly $30 million in federal funding to launch projects that will boost national security by enhancing U.S. microchip-making capability. In the spring, ASU entered into a partnership with DECA Technologies to collaborate on North America’s first Fan-Out Wafer-Level Packaging research and development capability.
Space
Last October, a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifted the Psyche spacecraft into the sky, the first NASA deep-space mission led by ASU and the culmination of a 12-year undertaking led by Lindy Elkins-Tanton, Foundation and Regents Professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration, vice president of the ASU Interplanetary Initiative and the principal investigator of the Psyche mission. The spacecraft is traveling to the Psyche asteroid, which scientists believe could be part of a metal-rich interior of a planetesimal, a building block of a rocky planet.
It’s a mission that reaches far beyond the science team: ASU has involvedstudents and the community in the Psyche mission through art and education.
Heat mitigation
Arizona passed a law in the spring that guarantees mobile-home owners’ right to install cooling measures, thanks in large part to the work of the Knowledge Exchange for Resilience at ASU, an interdisciplinary team that worked for more than five years on the problem of extreme heat and mobile homes in the Valley.
Big grants
ASU won two big grants from the U.S. Agency for International Development: $80 million to create new learning opportunities and resources that support the success of young people in Africa, and $35 million to lead a large, interdisciplinary initiative to help reduce gender-based violence in El Salvador, with the goal of stemming the flow of irregular migration to the U.S.
In addition, the U.S. National Science Foundation chose ASU to lead a $15 million multi-institutional enterprise to confront climate challenges in the Southwest and spur economic development in the region.
Learn more about grants for solutions-oriented research on ASU News.
Artificial intelligence
In early 2024, ASU announced that it was the first higher education institution to collaborate with OpenAI, the AI research and deployment company behind ChatGPT. That led to the AI Innovation Challenge, in which more than 500 proposals for AI projects were submitted across the university. More than 200 of those projects are underway, including a bot to improve health care workers’ interviewing skills and the use of ChatGPT to enhance writing skills.
Top awards
Several of ASU’s community of faculty and administrators have won prestigious awards over the past year. Water expert Amber Wutich, President’s Professor and director of the Center for Global Health in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, won a “genius grant” from the MacArthur Foundation, only the third ASU faculty member to do so.
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, executive director of ASU Gammage and vice president for cultural affairs at ASU, won a Tony Honor for Excellence in Theater.
Regents Professor Michelene “Micki” Chi won the Yidan Prize for Education Research, the biggest award in education and an international honor that recognized her innovative approaches that help learners reach their full potential.
More from latest US News & World Report rankings
The “most innovative” ranking by U.S. News & World Report is based on peer voting. Institutions were nominated by college presidents, provosts and admissions deans across the country, and schools were chosen based on who is making the most innovative improvements in curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology and facilities.
ASU also was tied for No. 7 nationwide for undergraduate teaching — ahead of Yale, Stanford and Harvard universities — and No. 3 among public universities for the first-year college experience, ahead of the University of Michigan, Purdue University and Ohio State University.
In addition, ASU ranked highly in areas that are important for careers. The university was in the top 20 — along with Stanford, Cornell and Purdue universities — for service learning, in which students can apply what they learn in class in community activities. In the category of co-ops and internships for undergraduates, ASU ranked in the top 15 nationwide along with MIT, Duke and Harvard, and fifth among public universities, along with Georgia Tech, Purdue and Clemson — all part of continued, successful results in boosting the employability of ASU graduates.
Several ASU undergraduate degree programs ranked in the top 20 nationwide in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges for 2025:
No. 9 (tied) for business management information systems, W. P. Carey School; ahead of New York University, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan.
No. 9 for production/operations management, W. P. Carey School; ahead of the University of Indiana; the University of California, Berkeley; and NYU.
No. 10 for analytics, W. P. Carey School; ahead of Indiana University, Cornell and the University of Texas at Dallas.
No. 12 for business management, W. P. Carey School; ahead of the University of Southern California, Cornell and Pennsylvania State University.
No. 13 for accounting, W. P. Carey School; ahead of UC Berkeley, the University of Washington and Michigan State University.
No. 13 for environmental/environment health engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering; ahead of Princeton, Yale and Rice universities.
No. 16 for civil engineering, Fulton Schools; ahead of UCLA, the University of Washington and the University of Wisconsin.
No. 17 (tied) for industrial manufacturing, Fulton Schools; along with USC, Ohio State University and the University of Pittsburgh.
No. 18 (tied) for cybersecurity computer science, Fulton Schools; ahead of Duke University and the Rochester Institute of Technology.
No. 19 (tied) for electrical/electronic communications engineering, Fulton Schools; ahead of Harvard, Columbia and the University of Wisconsin.
No. 19 for artificial intelligence computer science, Fulton Schools; ahead of Duke, Purdue and Yale.
No. 19 (tied) for finance, W. P. Carey School; ahead of Georgetown University, USC and Emory University.
Additionally, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation’s undergraduate nursing program rose to No. 39 (tied) from No. 52, ahead of Florida State University, Purdue and George Mason University. ASU’s undergraduate psychology programs rose to No. 42 (tied) from No. 51, ahead of Stony Brook University, the University of Iowa and Temple University. The Fulton Schools’ overall undergraduate engineering program was tied for No. 35, ahead of Michigan State University, Iowa State University and the University of Arizona.
Casa Grande is a fast-growing city about halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, in the heart of the Arizona Innovation and Technology Corridor. The 2020 census estimated the population to be nearly 56,000. Casa Grande is the manufacturing, logistics, health care, retail and commercial hub in Pinal County, with exciting development projects on the horizon.
Poised for growth and development, Casa Grande offers multiple high schools to choose from. Finding the right high school in Casa Grande starts with identifying what’s important to your student and family. What type of environment will your student thrive in? Are you looking for high rankings, in-person instruction, online curriculum, or a hybrid program with the flexibility to do both?
You should also consider the school’s technology, pedagogical approach, curriculum and instructional style. Does your student need personalized instruction or have any special needs? In the end, your student should have a sense of belonging and feel comfortable doing their best work. That involves the right support and a good balance of family involvement.
The best local high schools in Casa Grande
Some of the best Casa Grande high schools are focused on college readiness and preparing students for success in life, regardless of what path they choose after graduation. When it comes to choosing the best high schools in Casa Grande, we selected area schools with a track record of student success, personalized support, and a focus on preparing students to excel after graduation.
ASU Prep Casa Grande is a tuition-free public charter school for grades 7–12 offering personalized paths to college and career success. ASU Prep meets high school students where they are, academically and emotionally. With the support of Arizona State University, the school delivers on its mission of creating successful pathways to college, making academic success a reality for students.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of their learning approach, encouraging students to work together to solve local and global issues. Additionally, community service is deeply embedded in the school culture, allowing students to apply their skills meaningfully within their local community.
They work closely with families to create a positive and productive educational environment, ensuring that students are not only academically prepared but also well-rounded, ready for college, and equipped for future careers.
The school recognizes the crucial role of family engagement and support in student success and provides a nurturing environment with multiple layers of personalized instruction, academic coaching, and emotional support.
This unique blend of advanced curriculum, emphasis on real-world skills, community involvement, and strong support systems is why students love ASU Prep Casa Grande. It’s not just a school; it’s a community where students are encouraged to dream big and equipped to achieve those dreams.
ASU Prep Casa Grande high school is located at Grande Sports World on the Francisco Grande resort, home to the Barça Residency Academy USA, a world-renowned soccer club and youth residency soccer development program.
The school schedule is 4 days per week with bus service available, giving high school students the flexibility to explore internships and complete school work from home.
Opening its doors in 2011, Mission Heights Preparatory High School serves a diverse group of students looking for the opportunity to succeed at the nation’s top institutions of higher learning.
The primary objective of the school is to equip every student with the tools and guidance needed for successful transition into the college or university of their choice. They are committed to developing a college prep environment.
The school has many options for students to get involved, including multiple sports teams and other extracurricular activities that serve to create a well-rounded student body experience.
As an AVID Site of Distinction, Mission Heights Prep focuses on providing students with the tools to prepare them for the classroom today and their futures tomorrow.
To learn more about Mission Heights Preparatory High School, please visit their Facebook.
Vista Grande is a four-year co-educational public high school with an enrollment of 1,860 students. Accredited by AdvancED, Vista has students enrolled in grades 9–12. Based on 2022 graduation rates, 43% of the students are attending a two-year community college, 19% attending a four-year college, the remaining 38% pursuing full-time employment, military, or vocational training.
Vista Grande boasts diverse enrollment with many Spanish-speaking students. The school has many successful athletics teams and several student-athletes go on to play at the collegiate level after graduation.
There are many areas of specialization in the classroom and Departments and Programs of Instruction include Art, Automation and Robotics, Construction, Culinary Arts, Dance, Drama, Early Childhood Education, English, Exceptional Student Services, Graphic Design, Marine JROTC, Marketing, Math, Music, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, Software and App Design, Technical Theatre, and World Languages.
Casa Grande Union High School (CGUHS) is a public, comprehensive high school with more than 100 years of excellence serving the Casa Grande community. It has earned a school-wide Title 1 accreditation by Cognia. It is part of the Casa Grande Union High School District #82 and serves 2,130 students in Grades 9–12.
The Mission of CGUHS is to inspire excellence by providing globally competitive educational opportunities for all students. With a strong emphasis on STEM education, CGUHS is developing students with the skills to excel in college and beyond. The school has a track record of success in band, dance, and many interscholastic sports.
Pinnacle High School – Casa Grande provides a tuition-free education for students to find the right fit for their academic needs. Enrollment is open to all students from grades 9 to 12, and new groups start every week throughout the school year. Pinnacle provides opportunities for every student to find the right fit for their academic needs.
Students have the resources to develop life skills and social sustainability skills to prove themselves career and college ready. They have excellent intervention and advice to prepare themselves as per their choices and needs for community college, higher education, entrepreneurial ventures, and armed forces.
To learn more about Pinnacle High School – Casa Grande, please visit their Facebook.
6. PPep Tec High School – Alice Paul Learning Center
PPEP High Schools are available for students looking for an alternative to a “traditional” education. With small student-to-teacher ratios, they provide more of a one-on-one learning experience.
The Alice Paul Learning Center offers an alternative educational option for students ages 14-21, grades 9–12, and a comprehensive high school curriculum taught by highly qualified and caring teachers. In addition, depending on student commitment, they offer accelerated learning opportunities that will enable a first-time freshman to graduate in as little as 3 years.
The school has a four-day week with Fridays as an option to participate in extracurricular activities or catch up on missed assignments.
To learn more about PPep Tec High School – Alice Paul Learning Center, please visit their Facebook.
PACE (Pathways Accelerating Career Experiences) High School is a face-to-face campus that is the flagship for what is possible in student academic achievement. It is rooted in skills mastery, project based learning, and social emotional growth.
PACE students participate in mentoring and internships with Lucid, Nikola, Kohler, and other potential community partners. PACE graduates will carry with them marketable and college-ready skill sets, including a bilingual literacy certificate.
The mission of PACE is to collaborate with the community to personalize student learning using learning pathways, projects, and a comprehensive approach to skills development. The school prides itself on personalized learning at the pace needed for each student to achieve success.
While technically not in Casa Grande, Heritage Academy is in the nearby city of Maricopa and is a good option for families interested in exercising their universal school choice rights when selecting a high school.
Heritage Academy is one of Arizona’s oldest charter schools and a “Top Charter School in Arizona.” Heritage offers a classical education for the leaders who will shape the 21st Century.
The school works with grades 6–12 and is known for high standards, award-winning academics, and supportive administration. At the center of everything they do is the desire to build strong character that is reflected in the families and communities of their students.
Heritage Academy is tuition-free and offers high-academic standards, giving children a high-quality education combined with some of the best teachers in the state. It features a 4-day school week with Fridays off and has a wide variety of classes with small class sizes for tailored instruction.
ASU Prep Casa Grande is a top-rated tuition-free public school for grades 7–12 offering personalized paths to college and career success. We meet students where they are academically and emotionally, creating successful pathways to college, making academic success a reality for our students.
Chartered by Arizona State University, ASU Preparatory Academy students are Sun Devils from day one, receiving regular opportunities for mentorship by ASU students and faculty. It’s how we’re helping students discover and pursue their passions, achieve their goals, and build a lifelong love of learning on their journey to success.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of the profound contributions that African Americans have made to all facets of society. Throughout this month, we come together to honor the legacies and ongoing achievements of Black individuals. Here is a sampling of Black History Month events hosted by our ASU community:
George Floyd Global Memorial to present ‘Twin Flames’ exhibit
This arts experience is a unique partnership between the ASU Art Museum, the ASU Center for Work and Democracy, and the George Floyd Global Memorial. Enjoy an insightful guided walkthrough in addition to a food truck with delicious bites, mocktail bar, and entertainment.
This entirely student-led cabaret helps provide an opportunity for composers, lyricists, librettists, and performers of color, formed through personal connections, friends, and colleagues from all over ASU, to share their creativity.
February 3, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. and February 4, 2024 at 3 p.m.
Black Liberation Through the Marketplace with Rachel Ferguson
Join author Rachel Ferguson as she discusses Black Liberation Through the Marketplace, and come away with a better understanding of Black history and creative ideas for how to make this nation truly one with liberty and justice for all.
International Jazz Day AZ Foundation’s co-presents JADE
Jade Johnson has performed beloved renditions of the National Anthem at Suns, Mercury, Diamondbacks, Clippers and Lakers games, and landed acting roles on TV’s “Blackish” and in theater Off Broadway. From jazz and pop to R&B, hear a focused singer-songwriter hitting her stride.
Step into a world brimming with entertainment and education. This all-ages extravaganza includes food trucks, music, games, vendors, speakers – and good vibes. Brace yourself for thought-provoking panel discussions and workshops focusing on vital community empowerment topics such as finance, home-buying, and more.
We are thrilled to announce ASU Preparatory Academy Casa Grande has been recognized as the only A-rated high school in all of Pinal County. This remarkable achievement is a testament to excellence in education, backed by data, a nurturing culture, and a team effort.
Quantifying excellence: Looking at the data
According to Jeni McClue, ASU Prep’s Director of State Assessment and Accountability, ASU Prep Casa Grande excels in various key areas on which the Arizona Department of Education bases school rankings.
The class of 2023 showcased exceptional readiness for the next chapter of their lives. Here are some highlights:
ACT Composite scores surpass both the state and national averages, exceeding the state passing rate by 25% in English Language Arts and by 14% in math.
Tremendous graduation rate above 95%.
Nearly all students earned college credits in core academic subjects while still in high school.
Many students took advantage of career-readiness opportunities, such as internships and the Armed Services Vocational Assessment Battery (ASVAB) assessment.
100% of students were admitted to a post-secondary school, with the majority earning acceptance to a four-year university.
77% of students were offered scholarships, totaling over $4 million.
It’s more than just data:Casa Grande’s unique culture
Beyond these impressive statistics, ASU Prep Casa Grande 7–12 Principal Gayle Taylor highlights the unique culture and atmosphere that sets the campus apart. With a small school size of 272 students and a staff of only 15, ASU Prep Casa Grande actively fosters strong relationships among students and faculty. Principal Taylor explains, “There’s lots of communication. It’s a very supportive and personalized environment. It’s the connectedness that leads to success.”
Principal Taylor also emphasizes the wide range of college and career opportunities ASU Prep Casa Grande provides for students. From taking college classes in high school to participating in the ASVAB assessment and career fair, ASU Prep Casa Grande ensures students are well-prepared for their future endeavors. The school’s student-driven clubs, including an award-winning robotics team, further enhance the diverse extracurricular offerings.
The school’s unique partnership with Barça Residency, a soccer academy, adds another layer of support for student-athletes who make up about half of the student population.
ASU Prep Casa Grande’s rich tapestry of student backgrounds, with student-athletes hailing from different parts of the world and other students coming from nearby communities, enriches the overall experience at ASU Prep Casa Grande. Principal Taylor marvels at the commitment of many students who travel quite a distance by bus to attend the school: “Students are really interested and want to be here and work with us.”
Success is a collective effort
Brian Ross, Dean of Students, credits the achievement of earning an “A” school grade to the collective efforts of the entire school community. He proudly shares, “All our teachers, administrators, staff—everybody in the building—is committed to student success. We’re committed to the ASU Prep mission to prep students for college and careers.”
ASU Prep Casa Grande’s distinction as the only A-rated high school in Pinal County is well-deserved. The school’s commitment to academic excellence, nurturing culture, and team effort has created an environment where students thrive and are academically and personally prepared for their future endeavors.
Learn more about ASU Prep Casa Grande’s rigorous university preparatory curriculum that puts students on a personalized path to success with opportunities to explore college and careers while in high school.
Recently, ASU Preparatory Academy South Phoenix transformed into a vibrant fiesta of colors and sounds, paying homage to the rich tradition of Día de los Muertos. The community gathered for a night bursting with entertainment.
On November 4, the campus filled with families, their faces painted in vivid designs and many had heads adorned with floral crowns, eager to participate in the festive activities offered throughout the night. Guests danced alongside the lively mariachi, watched the twirling baile folklórico dancers and marveled at a daring aerialist performance.
There was authentic cuisine and craft stations to create sugar skulls and paper flowers, but the heart of the celebration was the breathtaking Cihuapactli Collective Altar, where guests paid tribute to loved ones.
The event was a chance for attendees to soak in the spirit of the ASU Prep community as the South Phoenix campus buzzed with excitement. Student Nataly Garcia shared what makes the school special, and therefore, the event: “It’s a small school and everyone here knows each other. The teachers and staff support each kid individually.” Alejandro Bonfil added how fun it was to hang out with friends and classmates at the celebration.
About the festivities, student Zain Gehrig said, “I would totally recommend this. It’s so much fun being here. I’m having the time of my life.” The pictures and memories of this year’s event will linger on, and are already fueling anticipation for next year’s celebration. As Garcia puts it, “You want to make sure you come next year because you don’t want to miss this fun, amazing party that ASU Prep South Phoenix has offered to everyone!”
No need to wait until next year to join in the fun. ASU Prep is hosting more free community events, including the upcoming Creative Fusion Fest at ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest and Let it Snow at ASU Prep Phoenix Downtown. Find out more about upcoming events here.
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native Americans and to acknowledge their valued contributions.
In his National Native American Heritage Month proclamation, President Joe Biden stated: “Native Americans are essential to the fabric of the United States. They serve in the United States armed forces at higher rates than any other ethnic group. They continue to steward so many of our great lands. Their contributions to science, humanities, arts, public service, and more have brought prosperity for all of us. Their diverse cultures and communities continue to thrive and lead us forward.”
This month, and all year long, take the time to educate, advocate, and raise greater awareness for the rich traditions and histories of Indigenous communities.
The history of Native American Heritage Month
The journey to recognition was not an easy one. It started with Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a descendent of the Seneca tribe and the director of the Rochester Museum and Science Center, who was one of the first proponents of an American Indian Day back in 1915. His efforts, combined with the relentless work of Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, led to the declaration of the second Saturday of May as American Indian Day by the governor of New York.
Years later, in 1990, President George H.W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November as “National American Indian Heritage Month”. Since then, this commemoration has evolved into what we now know as Native American Heritage Month. It is an opportunity to educate the public about tribes, raise awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and honor the vital role they play in enriching our nation.
From the Iroquois Confederacy’s influence on the U.S. Constitution to the Navajo Code Talkers’ contribution during World War II, the impact of Native Americans is deeply woven into the fabric of American history.
Honoring the vital role of Native Americans
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month can come in many forms. One of the most meaningful ways is through education. Take the time to learn about the different tribes, their histories, and their contributions. Many museums, libraries, and educational institutions like ASU offer exhibits, discussions, and resources during this month.
Participating in cultural activities is another great way to honor this month. Many communities host powwows, dance exhibitions, craft fairs, and other cultural events. These gatherings are not only fun but also provide a deeper understanding of the rich cultural diversity of Native Americans.
Consider supporting Native American businesses and artists to show respect and appreciation. By purchasing Native American art, jewelry, food, and other goods, you’re helping to sustain their traditions and support their communities.
Learn about the important contributions of barrier-breaking Native Americans who continue to shape our society, lead their communities, and impact our culture today. Research Marine Colonel Nicole Mann, the first female Native American to travel to space or Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who became the first Indigenous Cabinet member in U.S. history, among countless others.
Lastly, advocacy is a powerful way to celebrate. Stand with Native communities in their fight for recognition, rights, and respect. Advocate for policies that protect their lands, cultures, and identities. Arizona State University has taken steps to increase awareness & appreciation, as well as motivate advocacy, through the ASU Indigenous Land Acknowledgement, recognizing its campuses are situated on the homelands of many indigenous communities, many of whom continue to live in the area.
Continue to celebrate, learn, and honor
Native American Heritage Month is a reminder of the enduring and resilient spirit of Native people. The richness of their cultures, the depth of their wisdom, and the strength of their spirit continue to inspire us all. In honoring their heritage, we enrich our own understanding and become more compassionate and informed citizens.
This November, let’s take the opportunity to celebrate, learn, and honor the first people of this land. Let’s remember that every day is a good day to respect and appreciate the diverse cultures and contributions of Native Americans.
ASU Prep’s Math Momentum program, a testament to the power of innovative, personalized education, seeks to bolster math education by equipping educators with a diverse set of strategies and teaching models. The initiative, now in its third successful year, supports schools across Arizona, particularly those in rural locations and tribal lands, where access to technology and qualified staff may be lacking.
“Math has always been an area of opportunity in the state,” says ASU Prep Digital Principal Brian Austin. The program, a collaborative effort between ASU Prep and the Arizona Department of Education, rises to the challenge of addressing the pressing need for improved math performance and teacher support in grades five through nine across Arizona.
Unique, Data-Driven Approach
“Everyone can do math at the highest levels,” asserts Austin, and Math Momentum is making the opportunity accessible and possible.
To implement Math Momentum, program leaders analyze student performance data, gather teacher feedback, and review existing curricula. Based on these findings, they design the best model to address gaps using the latest research in math education and evidence-based pedagogy.
As a result, Math Momentum is able to offer bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of each participating school. From fully virtual to hybrid program options, the educational experience can be customized to each school’s unique needs. In cases of math staffing gaps, a highly qualified ASU Prep Digital math teacher may lead instruction with the support of onsite facilitators. For schools with strong math teachers aiming to boost student performance, the ASU Prep Digital math teacher is available for team-teaching, working with small groups on more individualized instruction.
Through the program, teachers also have access to the Math Institute, which provides professional development and training opportunities for teachers and staff. This includes workshops, seminars, and coaching sessions to ensure educators are well-equipped to effectively deliver the program and support student learning. Mr. Austin is optimistic about the future impact of the program, stating, “We’re breaking new ground and opening up new territory for them to reach their students in a different capacity. That practice will continue impacting their future students in the coming years.”
ASU Prep Digital Learning Success Coaches play a pivotal role in the success of Math Momentum, managing partnerships and supporting students. Coaches provide instruction and resources for cultivating critical math mindsets that foster essential life skills such as problem-solving, persistence, resilience, and collaboration.
Measuring the Impact
The success of the Math Momentum program is measured by both quantitative and qualitative data to assess program effectiveness and impact on student learning.
By year two of the statewide Math Momentum program, every grade level exceeded Exact Path beginning-year to end-year growth goals. The Exact Path Diagnostic revealed that for students who remained in the program for the school year, 88% of students in rural settings maintained or grew their overall math proficiency level, while 93% of students in urban settings maintained or grew their overall math proficiency level.
The Math Momentum program also had a positive impact on teachers. Many onsite teachers expressed satisfaction with their personal development as math educators or facilitators. “The response has been incredible,” says Mr. Austin. “We have many partnerships where those teachers find that Math Momentum is crucial to their instruction now. We’ve had schools that have asked us to expand to their entire math team. And that’s because they’ve seen the results.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Momentum
The mission continues to grow, with the goal of extending the Math Momentum opportunity to more schools throughout Arizona and beyond, promoting math excellence and preparing students for college and career success.
“What’s great about Math Momentum is it’s happening directly in the classroom. This isn’t only for those students who have access to transportation or access to technology at home. This is for everyone. I hope to continue serving our Arizona students with Math Momentum,” shares Mr. Austin.
Learn more about Math Momentum and how the program is improving math mindsets and boosting math and digital literacy skills across Arizona.
Ensuring students can read proficiently is a critical goal for schools and educators. ASU Prep is proactively addressing literacy challenges with its Science of Reading training program, which aims to empower educators and improve student literacy. The program is approved by the Arizona State Department of Education, demonstrating the commitment to science-backed teaching methods and student-centered learning.
The primary goal of the program is to equip teachers with the knowledge to make data-driven decisions in the classroom, aligning curriculum with research and data. ASU Prep’s program recognizes many students enter early grades without strong foundational reading skills, relying on pictures rather than phonics-based skills. Teachers are shifting their focus toward addressing the unique needs of their students, as opposed to strictly adhering to a predetermined curriculum or scope and sequence. This shift signifies a move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to education, promoting a more student-centered learning environment.
By focusing on early intervention and equipping teachers with the tools to identify and address struggling readers’ needs, ASU Prep aims to ensure students are proficient readers by the time they reach third grade. This proactive approach can help prevent reading difficulties and empower young readers to become lifelong learners, even though the transition may be challenging. ASU Prep fosters open dialogue and peer collaboration among educators to ease the process.
The success of the program will be measured through pre- and post-assessments for teachers and student outcomes, evaluating knowledge growth and literacy proficiency improvements, and promoting a student-centered learning approach. Student assessments will help determine whether the program leads to increased literacy proficiency.
The Science of Reading training program comprises nine sessions, each focusing on essential components of effective reading instruction, including research findings, structured literacy, phonological awareness, word study, scaffolding instruction, understanding dyslexia, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and language structure. The program also offers further learning opportunities through an asynchronous Camp Reading course and a book study on Equipped for Reading Success A Comprehensive, Step-By-Step Program for Developing Phonemic Awareness and Fluent Word Recognition by David Kilpatrick.
Ms. Heidi Morton, Training Specialist and Professional Learning Program Manager, has already observed a notable benefit in the evolving mindset of the teachers enrolled in the training. Within finishing one session, Ms. Marilyn Monroy, a teacher in the program, noted a correlation between Science of Reading lessons and improved test scores among her students. Ms. Monroy praised the implemented mini lessons for improving student assessments, with her students improving on spelling tests and even achieving perfect scores.
The initial 45 hours of the Prep Reading Endorsements are scheduled from August 2023 to May 2024, with the next 45-hour segment happening in the subsequent year for a total of 90 hours, further enhancing student-centered learning opportunities.
ASU Prep’s Science of Reading training program represents a forward-thinking and proactive approach to addressing literacy challenges in education. ASU Prep aims to transform students’ reading outcomes and equip educators with the skills to meet the diverse needs of each individual student. As the program continues to evolve and gather data, its impact on students’ literacy development will become increasingly evident.
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