Boost! partnerships help students succeed

“The district asked us to help address the availability and quality of a range of wraparound services” Bohen said. “We’re looking at extended learning opportunities, behavioral health, physical health and family support and engagement — all the things we know have a huge impact on student achievement.”

Published in the New Haven Reigster on Sunday, May 22, 2011
By Steve Higgins, Special to the Register

A 16-year-old New Haven girl whose father had been in prison for many years began missing too many school days at Metropolitan Business Academy this year. She had to take care of her mother and younger sister, and it became overwhelming.

But her attendance has increased significantly since this spring, when she was placed in a program designed to engage students who demonstrated a need for a more personalized learning environment, according to Nisha Sajnani, director of the Drama Therapy, Community Health and Prevention program at the Foundation for the Arts and Trauma.  “She likes the class, and that really makes a difference,” said Sajnani.

The program, ALIVE — Animating Learning By Integrating and Validating Experience — is a special class that takes place during first period, with one goal being to motivate the students to get to school and stay throughout the day.