California - Sacramento

SIATech at Sacramento Job Corps Center
3100 Meadowview Road
Sacramento, CA 95832
Tel: (916) 394-0770,

ext. 4353
Principal: Ms. Jane Ross
jane.ross@siatech.org

Overview

SIATech at the Sacramento Job Corps Center was founded in 2001.  Since then, the dedicated staff team at the Sacramento has worked diligently to ensure that all students are supported in their academic aspirations.  Every week, each SIATech teacher conducts one-on-one goal setting meetings with students in their classes to ensure that students know where they are headed in their individualized program.  Employability skills such as goal-setting, time management and professional conduct are taught and expected throughout the program.

SIATech Sacramento students experience increased support in their education through:

• Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) program in all classes daily
• Drop-in support from the Success Room staff for students with special learning needs
• Intensive, focused CAHSEE preparation program
• Broad-based graphic arts foundation
• Focus on public speaking skills through numerous presentations
• Increased staffing to ensure additional support in the math program
• Specialized small group instruction for AutoCAD lessons
• Hands-on science experiments

Principal Profile

Jane Ross has worked within the SIATech and Job Corps programs for the past ten years and has strengthened the partnership between the two organizations. In recent years, Jane served as Director of Education Services and was responsible for the oversight of all SIATech programs in California. Prior to joining Job Corps, Jane served in leadership positions at a juvenile correctional facility and group home for severely emotionally disturbed youth. Jane has been recognized as a Site Leader of the Year and Employee of the Year for her performance at the Sacramento Job Corps Center. Jane is a graduate of the University of California at Davis.

Success Stories

A 2009 graduate from the Sacramento site, Crystal Clark, was highlighted this year as a student panel member at the fall Board workshop for SIATech.  She courageously shared her story of success in overcoming challenges to the workshop of over 100 people and explained how SIATech made a difference in her life.  She indicated that the staff at SIATech Sacramento was what made the difference as she stated, “The staff really care about you and your success and really want to see you succeed not only in high school but in life.” 

Recent News

Induction Spotlight: Teacher Inquiry

The Induction Spotlight is a wonderful resource for the latest news from SIATech's professional development programs. The Summer 2010 issue provides several examples of how burgeoning teacher leaders use Teacher Inquiry to improve their practice.

“Teacher Inquiry,” also referred to as “Action Research,” is defined as a systematic study by teachers of their own practice. The 2009–2010 SIATech Induction participants and New Teacher Cohort participants engaged in exploring aspects of their teaching through these inquiries. Supported by their mentors, each instructional staff member reflected on their practices weekly and developed new applications and strategies based on the evidence of learning they documented. This “Inquiry Stance” toward teaching helped all to move towards an increased understanding of their own instructional practice and possible solutions to support the learning of their students.

The question explored by Kallie Newell from Sacramento was: "How will incorporating manipulatives and visual aids during small group instruction support students in meeting their weekly goals?"

Students were able to complete AutoCAD assignments four times as fast with the use of visuals and hands-on manipulatives. Evidence of this was calculated and recorded/posted on their weekly scoreboard. Because they were able to progress at a faster pace, they were able to meet or exceed their weekly goals.
I observed that students have more fun with math when these additional resources are readily available, and behavioral management problems have decreased. In addition, their sense of accomplishment has increased as students use these resources to solve problems independently.

Support Provider Nan Wiesner said, "The Induction program offered us the unique opportunity to learn together, build on ideas, and strengthen our relationship as educators. Kallie met all her challenges through professional, creative, and passionate voice and action."

Read more in the Induction Spotlight.