Chicago Gear Up
 Just the Facts

 View the Staff
 
   Summer Schools
2001 - slide show of Reading, Careers and Computers Skills Awards Breakfast

2001 - Slide show of Architecture Classes
 Useful links
Department of Education GEAR UP Site

Illinois Board of Education

Serving Over 12,000 Chicago Area Students

DePaul Learning Network

Click on the school or University on the map and find out more facts:

Piccolo Middle SchoolOrr Community AcademyMadero Middle SchoolFarragut Career AcademyDe Paul University


  The goal of the DePaul Learning Network is to equip each student for his/her future. For this, we are empowering a supportive partnership of learners, parents, educators, community members, and business persons. This network is unique in that it addressed the needs of two distinct communities: West Humboldt Park and Little Village.

Student Activities

   Tutors: University students work with students one-on-one and in small groups to strengthen math and reading skills. Tutoring is done during school and after school through the Homework Club.

  Academies & Camps: Two to six week programs are offered in the summer and during Winter and Spring intersessions. These interdisciplinary programs have focused on the environment and the Harry Potter books. Upcoming programs include Adventures in Chocolate and Adventures in Sports. - View a slide show of the DePaul Learning Network GEAR UP Camps 2001

  Field Trips: Enrichment activities have included trips and job shadowing visits to companies, career fairs, technology exhibits, the Imax Theatre and the Merle Reskin Theatre. In collaboration with the Madero Park District, students also went to cultural institutions throughout Chicago.

Staff Development

  Local Level: Ongoing training on reading took the form of workshops, literacy team meetings, and onsite visits from consultants.

  Institute: In collaboration with the Education-to-Careers project at DePaul, a four day training series on career development was offered for teams from six GEAR UP schools across the city. Participants learned about new computers, print and video resources as well as developed local plans for implementation.

  Articulation/Transition Team Meetings: Two vertical teams are being formed one for Madero and Farragut and one for Piccolo and Westinghouse.

  Initial meetings have helped identify needs, and potential activities. Madero also has an articulation agreement with Curie for an International Baccalaureate Program.

Parent Services

  ESL Classes: Morning and afternoon classes in English as a second language are given twice a week. Using a special curriculum called "Parents as Educational Partners", parents improve their English and learn about their children's schools.

  Computer Training: Beginning in the Spring of 2001, GEAR UP parents will be able to learn about computers and the internet through classes at school sites and at community technology centers.

  Workshops: On a monthly basis, speakers provide information and training for parents at Piccolo. At Madero, these take the form of coffee meetings with the principal.