Say Yes to Education
Say Yes also focused on family outreach, offering social work and psychological services and administering free medical and dental care.
The chapter was supported by a partnership between Lesley University and the Cambridge Public School District, and with funding from eight local sponsors.
Lesley University provided various resources such as tutoring, counseling, academic materials, and professional development help to Harrington.
The Cambridge Chapter assisted the school in its restructuring efforts by "working closely with the Harrington administration and faculty to develop strategies for team teaching and grade level cluster development, interdisciplinary and thematic teaching, career weeks, portfolio assessment, and before- and after-school programs.
[12] The following support systems are offered through the Syracuse Say Yes to Education program: annual and regularly reviewed individual student growth plans; tutoring; identification of strengths and weaknesses through student diagnostic testing; inclusive settings, curriculum, and support for students with disabilities and English language learners; after-school and summer school programs; counseling and family engagement; research-based academic programs such as International Baccalaureate often found in suburban schools; financial aid and college selection counseling; and mentoring.
[15] To target academic obstacles, Say Yes uses a diagnostic assessment to provide early intervention by determining the support needed for students based on each individual's strengths and weaknesses.
Other services provided include after-school programs, "Power Hour" tutoring for students with the most risk of not advancing to the next grade level, encouraged parental participation, summer programs, career exploration, professional development for teachers, and Say Yes involvement in all students' Individual Education Plans.
Program Managers "also provide information and support for Say Yes families and youth to help them select appropriate courses and navigate the college admissions process.
"[16] Out of the 112 Belmont Program students offered a free college education in 1987, 65 graduated from high school, and 5 more received a GED.
"[6] Others have argued that young, at-risk students promised a free post-secondary education "could not begin to comprehend how they were supposed to use the 'abstract' gift to graduate from college.
