Education
After School Education
Kingman offers children educational programs tailored to their individual needs, after-school and summer-long daycare, cultural outings and celebrations. With a professional teaching staff and a committed corps of volunteer tutors, we serve 120 D.C. kids. The range of academic activities includes remedial math, Academic Challenge Competition, one-on-one tutoring, Higher Achievement Program (HAP), special needs learning, and early childhood education. The class sizes are small, and organized according to grade level. The alignment of our curriculum with the national core standards used by the D.C. Public Schools means that the children receive supplementary material that complements their daily school assignments. Overall, the program reinforces the educational process by providing help specifically where it might be needed, making learning easier, and promoting enthusiasm for scholastic achievement.
During the 2012-2013 academic year, Kingman students outperformed their peers in the D.C. Public Schools. Language arts scores rose 15.5% from 55.3% to 70.8%. The average gain in math was 17.3% from 56.4% to 73.7%. Test scores continue to reflect net gains language arts and math across all grade levels. The pattern of Kingman’s students sustained improvement in academic performance has been measured over a period of years.
ACCREDITATION
The National Council on After School Accreditation (NCOA) accredited Kingman’s program following an independent review in 2011. Kingman is one of 399 accredited organizations in the country and one of only 11 accredited After School programs in the District of Columbia. The accreditation provides national validation of our quality of service; NCOA affirmed that the basis of Kingman’s program corresponds to established standards of best practices with an emphasis on outcomes. The accreditation process ensures compliance with regulatory training requirements, improves staff retention and accountability, guides the building of infrastructure and performance improvement systems; and institutionalizes knowledge.
The accreditation review process focuses on the after school program’s role in, and relationship to, building individual, family and community strengths. The program recognizes and values the importance of positive relationships as well as strong administrative systems that maximize program results. The award of accreditation signifies that Kingman’s staff well trained staff is making every effort to continually advance the quality program of our after school programming, and to promote the well-being and safety of the children.
To visit the NCOA web site, click here.
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Kingman uses Skillstutor on-line software to identify each child’s strengths and weakness in math and language arts. A supplemental teaching tool that mimics the approach of their favorite video games, the program provides instantaneous analysis of test results that helps identify how well a child is learning the content, rules and procedures of the subject being taught. This feedback is then used to tailor the curriculum to each student’s individual needs. Other computer-based programs used by the Club include Understanding Numeration and Understanding Math.
REMEDIAL MATH
One of Kingman’s most experienced teachers, Mr. Wendell Hart, leads the Remedial Math Program. In recent years, the program has expanded to involve 12 teen tutors and teacher assistants. Recognizing the importance of giving students in the lower grades a secure foundation and skill level, Mr. Hart personally selects students for remediation, and instructs them on concepts such number sense and operations, counting, ordering and comparing numbers, place values and problem solving. On Tuesdays and Thursdays students in grades 1-3 use software program Understanding Numeration to strengthen their skills. The program is similar to Understanding Math, but more advanced, and is proven to be an effective tool for teaching math fundamentals.
HIGHER ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (HAP)
Begun in 1996, the Kingman Higher Achievement Program (HAP) offers a special academic program to challenge more gifted students. Current enrollment is 12 students in grade levels 3 to 7. Some students are invited, but most request to participate even though the HAP work is more difficult. These students value the additional stimulation and the prestige of academic success acknowledged by their peers.
The HAP math curriculum relies heavily on traditional direct teaching. The personal approach is supplemented by use of the computer program, Understanding Math. Students in the upper grades are working on equivalent fractions, decimals, place values, and geometry. In the HAP language arts program, children read mysteries and historic novels, exploring plots, themes, and character development. Recent examples include selections from the Clubhouse Mystery Trilogy, and The Watson’s Go To Birmingham, the story of a Black family’s move to Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963 and the Civil Rights Movement. They also read and discuss articles in Junior Scholastic Action and Scope magazines.
VOLUNTEER TUTORING
Twice each week, a corps of 29 tutors work with students who chose to stay an extra hour and one half (6:00 to 7:30 p.m.) after the regular after-school program. The students and tutors review homework, difficult assignments, and any topic on which the student might need a little extra help. A group of long-standing tutors from the neighborhood is supplemented by volunteers from Howard University, Catholic University, and Georgetown University Medical School.
To see Kingman’s Education Program Schedule, click here. For further details, send an email to : kingmanedprogram@yahoo.com.
