We.APP In-School Scholar Program

We.APP Speak With Purpose (SWP) is the only public speaking class offered as an elective or Language Arts course during the school day. SWP is designed to teach young scholars to discover their unique voice, and create original work that expresses their view on education, home, and life. Our project-based methods are anchored in using writing and presenting to empower participants to present ideas that reflect their clear, passionate, and distinctive perspective of the world.

Our main objective is to be an integral part of what schools provide to bridge the engagement and opportunity gap. Our strategy incorporates integrating public speaking and performance art to reengage students in their reading, writing, and listening process.

How We Do It

Our programs are designed in a three-prong strategy that impacts both Tiers 1 and 2 in partner schools: scholar advocacy, counter-storytelling, and shifting adult mindset and perception.

Student Self-Advocacy Strategy:

We.APP creates the conditions for a safe and brave peer-to-peer environment where scholars are affirmed and develop positive identities. Scholars use their voice to advocate for themselves and others.

Counter-Storytelling/Narrative (a powerful tenet of Critical Race Theory):

We.APP uses writing to open dialogue and oration to support scholars in re-channeling rage and transcending trauma.

Professional Development & Co-Teaching Model:

Scholars of color have been disadvantaged by historically oppressive structures. Educators and schools are complicit in reproducing this oppression. We.APP’s professional development supports teachers in establishing a culturally responsive lens that support to counter this oppression by advocating particularly for scholars who have been historically disadvantaged.

Community Partnership

Involvement in Planning and Implementation:

Since 2014, the We.APP curriculum has been customized to meet the needs of each school served. We meet quarterly with each partnering principal and their team of ELL, Special Education staff and PTA leadership to engage in quarterly curriculum and lesson development meetings.


Family involvement is key:

Families are encouraged to review and discuss course topics and themes with their student and listen to their written and verbal narratives. Additionally, families are encouraged to support by volunteering in classes and being present at We.APP speaking engagements.

Meeting the Standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.4.1:

Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.4.4:

Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.6:

Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, using formal English when appropriate to task and situation.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.4:

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade- specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1-3 above.).

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.5:

With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.

Program Breakdown

Average Breakdown (based on current We.APP programs):

  • We.APP Program duration is by semester or entire year (during the school day, full year programming recommended)

  • Co-teaching Model 1 - 4 days per week

  • 1 - 2 classes per day (45 - 60 minute classes)

  • Grades 4th – 12th

  • All Inclusive (ESL, Medically Fragile, Unique Needs, IEP, Free/Reduced Lunch)

  • Current Capacity: 5 schools and we're looking to establish 3 - 4 new partnerships

 

Bring WE.APP to your school!