Central OC Times

The University of California, Irvine School of Education is set to partner with the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) in a university-assisted initiative at James Monroe Elementary School. This collaboration aims to integrate student support efforts, expand learning opportunities, and enhance family and community engagement.

Unlike typical research-practice partnerships, this new model will enable a more comprehensive approach between UC Irvine's School of Education and Monroe Elementary. The school will benefit from connections with higher education through research and best practices.

Key goals include improving classroom teaching practices, student programming, and creating internships for UC Irvine student teachers. Additionally, career pathways for graduates and professional development opportunities for current SAUSD instructors are planned.

"We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking partnership with UC Irvine that will undoubtedly enhance the educational experience at Monroe Elementary School," said Jerry Almendarez, SAUSD superintendent. "By combining the innovative research and academic excellence of UC Irvine with the deep community ties and dedication of our district, we are creating a collaborative model that will not only benefit our students and teachers but also inspire similar initiatives across the state."

Frances Contreras, dean of the School of Education at UC Irvine, emphasized the importance of this partnership: "This university-assisted partnership school represents our first formal lab school. Given the strength of the School of Education faculty in STEM, language development and teacher education, Monroe presents an exciting setting to help shape a learning environment that draws upon the latest technology and innovations."

Initial discussions began in spring when SAUSD invited several UC Irvine faculty members to explore partnering with a specific school in their district. The SAUSD Board approved a three-year memorandum of understanding for this partnership on August 13.

UC Irvine's team includes Andres Bustamante, June Ahn, Symone Gyles, Adam Lara among others from various departments engaged through the Orange County Educational Advancement Network.

James Monroe Elementary serves approximately 240 K-5 students in Santa Ana. With 85 percent coming from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and 59 percent being English learners, Monroe integrates bilingual education into its curriculum.

UC Irvine’s Brilliant Future campaign seeks to raise awareness and support for such initiatives by engaging alumni and securing philanthropic investments aimed at advancing student success among other objectives.

For further details on UC Irvine's initiatives or media access arrangements visit www.uci.edu or news.uci.edu.

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