Turning Points Academy
PDF of Informational Flyer
Description
TPA is a collaboration between California State University at Fresno and McLane High School. The program takes sophomores from McLane High School and puts them entirely on the campus of CSU Fresno for the spring semester. There, they take their core classes from their McLane teachers, as well two Fresno State classes.
History of TPA
The program was founded in 1994 as a collaborative effort between McLane Principal Frank Silvestro and a professor from the Kremen School of Education, Jody Daughtry. Dr. Daughtry wanted to bring real high school students to the Fresno State campus so that professors and future teachers could learn from them. Mr. Silvestro wanted McLane students to experience college life with the hopes that more would enroll in college after completing high school.
CSUF Courses taken by TPA Students
- College Literacy Skills (CLS)
- Community Service Theater
- University 1
- Kinesiology Activity Courses
- French, Spanish and Chinese 1A
Student Access at CSUF
While at CSUF, students can access
- Madden Library
- All computer labs
- CSUF tutoring center
- Kennel Bookstore
- Students receive a CSUF ID card
Program Highlights
- In a 2003 study, 85% of TPA alum reported going on to a two or four year college.
- 98% of TPA students go on to graduate from high school.
- TPA students have a higher pass rate on the California High School Exit Exam.
What Makes the Typical TPA Student?
Events
TPA Day/Symposium
Representatives from the colleges speak to TPA students about the options available to them in those fields. That afternoon, student work is put on display at CSUF for parents to experience what TPA is like for their students.
College Exploration Trip
In the spring TPA students take a field trip with educational value. In 2006 students toured the UC Merced campus led by student guides.
Staff
Ann Alvarez (Modern World History)
Mrs. Alvarez has been a part of TPA for six years. Teaching is a second career, and she loves working with teenagers in TPA because of the collegiate environment.
Brandon Dorman (Geometry, Algebra)
Mr. Dorman has been part of TPA since 2006. He is also the water polo Coach and likes the number Pi.
Erin Pullen (Biology)
Mrs. Pullen, a UCLA alum, has been teaching in TPA since 2006. She feels called to teach after discovering a love for science and students in college.
Jeff Rooney (Spanish)
Mr. Rooney has been teaching in TPA since 2007. He brings with him 13 years of teaching experience in places diverse as Maine, North Carolina, and South America.
Sky Sweet (English)
Ms. Sweet has been in TPA since spring 2005. She loves students and brings a creative aspect to her teaching.
Matt Ward (VP of Small Learning Communities)
A former TPA teacher himself, Mr. Ward has been spearheading TPA since 2007.
Need INFO:
Turning Points Academy
Matt Ward
McLane High School
2727 N. Cedar Avenue
Fresno CA 93703
(559) 248-5100
matt.ward@fresnounified.org
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