Alvarado Intermediate School

Alvarado Intermediate School: Introduction

Principal: Ying L. Tsao
Enrollment: 1,044
Grade Configuration: 7-8
Daily Schedule: Six-Period Day

“Given a diverse student population of close to 1,050 students, including 195 English learners, 440 economically disadvantaged students, 77 special education students, 200 GATE students, and 738 students from homes where English is not spoken, Alvarado remains steadfast in its educational commitment that all students will achieve at the highest levels.”
- From Alvarado Intermediate School 's application

Distinctive Characteristics

Academic Excellence

Evidence of standards-based instruction permeates Alvarado's environment.
An assessment system, aligned to standards, is in place and actively used to monitor and modify instructional practices.
A high quality academic program is provided to all students; students are expected to work hard and they do.
Language learners receive strong, ongoing support.

Developmental Responsiveness

The school creates an environment that enhances adolescent development.
Many kinds of instructional supports are available to all students.
Teachers are extremely dedicated to working with students; every student has a team of supporting adults.
Teaming is everywhere and involves everyone.
Students have a sense of belonging and connectedness.
There is an excellent school-wide theme: Is it good for kids? Then, let's do it!

Social Equity

English-learner and SDAIE programs are strong and effective.
Math classes extend through Algebra II; a majority of students complete Algebra I in 7th or 8th grade and move on to Geometry in high school.
A positive discipline program creates student responsibility; a peer culture of mutual respect prevails throughout the school.
The student service center keeps students on campus and focused on their academic work, and is widely used to support parents and students.
Cross-group interaction exists between various cultural and ethnic groups on this diverse campus.

Organizational Support

Teaming is the key organizational structure; everyone is involved in the teaming process.
The school has a ‘can-do' attitude and is willing to undertake complex, demanding challenges.
A common vision is shared by students, teachers, site administrators and the district office.
The school has history of overcoming obstacles and achieving its targets.

Future Work Plans Include

Strong communication with parents and the large community
Strong articulation with feeder elementary schools, destination high schools and sister middle schools
Continue to expand AVID program and to implement school-wide AVID teaching methodologies
Implement district-wide effective Reading Intervention program for struggling readers
Use technology as effective teaching tool to enhance students' learning

California League of Middle Schools
6615 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 120, Long Beach, California 90803
Voice: 562/430-3136 or 800/326-1880 . . . FAX: 562/430-5607. . . E-Mail: info@clms.net