Ayer Introduction

Robert A. Millikan Middle School and Performing Arts Magnet: Introduction

Principal: Derek Horowitz
Enrollment: 2,098 students; 42.16%. in poverty; 18% English learners; African American, Asian, Filipino, Hispanic or Latino, Pacific Islander subgroups
Grade Configuration: 6-8
Daily Schedule: 6-period Day (plus 36 minute Enrichment/Intervention Program)
Achievement Data: 2005 API Growth Score of 760; 2004 API Growth Score of 739; 2004 Statewide Rank of 7; API growth of 45 points in the last two years

Distinctive Characteristics

Academic Excellence

Subject matter-focused academies to connect students to rigorous academic coursework, fieldtrips, and projects
Extensive arts program accompanied by outstanding facilities and ten full-time arts teachers
Technology abounds throughout the campus with five computer labs to facilitate and support learning in a variety of ways – Vantage, Compass Learning, Bridge to Carnegie
Rigorous standards-based instruction coupled with ongoing assessment and review of assessment data play an integral role in instructional planning
Extensive after school intervention program providing free homework assistance and/or tutoring six days per week

Developmental Responsiveness

Department cadres and the Instructional Leadership team collaborate in the development and implementation of an “Intervention Pyramid” to identify at-risk students and provide focused support in meeting content standards
“IMPACT,” “Innocence,” “Peer Mediation Team,” “Rainbow Council” and other special interest groups to provide socio-emotional support and to assist students in developing their own identity and resolving disputes and disagreements through discussion
Collaborative working relationships between special education and regular education students and teachers to ensure inclusion that is equitable and successful
Student voice and accomplishment is valued and consistently recognized with a variety of activities sponsored by Millikan Student Leadership organization

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