AmeriCorps Builds Lives through Education (ABLE) is an education focused National Service program. We collaborate with schools that share our mission of increasing the academic success of students in Buffalo, NY. ABLE mobilizes men and women in national service to revive and strengthen educational environments, expanding opportunities for today’s youth and transforming America’s future—one student, one classroom, and one community at a time. ABLE members serve the community by providing social/emotional/behavioral skills support, as well as math tutoring, in grades 4-10.
We are currently looking for individuals who are interested in pursuing a summer term of service which is two (2) months long. We will continue to place members until all positions are filled.
Service Activities
ABLE members can be found in the classrooms and after school programming of public, private, and charter schools throughout the city of Buffalo. All ABLE Members will be trained in two evidence based interventions (Positive Action and I CAN Learn) which will guide their work with students throughout their term of service. Members will be responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of these interventions working with 10-15 students at a time. Members are also expected to complete 3 service projects, attend service days, and bi-weekly professional development.
Community Need Addressed
Buffalo is New York State's (NYS) second largest city and is the third poorest city in the nation. 31% of the population lives below the poverty level with over 50% of children under 18 living in poverty. The Buffalo City School District (BCSD) consists of 57 public schools serving an economically, culturally, and ethnically diverse population of approximately 34,503 students, 78% of which are minority students. More than 12% of the District's students are identified as being English Language Learners, and the classification rate of students with disabilities is 19%. Economic data indicates that 74% of the BCSD student body is economically disadvantaged and eligible to receive free or reduced lunch. BCSD is among the lowest performing districts in the State. According to NYSED's Accountability System, which bases school and district success on student achievement on NYS ELA and Math Assessments, BCSD's 2015-16 Accountability Status is "Focus" indicating that it is high needs. In 2015 only 15% of students in grades 3-8 scored proficient on the NYS Math Assessment, compared to the State average of 38%. BCSD has high dropout rates; only 56% of students graduate within 4 years of starting high school. The BCSD chronic absenteeism rate is disturbingly high (<50%). Buffalo's 14 charter schools share the same afflictions of low achievement and absenteeism.
The Service Collaborative of WNY (TSC) has infused hope into public and charter schools in Buffalo through the AmeriCorps Builds Lives through Education (ABLE) program. ABLE has established itself as the primary provider of high-quality national service educational support to students and has the experience and established relationships to broaden its impact. ABLE will specifically address the critical education issues of low-student achievement in math, low-student engagement in school, and high absenteeism rates, while addressing the need for more prepared teachers to work with ethnically diverse low-income urban populations.
Position Outcomes
Through the implementation of our interventions, our members will increase student attendance/seat time, academic engagement, and math skills, as well as decreasing disciplinary referrals.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Student loan forbearance, Training
• 8 (eight) weeks of meaningful experience working with students
• Bi-weekly living allowance, 4 pays of $750.00 for a total of $3,000.00
• An AmeriCorps Eli Segal Education Award of $1,230.69 provided after the successful completion of a term of service
• Opportunity to develop leadership and team-based skills in an environment with like-minded individuals
Skills you will gain
Certified Positive Action Facilitator, Certified I CAN Learn Facilitator, Trauma informed Care, Lesson Planning, Organization Skills, Communication Skills, Team Building, Time Management, Classroom Management
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Drive decision making, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment