Mission Possible: Innovations in the Bronx Schools. Fastback 269.

Overview & Synopsis

The Bronx Education Endowment Fund (BEEF), established in 1985, provides mini-grants of up to $100 to fund simple projects aimed at educational improvement. During the first two years of the program, 18 mini-grants were awarded to 16 teachers, one student, and one parent organization. A large number of both regular and special education students, from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, received benefits from the projects. The projects were cost-efficient and encouraged active student participation in the educational process. Many of the programs were characterized by the following: (1) a hands-on approach to learning; (2) the use of outside human resources; (3) culminating activities that served as an evaluative measure; (4) an investigative approach to learning; and (5) a focus on the specific needs of the pupils. BEEF uses a simplified proposal process. Some projects in the following areas are described: (1) the humanities and social sciences; (2) mathematics and science; and (3) special education. Photographs illustrate the text. A short bibliography is included. (BJV)