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Poente program staff tell board 80% of participants continue to college; Newark sites show strong A–G completion
Summary
Poente (Buena) presenters described a 45-year college-preparation model, cited statewide figures showing roughly 80% college continuation and strong A–G completion for Newark Poente students, and parents praised the program's influence on students' aspirations.
Poente program staff from UC Berkeley and district-based counselors briefed the board on the program's mentoring, daily-writing and counseling model and presented outcome data they said demonstrates strong college-going rates for participants.
Steve Gonzalez, Poente counseling coordinator, cited statewide Poente follow-up research showing about 80% of Poente students continue education after high school (UC, CSU or community college). Local data for Newark graduates showed especially high A–G completion and a large share continuing to four-year colleges, according to staff presentation slides shared at the meeting.
Presenters emphasized the program's culturally responsive pedagogy, two-year student cohorts with the same teacher and counselor, and family engagement strategies. Several parents thanked the board and Poente staff in public comment, saying the program changed expectations and helped their children prepare for college.
Trustees praised the program and asked how Poente practices could be more broadly applied to increase college preparedness for students not in the cohort; presenters suggested professional development for additional teachers and counselors to spread Poente methods districtwide.
