Brown Middle School is among a select group of 28 schools from across the U.S. and Ireland to be named Schools of Distinction by CFES Brilliant Pathways for its exemplary efforts in helping students become college and career ready. CFES is short for College for Every Student.
The award given by CFES Brilliant Pathways – a global leader in college and career readiness – acknowledges the development and execution of a highly-effective plan for the entire student body to become college and career ready through core practices of essential skills, mentoring and pathways to college and career.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized by CFES Brilliant Pathways as a School of Distinction,” said Brown Middle Principal Tiauna Crooms. “We are very appreciative of Mr. Scott Pioli (CFES Brilliant Pathways board member) and Andrea McDonald (CFES Brilliant Pathways director of programs) for their commitment to support our students in preparing them to create a road map for success, which is college and career readiness.”
In order to be considered for School of Distinction status, a school must fulfill a meticulous and varied set of criteria. These include implementing cutting-edge programs throughout the school to advance college and career readiness, as well as including family members and the community in school activities.
With support from the Atlanta Public Schools Office of Partnerships and Development, faculty and staff at Brown implemented programs focused on Social Emotional Learning using Essential Skills. Volunteers from local partners such as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, HBCU Rising, Lighthouse (Spelman College) and the Atlanta Hawks mentored students on how to apply Essential Skills into their own lives.
“Brown’s schoolwide approach is a model for implementing CFES Brilliant Pathways core practices to help create a culture of college and career exposure and readiness,” said Rick Dalton, President and CEO. “They aligned the implementation of this program with district goals to help meet Georgia State standards including an emphasis on Social-Emotional Learning. They truly are a model school.
Other initiatives at Brown include an APS College and Career Week featuring speakers talking to students about potential careers; College and Career Motivation Week; Dress for Success Day; College Bound Thursday; college tours around the State of Georgia; parent workshops sponsored by local organizations including Spelman College; a Parent Empowerment Conference; among others.
A leader in helping low-income students become college and career ready, CFES Brilliant Pathways currently supports 25,000 students through partnerships with 200 rural and urban K12 schools and districts in 30 states and Ireland. http://www.brilliantpathways.org
