The Promise Initiative

Ventura County, together with San Diego,Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, and Riverside counties, have formed a collaborative to conduct research and identification of proven-effective programs for pre-K to 12 English learners. The PROMISE vision is to build upon the language and culture of ELs as a foundation from which to educate successful biliterate, bicultural citizens.

The research-based core principles of PROMISE are:

• Enriched and Affirming Learning Environments
• Empowering Pedagogy
• Challenging, Relevant Curriculum
• High Quality Instructional Resources
• Valid, Comprehensive Assessment
• High Quality Professional Preparation, Support
• Powerful Family/Community Engagement
• Advocacy-Oriented Administrative/Leadership Systems

Current PROMISE Updates:

• VCOE is in the process of selecting pilot schools
• PROMISE Convocation is in January 2006