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Charlotte

Schools

Teach For America places corps members in Charlotte's "Finding Opportunities Creating Unparalleled Success" (FOCUS) schools. FOCUS schools are those considered to be of the very highest need in the city and are receiving special emphasis in the district's efforts to improve school performance. In Charlotte, 59 percent of its schools did not reach their goals to make adequately yearly progress for the 2006-2007 school year, with the majority of these being FOCUS schools. Enlisting Teach For America corps members to teach in FOCUS schools is a critical element in the district's plan to improve its schools and achieve educational equality for all of its students. Extra support provided for our corps members in FOCUS schools includes reduced student-teacher ratios, additional instructional supplies and materials, and financial incentives for teachers.

Principals are pleased with the level of training corps members receive at the summer training institute as well as the energy corps members bring to their schools. For the past three years, a Charlotte corps member has been named Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' Outstanding First-Year Teacher. The school district provides support to all teachers through mentorship, networking, and curriculum specialists.

Behind The Numbers is an article posted in the Charlotte City Magazine that investigates and reports on the challenges facing Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

At a Glance

Partner School District:
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Ethnic Breakdown-Student Population
71% African-American
15% Latino/Hispanic
9% Caucasian
2% Asian-American
2% Multi-Racial
1% Native American

Ethnic Breakdown-Charlotte
58% Caucasian
33% African-American
7% Latino/Hispanic
3% Asian-American

<1% Native American

2% Other

Percentage of Students Qualifying for Free/Reduced-Price Lunch
Over 80% (in Teach For America sites)

Placements
34% elementary teachers
66% secondary teachers
100% teach at a school with another corps member or alumnus
K-12 grade level placements: general subject elementary specific subject secondary classrooms special education classrooms