SHIELD is an exciting new program that provides intensive support to Native American high school students grades 10th - 12th at Westwood High School. The program has been developed for students who may be in need of assistance in core (required) classes such as science, math English, and social studies. SHIELD will assist students in achieving great academic success by emphasizing individualized attention. Class size will be limited to a low student/teacher ration.

In addition to tutoring, teachers will focus on the skills necessary to succeed academically, including:

• Time management
• Organizational skills
• Study skills

The goals of the program are to assist students in:

• Successful completion of required classes
• Graduation from high school
• Pursuit of post-secondary education opportunites

SHIELD is a pilot program that will begin in the fall semester of 2007. SHIELD will appear on the student's class schedule as SK10-Study Skills. This is an elective class that studetns will attend everday for one or two semesters, depending upon individual progress. Students will gain one-half credit per semester.

Program contacts:

• Theresa Price,
  Director,
  Native American Education Program,
  Mesa Public Schools,
  480.472.0582
  
  
• Roxie Andrews,
  Manager,
  School Community Relations,
  Salt River Pima -
  Maricopa Indian Community
  480-850-768

• Patrick Walsh,
  Team Leader,
  Westwood High School,
  480-472-4482