The Partnership to Advance School Success (PASS) added 8 new sites in 2001 bringing the total to 16 models and making it one of most successfully replicated partnerships supported by the South Florida Annenberg Challenge.

PASS is a South Florida Annenberg Challenge model in partnership with the Florida Council of 100. It teams a CEO with a principal of a "D" school. The CEO commits funds, as does the school district and the South Florida Annenberg Challenge, and incorporates business strategies in school improvement efforts. The team works hands-on with an education coach improving operations and academics.

The PASS program was also invited by the South Florida Annenberg Challenge to apply for an Achievement Grant. These grants will be awarded based on independent evaluation results, pending South Florida Annenberg Challenge Board approval.

Preliminary review shows that of the seven models operating for two years:

• All PASS schools improved academically
• 86% went up at least one letter grade
• 30% went up from a "D" to an "A"
• All schools met "A" writing criteria
• 86% of schools reduced percent scoring in lowest 25th percentile in reading

These results are based on the present State of Florida school grading scale.

"PASS is endorsed by both the corporate and education worlds, " observed Sherry Clarke, a former Principal of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland that climbed from a C to an A under her administration. "A leading CEO and a principal determined to raise student achievement are a dynamic duo," said Clarke.

The South Florida Annenberg Challenge would be pleased to arrange site visits for interested media. Attached to this release is a listing of the PASS model schools.

For more information, please contact Sisty Walsh at 305.377.9909 or toll-free at 1.866.268.0250.

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