Eric.ed.gov – Career Awareness through Research in Science and Math Achievement for Haitian High School Students in New York City (Project CARISMA): Final Evaluation Report: 1993-94.

This document describes a project which has serviced 226 students of limited English proficiency. Participating students received instruction in English as a Second Language (ESL); Haitian native language arts (NLA); and the content areas of mathematics, science, and computer science. Multicultural education was an integral part of programming. Teachers of participating students had the opportunity to attend weekly meetings, conferences, and workshops. Project CARISMA sought to establish an active parental component, which included ESL classes and educational field trips. Project CARISMA met its objectives for NLA; the content areas of science and computer science; dropout prevention; attendance; staff development; and parental involvement. The project failed to meets its objectives for ESL and the content area of mathematics. Recommendations of the project include: (1) Assess reasons for lack of growth in participants’ English language skills and consider offering intensive ESL on the literacy level, particularly for recently immigrated students; and (2) Explore additional techniques to increase students’ acquisition of skills in mathematics, possibly by initiating a peer tutoring component or using paraprofessionals to work with students during study halls or outside school hours. (MKR)