Leaders at United Way for Greater Austin and the University of Texas at Austin had a great idea. What if Work Study students could fulfill their hours by serving at language mentors in prekindergarten classrooms? An existing resource could be used  to address oral language gaps of Austin students. Cathy was brought in to design the program. 

 

Over 8 months, she:

• Researched and selected a curriculum model for dual language learners

• Researched and selected an assessment model

• Created a pacing guide and project management structure

• Designed a program model with quality assurance protocols

• Created the initial training as well as a year-long professional development plan

• Served as the ongoing conduit between nonprofit and school district leaders

 

Cathy completed this project for 2/3 the projected cost, saving the organizations thousands of dollars. The project was launched in summer 2019.

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Cathy did a wonderful job planning this project. All the details were thought through, and we were able to implement the program seamlessly as a result. The work-study tutors and their coach had everything they needed to provide evidence-based read-aloud and language development activities for small groups in the PreK classroom.

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Mary Ellen Isaacs, Ph.D.

Retired Director, Literacy First

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Most recently, Cathy designed plans for another innovative program called Lending Circles, which helps people with a low income save money and build credit. 

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