March of Dimes Program Saves AVANCE-Dallas Babies
During the month of June, Oak Cliff mothers acquired crucial information for having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Through our partnership with March of Dimes, these moms learned vital tips for preventing premature birth and infant mortality.
Thirteen mothers met for four weeks in June, two hours each week, learning important information about bringing a healthy baby into the world. Seven moms were already pregnant, and six others were planning to get pregnant.
Claudia, the AVANCE-Dallas teacher, used March of Dimes curriculum to help the mothers understand how their lifestyle during pregnancy significantly affects the rest of their baby’s life. The mission of March of Dimes is “to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality,” and they accomplish their mission through research and education.
One of the most important facts the mothers learned in the class was what they should and should not consume during pregnancy—a major factor in combating prematurity, birth defects, and low birthweight. They also learned how important it is to have regular doctor checkups to avoid unnecessary pregnancy complications.
When Maria, one of the mothers, first came to the class, she was six months pregnant and already had four children. She had never visited a doctor for her current pregnancy and didn’t plan to go until she started feeling pain. That’s how she had done it each time before! But after sitting through the March of Dimes curriculum, she realized how critical it was to see her obstetrician during the pregnancy. Because of the class, she set up an appointment to go right away. Maria is one example of how the March of Dimes curriculum helped to raise awareness about healthy pregnancy habits.
On the last day of the class, Claudia (the instructor) and Enny (our caseworker) put on a baby shower for the moms. Every mother left with a diaper hanger and a changing bag.
In the end the mothers loved the program and learned so much. AVANCE-Dallas only planned to provide the March of Dimes curriculum once per year, but because it was such a success, we are now looking for ways to use it as an enhancement to our regular program.
AVANCE-Dallas Children Outperform DISD and Texas PeersThirteen mothers met for four weeks in June, two hours each week, learning important information about bringing a healthy baby into the world. Seven moms were already pregnant, and six others were planning to get pregnant.
Claudia, the AVANCE-Dallas teacher, used March of Dimes curriculum to help the mothers understand how their lifestyle during pregnancy significantly affects the rest of their baby’s life. The mission of March of Dimes is “to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality,” and they accomplish their mission through research and education.
One of the most important facts the mothers learned in the class was what they should and should not consume during pregnancy—a major factor in combating prematurity, birth defects, and low birthweight. They also learned how important it is to have regular doctor checkups to avoid unnecessary pregnancy complications.
When Maria, one of the mothers, first came to the class, she was six months pregnant and already had four children. She had never visited a doctor for her current pregnancy and didn’t plan to go until she started feeling pain. That’s how she had done it each time before! But after sitting through the March of Dimes curriculum, she realized how critical it was to see her obstetrician during the pregnancy. Because of the class, she set up an appointment to go right away. Maria is one example of how the March of Dimes curriculum helped to raise awareness about healthy pregnancy habits.
On the last day of the class, Claudia (the instructor) and Enny (our caseworker) put on a baby shower for the moms. Every mother left with a diaper hanger and a changing bag.
In the end the mothers loved the program and learned so much. AVANCE-Dallas only planned to provide the March of Dimes curriculum once per year, but because it was such a success, we are now looking for ways to use it as an enhancement to our regular program.
AVANCE-Dallas produces measurable results, and our 2006 Evaluation Report of Academic Outcomes exhibits some of the long-term effects of the AVANCE-Dallas program for our child graduates in the 2004–2005 school year.
The report followed 384 AVANCE-Dallas child graduates now in the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) in grade levels ranging from pre-kindergarten to seventh grade. The report provides a broad picture of AVANCE-Dallas graduates because it tracks students who graduated from seventeen different AVANCE-Dallas sites between 1997 and 2005. The results are as follows:
Our 2006 Evaluation Report of Academic Outcomes demonstrates that the AVANCE-Dallas program makes long-term change in children. Because of your support, we are advancing the academic achievement and potential of the next generation!
Graduate Mothers Participate Actively in Children’s EducationThe report followed 384 AVANCE-Dallas child graduates now in the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) in grade levels ranging from pre-kindergarten to seventh grade. The report provides a broad picture of AVANCE-Dallas graduates because it tracks students who graduated from seventeen different AVANCE-Dallas sites between 1997 and 2005. The results are as follows:
- 98 percent of students were promoted to the next grade after the 2004–2005 school year.
- These students maintained an average attendance rate of 99 percent, which was higher than state and district attendance rates.
- AVANCE-Dallas graduates in Kindergarten showed “developed” Spanish reading skills amongst those who took the Tejas LEE and showed “developed” English reading skills amongst those who took the TPRI.
- The Kindergarten ITBS (Iowa Test of Basic Skills) and Logramos (Spanish-based ITBS-compatible assessment) assessment results showed that on average these students outperformed 76–80 percent of their peers in math and reading.
- For the TAKS reading assessment, 88 percent of students in this sample met the passing standard—compared with 73 percent in the DISD and 83 percent in the state.
- For the TAKS math assessment, 82 percent of students in this sample met the passing standard—compared with 60 percent in the DISD and 71 percent in the state.
- When compared with Hispanic students in the DISD and the state, more AVANCE-Dallas graduates met the TAKS passing standard than their Hispanic peers.
Our 2006 Evaluation Report of Academic Outcomes demonstrates that the AVANCE-Dallas program makes long-term change in children. Because of your support, we are advancing the academic achievement and potential of the next generation!
The AVANCE-Dallas 2006 Maternal Survey shows that mothers who graduate from our program exhibit strong participation in their children’s education. Parental participation is one of the most powerful factors for keeping children in school, and AVANCE-Dallas parents demonstrate that they’re committed for the long haul!
The survey included 124 families (124 mothers and 152 children total). The findings showed that mothers who graduated from the AVANCE-Dallas program actively participated in their child’s learning. Overall, the results demonstrated:
These are mothers who have already been out of the AVANCE-Dallas program for a year or more, and this survey shows that they believe in the value of parenting and the powerful effect it has on their children. Because of these parents’ involvement today, our children will excel and become leaders for our future.
The survey included 124 families (124 mothers and 152 children total). The findings showed that mothers who graduated from the AVANCE-Dallas program actively participated in their child’s learning. Overall, the results demonstrated:
- A high frequency of parents reading—both on their own and with the child
- Maternal involvement in the child’s education
- A shift in thinking regarding the high value of education in both parent and child
- Parental stimulation of the child’s development
- Parental motivation of the child to get education
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Parental attitude:
- 99 percent believed their AVANCE-Dallas child would graduate from high school and 97 percent felt college was part of their child’s future.
- All of the parents in this study reported discussing with their children the importance of school and obtaining an education. These parents believe that an education will shape their child’s future.
- 99 percent of the parents reported that AVANCE-Dallas truly influenced their view of the importance of an education for themselves and their children.
- 93 percent of parents both helped their children with their homework and enjoyed it. And 99 percent of this sample checked their children’s homework before they turned it in to their teacher.
- 98 percent discussed their child’s school experiences with them daily.
- 93 percent of parents knew all of their child’s teachers. More than half (54 percent) visited their child’s school on a daily basis, and 18 percent visited five to ten times a month.
- One-third of parents participated in the PTA program included, and about one-half volunteered at their child’s school in some capacity.
- 95 percent stated they played developmental games with their children, and 95 percent reported reading to their children always or sometimes.
- 90 percent of parents motivated their children to do their best in school.
Parental involvement:
These are mothers who have already been out of the AVANCE-Dallas program for a year or more, and this survey shows that they believe in the value of parenting and the powerful effect it has on their children. Because of these parents’ involvement today, our children will excel and become leaders for our future.
