Making A Difference is a showcase initiative designed by Community Works to support standards-based English language arts teaching and learning through a contextualized in-depth study of “local heroes” as well as community culture and mores.

School staff members are trained to carefully guide students through a proven-effective program that celebrates the individuality of neighborhoods (and its people) and involves the following high quality inquiry-based activities:

definition of local heroes

identification of “unsung” local heroes

interviews with local heroes that promote pro-social bonding

understanding the work of local heroes including an examination of what makes a leader

students writing (essays, interviews, poems, narrative descriptions, et al) about local heroes

professional photographing of local heroes

student art work celebrating the work of local heroes

public multi-media art exhibition honoring local heroes involving photographs, student art, and student writings or other project products

culminating community event celebrating local heroes

Making A Difference promotes student engagement in standards-bearing work related to the following English language arts standards: E1c - Read and comprehend informational materials; E2c - Produce a narrative account; E3b - Participate in group meetings; E4a - Demonstrate a basic understanding of the rules of English language arts in written and oral work; and E5b - Produce work in at least one genre that follows the conventions of the genre.

Making A Difference also allows students the opportunity to meet the New York State Arts Standards associated with creating, appreciating, and understanding art. The program can also be adapted to meet the community service requirements of schools.