CASA - About Us

The Center for Academic & Social Advancement (CASA)
CASA is a San Diego, CA-based not-for-profit organization that provides computer-based activities and instruction, staff development, and access to scholarships for higher educational purposes. CASA also provides access to technology and telecommunication resources otherwise not available to economically disadvantaged communities. In partnership with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and other community organizations, CASA has created a place where children and adults can feel comfortable using their language and culture in a learning environment. CASA's charter currently translates intor four bilingual educational offerings that ensure lifespan approach to learning. Each of theses offerings addresses a specific educational level, and emply distintive computer-based learning technologies.

1. Mi Clase Mágica is for pre-school age children. These children learn how to use computers and play educational games that emphasize concepts such as numbers, colors, and language.

2. La Clase Mágica is for school-age children. This after-school program allows children to have access to computer and telecommunication activities and to strengthen their skills in math and literacy.

3. Wizard Assistant Club is for those children who have advanced, to expert level, through the activities of La Clase Mágica. This Club participates in assisting with on-going site coordination activities, helps younger children use telecommunications more frequently and receives college admission preparation.

4. La Gran Dimensión gives adults the opportunity to learn to utilize computers for work experience, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and the Internet.

Each of these programs has proven successful in teaching computer literacy skills, internet usage, academic skills, and social awareness in a bilingual and bicultural community.

The organization offers the following unique benefits:
1.
CASA creates an innovative learning environment where children and adults are engaged in cooperative and interactive learning. Using computer technology, CASA is able to foster social relations that yield enriching experiences for all participants.
2.
The 1:1 or 2:1 student to staff ratio CASA maintains serves to ensure quality interaction between the “learners” and the “teachers” (often the roles are reversed)
3.
The parents choose what language is used for initial contact by staff and their children; however, should a child indicate a preference for a specific language, the staff will honor that preference.
4.
Parental involvement is highly encouraged and, at times, required. This provides interaction between parents and their children in a positive, educational and neutral environment with access to computers and other sources of educational fulfillment.

Those who completed the programs (a.k.a. expert participants) ofthen return to the program as advisors or coordinators to share their experiences as expertise, improving the quality of the education process for all involved. For example, students who complete La Clase Magica have the option of becoming Wizard's Assistants and working the younger students.