Tulsa Public Schools' 'Project Accept'

Dozens of Tulsa Public School students got to use a local recording studio as their classroom Tuesday. <br><br>Its part of an alternative education program called Project Accept. News on 6 anchor Scott

Tuesday, February 24th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Dozens of Tulsa Public School students got to use a local recording studio as their classroom Tuesday.

Its part of an alternative education program called Project Accept. News on 6 anchor Scott Thompson tells us giving education a hip-hop beat is helping change the way some students feel about school.

The goal of Project Accept is to take kids who've had problems in school and arm them with the tools to succeed. They're not just teaching the basics, but using mentoring and music to keep these kids in school. Volunteers from the Arts and Humanities Council arranged for these Project Accept students to record a rap song at a local studio.

Dozens of students stepped up to the microphone to rap about success. The record's not only teaching these kids how to work together, but it's also going to be used to inspire other Project Accept students. The program serves more than 200 kids from 14 different Tulsa Public Schools. It utilizes arts education and mentors to reach students who didn't respond to a traditional classroom.

Organizers say the program is working. Students are not only boosting their math and reading skills, but there are fewer behavior problems. Rise Sisler, Project Accept teacher: "You know, it is so important because if they've failed for a couple years, or, you know, school has not been positive their attitude is really just no self esteem its poor this has really helped them out and they are feeling wonderful about themselves, really good."

Project Accept organizers say building self-esteem is one of the key steps in getting these kids enthusiastic about learning.