Are there successful models out there?
While we are not copying any one particular program or model, there is a lot that can be learned from the successes, failures, and processes of others. Some of our leaders in East Penn have personally visited the following schools that have demonstrated success that will help in our goal of developing the Jasper Learning Initiative.
Students Steering the School
A different model at State College where students have a lot more choice in developing curriculum. |
Building a Deep Learning Culture
A white paper that speaks to details of the Science Leadership Academy. |
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What are local and successful examples of evolution and expansion?
What can we learn from other schools?
What criteria did you focus on when visiting proofs of concept?
We considered the following:
Are we copying any of the programs we visited?
No. Are we learning from those programs? Yes. For instance, we know that teacher choice and student involvement is critical to program success. The pilot in year one is a means for faculty and students to plan authentic activities related to knowledge and skills targeted in three board approved curriculums (GSI, ELA, American Studies) in addition to the design and development course and curriculum submitted 10/14. The intent is that this small pilot will be in a flexibly scheduled environment students can opt into. This is a first step that allows faculty and students to learn and collaborate side by side next year and ideate about components of the program yet to be developed. One of the major projects of the year one pilot is the future development of the Jasper Learning Initiative. Students in the pilot will have the opportunity to be as involved as they wish with the teachers and leadership in determining the way forward.
We considered the following:
- Did it create community within the program and have an observable culture of care for students/teachers/parents?
- Did it align to the skills and attributes in EPSD’s Portrait of a Graduate
- Did it have a level of rigor that would prepare students for both college and career?
- Did students have more agency in their learning as compared to traditional units of study and traditional grading and assessment?
Are we copying any of the programs we visited?
No. Are we learning from those programs? Yes. For instance, we know that teacher choice and student involvement is critical to program success. The pilot in year one is a means for faculty and students to plan authentic activities related to knowledge and skills targeted in three board approved curriculums (GSI, ELA, American Studies) in addition to the design and development course and curriculum submitted 10/14. The intent is that this small pilot will be in a flexibly scheduled environment students can opt into. This is a first step that allows faculty and students to learn and collaborate side by side next year and ideate about components of the program yet to be developed. One of the major projects of the year one pilot is the future development of the Jasper Learning Initiative. Students in the pilot will have the opportunity to be as involved as they wish with the teachers and leadership in determining the way forward.
