Learning Modes Supported by the Learning Environment

​If our goal is to support students in becoming:

• Self-directed
• Independent
• Interdependent
• Creative
• Critical Thinkers and Problem Solvers
• Collaborative
• ​Able to Access and Analyze Information
• Innovative and Entrepreneurial
• ​Agile and Adaptable
• ​Demonstrate Initiative

• Effective communicators
• Leaders
• Curious and Imaginative
• ​Ecoliterate
• Financially Literate
• Media Literate
• Globally Competent
• Socailly and Emotionally Literate​​
• Be Physical and Health Literate

Smaller Learning Communities - The ideal organization of a school is that of Smaller Learning Communities.  That is, a designated group of up to 150 students working with a designated team of 6 to 8 teachers - all day, everyday.  This does not have to include teachers of electives or "specials" such as art, music and PE.

A designated area for the SLC - a Smaller Learning Community occupies a designated space within the school/campus.  This arrangement allows for teacher collaboration, flexible learning modalities and a flexible schedule to accommodate the learning needs of the students.  

SLCs and their flexible learning spaces support:

• Independent study
• Team Collaborations (students)
• Project-Based Learning
• Interdisciplinary Curriculum
• Student-Centered Learning
• Accommodate students' needs for:  Belonging, Freedom, Power and Fun (William Glasser, The Quality School)
• Shift from time-based to outcome-based learning
• Differentiated Learning
• Teachers as Facilitators
• Student-Driven Curriculum
• Personalized Learning (not to be confused with adaptive curriculum)
• Development of 21st Century Skills

          *  Accessing and Analyzing Information
          *  Curiosity and Imagination
          *  Effective Oral and Written Communication
          *  Collaboration Across Networks and Leading by Influence
          *  Initiative and Entrepreneurialism
          *  Agility and Adaptability
          *  Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

• Development of Multiple Literacies

          *  Arts and Creativity as Literacies
          *  Ecoliteracy
          *  Cyberliteracy
          *  Physical Fitness and Health as Literacies
          *  Global Competencies/Multicultural
          *  Social/Emotional Literacies
          *  Media Literacy
          *  Financial Literacy

• ​Authentic, or Performance-Based, Assessment
• Teacher Collaboration - Planning and Team Teaching
• Play- and Movement-Based Learning
• Grouping Strategies - from one-to-one with teacher, to small groups to whole group
• Student Presentations
• Naturalist Learning
• Thinking Strategies and Tools
• Organizational strategies
• Art-based Learning
• Roundtable Discussions
• Meaningful integration of Technologies​
• Student Internships