2 - 5 Master PIanning Context Group - notes 2012 (October 24th, 2012)

How might we create an environment that meets the Iearning needs of individuaI
students?
intensive/ modular base
less students = more time with them = special bond/ smaller groups/ individualized
learning
open schedule: could fill in daily what's needed (i.e. art = classroom teacher decides
when they go)
additional teachers or creative scheduling
homogeneous grouping (better use of time)
grouping by learning style, interest, subject
flexible groupings

How might we create smaIIer Iearning environments so that we can be more fIexibIe?
add staff
50 kids, 3 teachers (in 2 rooms, bathrooms in between rooms)
room size (big)
lanai - open
bathroom
green space
wall space (display purposes)
flexible
even if rooms are alike, they look totally different
teacher gathering space

How might we create an environment organized in other ways other than, or in addition
to grade IeveI seIf contained?
multi-age (for passion) 2-3 / 4-5 music / nature / art
grouping by interest, learning style, subject
additional day
day to explore passion / project based
intro passions / try out & then stick w/it
refer to "Widely Held Expectations for age appropriate activities
Passion List (Parental nvolvement Opportunity / each "passion = own CLC theme /
teacher teaches their passion i.e. art doesn't have to teach art)
environment
garden
outdoor ed
archeol.
engineering
build
create
robotics
drama / perform / music
movement (dance / yoga)
science
experiments
cooking
world cultures
CLC's - specialty area
school in am
"passion pm - teachers collaborate then


Teacher CoIIaboration
blocks of time throughout the day - sustained time
adjacent classes/ team teaching/ 2 teachers + 1 assistant (50 kids)
purposeful time together - regularly
sustain initiatives
teach your passion - everyone is a specialist for grade
collaboration is good BUT you need down time and time to gather "stuff - own space
not only within our school but outside, what's working? Why?

Parents:
work playground/ cafeteria duty - gives us time to meet (volunteers)
adjust tuition for those who volunteer
different levels of involvement for each grade level
varies from year to year (parent involvement)
meaningful/ benefit student learning
balance of opportunities
PFA (training, communication in support of students)
SUPPORT students