CW25AC: Final Project - Kristy Choung & Lida Kaphar by Kristy Choung https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge This project requires that you synthesize information from our discussions to design “the ideal school" and the "ideal school system." This school is not “ideal” because it has tons and tons of money – though equitable funding should be a concern. It is ideal because it attempts to achieve the many goals and address the many concerns we have examined in class en-us 2022-04-22 06:37:00 UTC 2025-12-10 11:39:40 UTC hello@padlet.com 1. Funding kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195617 Currently, public schools (charters differ) are funded mainly from state and local taxes, with federal funding comprising less than 10%.  What would be the sources of funding for your ideal school?  How would funding be distributed? Please provide your rationale.]]> 2022-04-22 06:37:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195617 2. Student Distribution kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195620 Integration, Zoning, controlled choice, etc.?  How would students be assigned in your school? Would you aim for neighborhood schools? For a charter school system?  For the current or a different zoning system?  For another outside-the-box option?  Please explain your choice and its rationale. ]]> 2022-04-22 06:37:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195620 3. Curriculum and Pedagogy kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195622 Activity types, foci, special programs, etc.  Please include an overall discussion of what you think is the most appropriate overall pedagogical approach for your school  (and the rationale) given all the issues we have talked about in urban public schools -- and the need for engagement, belonging, and trust/respect.  If possible, also list some specifics activities you might incorporate. And maybe give me a glimpse into what your classrooms might look like.]]> 2022-04-22 06:37:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195622 4. Assessment Procedures kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195623 How would students be assessed in your school?  What role would standardized testing play (this might also mean you have to talk about how ideal college admissions might look)? Please describe what your assessment would look like and why.]]> 2022-04-22 06:37:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195623 5. Instructors kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195625 Given your overall mission and goals in your ideal school that services at least some students from low-income backgrounds, what qualifications would you require of your instructors (education, specialized training etc)? what expectations would you have regarding their approach to teaching and their beliefs about education and the students your school would serve?  What ongoing professional development would you require?  And how would you assess instructors?]]> 2022-04-22 06:37:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195625 6. Extracurriculars/ Special Projects kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195627 Given the varying needs and interests of students in your school, what extracurricular projects or special programs might you include to increase engagement, provide after-school support for students?  These projects could be solely within the school or involve outside groups (businesses, community. parents, etc). Please explain your choices.]]> 2022-04-22 06:37:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195627 7. Advising/Counseling kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195628 Given your discussions of the model minority myth, the school-to-prison pipeline, and mental health in schools, what type of counseling would be available at your school?  And what type of academic support programs?  College counseling? Please describe the options and explain their significance.]]> 2022-04-22 06:37:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195628 8. Here's what I really want to say. kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195630 OK -- here is your chance. What did you not get a chance to say under the other categories? What aspect of your school has not been outlined in the static categories given? What issue that we have discussed is most important to you -- and how will your approach to it be highlighted in your school? what is your school's overall mission in terms of addressing social reproduction or addressing trauma or addressing the needs of the 21st century or....? You can elaborate on anything you want to here.]]> 2022-04-22 06:37:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195630 0. Mission Statement kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195631 School mission statements indicate the priorities and goals of a school community.

School mission statements are documents that define where your school is going and drive decisions accordingly. They lay out educational goals, community priorities and the purpose of your school.]]> 2022-04-22 06:37:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2153195631 Ideal School Mission Statement kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2166053421 Our mission is to establish a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for students of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities. We especially prioritize a diverse student body and faculty, as it is crucial for individuals to experience the world at large within a smaller scope at our ideal school. We are committed to providing equitable and accessible education, which means we support learning styles of any and every kind to cater to each student. Moreover, we stand strong with various minority communities and actively rally behind them as allies. By making our school a better place, we hope to tap into the potentials of all students and faculty in contributing their open mindedness beyond the classroom.]]> 2022-05-01 22:54:49 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2166053421 Teaching Expectations kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2169283867 In our ideal school and given our mission statement, it is important for teachers to be flexible and openminded in the classroom. This especially plays a key role in teaching and guiding students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds or are disabled. Therefore, our ideal school requires teachers to know how to address and react to certain behavioral situations.

As much as a teacher can have years of teaching experience academically, it is crucial for them to also focus on understanding individual student behavior. According to Amanda Morin, the director of thought leadership at Understood and author of "The Everything Parent's Guide to Special Education," teachers should try to understand behavior as communication. A start to understanding can be by "considering the life experiences that students bring to the classroom" (Morin). Morin brings up a good point here in terms of assessing and addressing behavioral changes in students by looking beyond the behavioral situation at hand. It is about acknowledging a student's background and using methods such as "EATS" (Escape, Attention, Tangible gain, and Sensory needs) to accommodate the student.

Moreover, one expectation we have for the teachers are to focus on elevating individual potential within students. As of now, the schools we see are very much academically driven, which means more of a focus on academic statistics rather than personal long-term goals. It is important for our ideal school that students leave feeling a stronger sense of self and that they are comfortable in their identities, their passions, and goals for the future. In order to achieve such, we aim to have teachers who foreground individual creativity and growth rather than just focusing on academic achievements. Aiming for this kind of newfound growth will create a more welcoming and safe environment, where students are free to grow without quantitative expectations and can become more mentally healthy adults.]]> 2022-05-04 02:36:38 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2169283867 Instructor Education kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2169293426 According to "How to Earn Your Teaching Credential in California," individuals must complete a student teaching requirement minimum of 600 hours of field experience within the duration of the education program to earn their teaching credential. These hours can vary program to program.

A minimum of 600 hours of field experience is not enough for our ideal school. Though a teacher can gain many experiences within that period of time, it is important for our teachers to understand the academic and behavioral environment in the classrooms. The reason we want more time spent doing fieldwork is because these teachers can gain various styles of teaching.

As mentioned in our mission statement, we want to shed light on versatile learning environments to cater to all students' learning styles. If teachers spend more time doing fieldwork with various students of all backgrounds on a variety of platforms, they can gain valuable experience with blended learning.]]> 2022-05-04 02:46:28 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2169293426 Ideal Funding Situation lkaphar https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2171053737 All property taxes statewide would be equally distributed across each state with the federal government subsidizing poorer states and accounting for inflation/cost of living in other states (eg Wyoming - small population = not enough money vs California - high cost of living = not enough money), so that all schools have equal access to quality material.]]> 2022-05-05 07:50:58 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2171053737 Ideal Student Distribution lkaphar https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2171055418 We want to do a combination of neighborhood schools and a charter program with neighborhood exchange program of sorts. (That's quite a lot we know, haha, but we promise it'll make sense). 

The system overall will be a charter program where students will be assigned Academic Counselors (ACs) who will follow up with students in person or via Zoom to make sure they're on track to pass their classes and discuss with students classes for next semester and options after graduations (career, university, etc). 

The neighborhood school part comes in where students will go in person for any lab/practical based coursework, attend supplemental lectures/activity session (sort of like discussion sections or adjuncts at Cal), and attend any extracurriculars (sports, music, dance, etc).

Finally neighborhood exchange. This element is more a part of extracurricular project and will be discussed further but we're mentioning it since it involves student distribution. Every month or so, students will work on day project of sorts with students from other neighborhoods to foster understanding.


]]> 2022-05-05 07:52:46 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2171055418 Funding per student lkaphar https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2171059447 As will be described in the student distribution section, every student will have X (according to whatever state student is in) amount of funds to spend to allocate towards classes, extracurricular, and other academic/extracurricular materials (electronics, sports uniforms, instrument rentals, etc). ]]> 2022-05-05 07:57:14 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2171059447 Special Projects kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2171983266 Given the importance of stimulating creativity, freedom, and purpose, we want to implement various special projects within our ideal school. Some of these projects include a community garden, after school tutoring, and social events with other schools within the county.

According to Shape Your Future (https://shapeyourfutureok.com/benefits-school-community-gardens/), community gardens provide an array of benefits for students and citizens of the larger community. Not only do the students get to interact with nature and take a break from being inside the classroom, but the garden also encourages teacher and community involvement to keep the garden in good shape. The purpose of this project is for students to connect with people beyond just the school grounds and learn about having access to affordable, healthy food. This project can start small on a few spots on campus, and depending on its success, it can become a very meaningful project for school systems around the country.

A crucial project for after school support includes after school tutoring. As of now, schools do not have the funding nor resources to provide qualified and personal tutoring catered to each student. For our ideal school, we can have teachers who are available and willing to hold tutor sessions get paid overtime for their work. Another issue we tend to see is that there are not enough teachers to become tutors. Therefore, we highly encourage student teachers working towards their teaching credentials alongside neighboring college students to help out for tutoring elementary to high school students. This way we can encourage even more connection between various education levels and communities, fostering a more tight-knit group driven to help students succeed academically and socially.

Another special project that our ideal school emphasizes is the social events with other schools. As per our mission statement, we want to diversify the student and faculty body, allowing individuals to interact with people of all different backgrounds. Through these monthly socials, students from different schools can mingle together in funded luncheons, picnics, or park days. This project promotes diversity, connection, and social development. In terms of transportation, our school can use buses to get them to and from the locations. During the actual event, we can organize the students to shuffle around from each school so that the students can meet new people. This can happen in a similar method to the Jigsaw discussion we had in class so that everyone is meeting someone new and bringing something different to the table.]]> 2022-05-05 19:32:43 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2171983266 Extracurriculars kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2172317785 To increase student engagement, we want to implement various extracurricular activities. For example, clubs and organizations surrounding interests of culture/heritage, sexuality, hobbies, career, and more are all important at our ideal school. On top of students' academics, it is imperative that students are able to freely explore their interests and find smaller communities to gain friends and peers.

One of the extracurriculars that will be a part of the after school programs include STEM programs. In "STEM Validation Among Underrepresented Students: Leveraging From a STEM Diversity Program to Broaden Participation," Burt et al. argue that "students of color who participate in undergraduate research diversity programs tend to have positive experiences and exposure to STEM, are more likely to attend graduate school, and are more likely to enter the STEM workforce" (Burt et al. 9). In schools today, there is less and less participation from students of color -- especially female-identifying students of color -- when it comes to STEM programs. However, Burt et al.'s research shows that when properly encouraged, students of color can experience a variety of benefits, including a bright career path in STEM. Our ideal school does not want to impede students who come from disadvantaged or minority backgrounds from exploring academic interests that are predominantly white. By creating this funded program and opening space, all students have the opportunity to participate.

In terms of clubs and organizations, we want to establish cultural appreciation clubs as well as clubs that promote  empowerment and ally-ship on campus. According to Georgetown University's article "Cultural Clubs Promote Inclusivity, Strengthen Pride Among Multicultural Students," student-run cultural clubs provide opportunities for the whole student body to learn from students of different backgrounds. Amongst a strengthened sense of pride in students who identify as part of these cultures -- feeling validated in their identity -- there are also larger cultural events that invite people beyond their cultures as well. In Global Expos or school-based performances, people across campus are able to learn more about their peer's cultures and ask questions. It all goes back to our mission statement of diversity and intermingling amongst students of different backgrounds, and cultural clubs and organizations can be a great step forward towards a more informal and student-run method for more engagement and learning. Another club that rallies behind these ideas include support for LGBTQIA+ clubs and more. It is mainly a space for students to be comfortable in their identities, and the goal is that they can extend a hand to others who are in need of a community and safe space.

Most compelling, however, includes our Make Your Own Club/Organization. From my knowledge, anyone can make a club or organization in many schools as of now; however, many of the times, they do not have an advisor because of limited resources and they do not have enough funding for materials for the club. With appropriate resources and funding, we want to emphasize that any student can create their own club based on something as small as a crocheting hobby to being involved in nationwide debates. But, in order to make sure these clubs and organizations are being well-run and active, the school can perform monthly check-ins to see where funding and support can be increased and where certain groups need more attention. I noticed that in many schools nowadays, students make clubs for the purpose of writing it down as an extracurricular on college applications, but they do not seem to take anything away from it besides a title. Therefore, it is important for us that students gain some sort of meaningful experience and garner a sense of responsibility by allocating resources to the up-keep of clubs and organizations.]]> 2022-05-06 02:28:06 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2172317785 Mental Health Support for Students of Color kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2174082391 Students of color often find it hard to reach out to mental health resources for a variety of reasons including familial values, internalized pressure, lack of resources, lack of resource distribution, and more. Therefore, to eliminate the stigma and hesitation from utilizing mental health support, our ideal school will focus on providing the school with the proper resources as well as regulations that require mental health check-ins.

For starters, to support students of color and their specialized needs, Higher Education Today outlines key points and suggestions to keep in mind. For example, silence=stigma, knowledge is power, one size does not fit all, treatment works, self-care, care for the caregivers, culture counts, nothing about us without us, use technology, and risk factors are not predictive factors because of protective factors. 

Specifically, I would like to draw attention to the "one size does not fit all" and "culture counts" key points. Many campuses provide mental health resources, however, many of the professionals are not culturally qualified nor have the field experience to help students of color. When thinking about the Model Minority Myth, a white counselor does not and cannot fully understand the familial expectations, traditions, and value that Asian American students experience. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance for our school to hire qualified mental health professionals of color to support a wide array of ethnicities and experiences. A similar sentiment is shared for students who are on the School-To-Prison Pipeline. Most of these students come from disadvantaged backgrounds, making it difficult to focus on studies when they face personal, financial, etc. turmoil. It is imperative that these students not only have access to therapists and counselors who understand their situation, but also guide them in the proper direction to avert their systemic future from school to prison. Just as Higher Education Today mentions, our ideal school seeks to recruit and retain faculty, staff, and mental health providers of color and will provide cultural competence education and training. Additionally, from these examples, it is evident that each student brings something different to the table and utilizing a standardized form of mental health resources cannot and will not support the student experiencing mental health issues.

Besides requiring cultural training for school health professionals, we also want to implement monthly health check-ins with the mental health resources department. This check-in is so that students who may  be afraid to reach out does not feel embarrassed because everyone else is also required to do so. The students can take a brief survey of their needs during the beginning of the school year so that the school can match them with a counselor who meets their needs. During the check-in, students can speak freely with their mental healthcare provider as well as screen for depression, anxiety, etc. This also keeps the school accountable for what may be the cause to their mental health issues and how we can help to alleviate them.

Moreover, group therapy can be very useful in creating a stronger community. When students and faculty find out that they are not alone and that others face similar mental health issues, they can work together to overcome these challenges.]]> 2022-05-07 21:47:22 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2174082391 Academic Support Programs kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2174084284 As much as the students can learn in the classroom and after school tutoring sessions for class material, our school also highlights the need for more college application assistance and writing care. Many privileged students can hire private tutors and counselors for these exact purposes; however, not all students can afford one. Therefore, to make our school environment more equitable and accessible, we want to create a writing center solely focused on intensive writing care and college application assistance. This writing can span across academic essays to cover letters. Most importantly, these writing centers can have one-on-one writing workshops on campus/in-person or online for all students. Not only will students be able to receive the help they need to succeed in class, but we are also focusing on a continuous success through college essay writing as well as cover letters when students enter the workforce. This kind of assistance should be heavily stressed, as filling out college applications and even writing essays will help in the long run.]]> 2022-05-07 21:53:18 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2174084284 Rethinking Schooling kchoung00 https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2174085031 We had an idea for our ideal school that did not seem to fit elsewhere, so we wanted to write here about rethinking the school system. 

We were thinking that perhaps for junior or senior year of high school, students can switch towards a community college environment rather than staying in high school. This method can help students assimilate to college life better, where they get used to taking classes at a faster pace in the semester or quarter system. Additionally, semester classes at community college count for a year of classes in high school so there is an added bonus to this method. Since they are starting right into a community college, they can also gain a head start on their general education and breadth requirements without the stress of taking AP/IB classes and exams. Students can also meet more people from different socioeconomic, racial, etc. backgrounds.

While this is a good idea in theory, there are many factors that would have to go into changing the school system in general. For years it has been 4 years in high school to 4 years in undergrad, so mixing the two for 2 years in high school, 2 years in community college, to 2 years in undergrad would evidently be very different. However, the benefits are worth looking into in terms of an "ideal school."

]]> 2022-05-07 21:56:04 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2174085031 Ideal Pedagogy lkaphar https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2180719046 From the readings in class, one thing that is clear is that there needs to be smaller class sizes for optimal student learning outcomes. In addition, there really is no need for students to be in a classroom sitting for 6-8 hours straight, 5 days a week. 

To remedy both these issues, we propose to use a neighborhood charter school system that supplies lessons online through an interactive platform (think Khan Academy) with lessons supplemented by in-person/online discussion section/adjunct (like we have at Cal) with an accredited teacher (whose qualifications are outlined in the Instructors section) at the local community center/school campus. In-person discussion sections will be no larger than 15-20 students while online discussion will allow students to work more independently and ask questions of the teacher as needed. In addition, either by recommendation of an AC, instructor, or student's own choice, tutoring will be available for all subjects for students via either group or 1-1 tutoring online and in-person. 

Students will be taking no more than 3-5 classes at once which means they'll be in-person a maximum of 3 days a week for 4 hours tops (not including extracurricular activities). This will allow students to balance school, social life, and personal life.

More on the community center... It'll be at the center of the neighborhood and should be within a few miles of the student's home (ie close enough student can walk there or close enough so parents can quickly drop off students nearby before work within 5 minutes tops). Community center will essentially act as a school campus including a library (with study spaces), tutoring center, counseling services, sports facilities, music rooms, an auditorium, and (of course) class rooms. It serve to give students and teachers a space for any in-person activities and interactions.

Finally, the overall teaching philosophy will be giving students the tools they need to succeed after graduation in the workforce or university by allowing them to explore different subjects freely without worrying about burnout and also giving students a complete perspective on society and how they can contribute to society. 

]]> 2022-05-12 06:33:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2180719046 Ideal Assessment Procedures lkaphar https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2180720949 Since a merit based system (numeric/letter-grades) don't foster learning but rather rote learning without understanding, we want to create a broad P/NP system for core subjects and skills like reading, writing, arithmetic, and all other subjects students chose to complete their diploma. From a study discussing impact of well-being and academic achievements in medical school, it "demonstrate[d] that, overall, pass/fail grading improves student well-being and does not compromise academic outcomes." The goal of this is that students can 'complete the bare minimum' to get their diploma while still being able to have the skills to either enter the workforce or continue onto university.

For core classes, instead of giving students a grade once and then moving on, students will work with either the teacher or a tutor to fix the assignment until they learn the material. This way students learn that a) it's ok to not understand everything the first time and learning is process - therefore fostering a healthy learning environment and attitude within the student and b) it ensures ALL students understand the material and actually pass the class. 

To promote active engagement in subjects students are interested in whether it be for further study in a subject they've taken already or a new subject they're interested in, we will give students the option to take a project-based class as P/NP or marks-based grade to use to boost their resume. 

All standardized testing will be removed. As all it's done is promote academic anxiety and increase the achievement and therefore opportunity gap. 

]]> 2022-05-12 06:34:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2180720949 Ideal Curriculum: Core Classes lkaphar https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2181013773 Students will take roughly 3-4 classes every year of "core" classes.
  • Writing/Literature 
    • Year 1 will focus on building skills from junior high and teaching students to write all types of essays (persuasive, research, etc.).
    • Year 2 will incorporate literature from different cultures and perspectives teaching students to analyze writing and respond with skills learned in Year 1.
  • Math 
    • Ideally students will only need to take two years unless they choose otherwise.
    • Given that they probably have all the math skills they need for the rest of their adult lives by Junior High unless they pursue a field in STEM, students will only be required to take classes up until the lowest level (typically trigonometry or algebra 2) needed for a General Ed Associate's degree from a community college. The point of this level is that student's will be able continue with their career/degrees without being left behind because they didn't have the math skills to succeed. 
  • Career 
    • Year 1 will focus on learning to write resumes and cover letters for different positions, writing cold emails, thank you notes, etc., how to prepare for interviews, how to efficiently look for a job, and other networking skills
    • Years 2-4, students will shadow and/or intern under people in different professions to get an idea on what is available to them. Students can choose to switch every semester or even stay in the same profession for all three years. This program allows students to gain work experience (which will bolster their resume later on) and potentially allow them to get paid (for studying technically) if students decide to intern. Ideally this program will partner students with members of their community in different occupations but since there might not be enough variety, students will also be partnered with local business and institutions (including hospitals, city hall, law firms, etc) 
  • Life
    • Students will take Life classes all four years and learn everything from basic household maintenance (finding studs, how to use basic tools, etc) to doing their own taxes and learning how to invest. If possible, it'd be great if each school could partner with a broker in their area that will help students set up their investment portfolio. Other lessons will include grocery shopping and meal prepping for various budgets, how to find an apartment to rent, basic car maintenance, how insurance works (and why you need it!), and other important life skills!
  • History (one semester)
    • One semester seems like too little BUT the point of it will be to give students an overview of US History while acknowledging the dark sides of it. History often repeats itself so instead of focusing on facts, students will instead learn themes and patterns which reoccur (eg Jim Crowe Laws vs re-segregation today)
  • Science (one semester)
    • We get that not every student vibes with STEM, however, we believe that we are robbing our society of future doctors, engineers, and scientists if we don't at least introduce STEM concepts.  So we're going to give them a little taste of biology, chemistry, and physics all in one so if they want to explore one (or more!) in another semester/year, they're able to. This class will be extra special because instead of focusing on each subject separately, the focus will be on how the subject areas intersect. Science is a very collaborative subject and Nobel Prize ideas are made because someone looked at two unrelated concepts in different fields and found a way to solve problems by combining them. We want students to experience the magic of seeing the intersectionality of STEM and how they can change the world with it. 


]]> 2022-05-12 10:26:25 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2181013773 Ideal Curriculum: Extracurriculars lkaphar https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2181099537 Something unique about our curriculum is that outside of class, students will be required to do both a creative and physical extracurricular. The physical will keep them healthy and the creative will give them balance. In addition, students can change their extracurriculars every semester, if they'd like. The main purpose of this is for student's to pick something they ENJOY and having allocated funds will allow them to pursue these activities without financial repercussions on their families.
  • Art/Music/Dance
    • Students can chose which they'd like to pursue and what type (eg for art it could be sculpting, painting, fashion design, etc.). The point is for students to embrace their creative side and use it as a starting point for them to explore any other creative hobby after graduating !
    • Sandra Ruppert's book, Critical Evidence: How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement, shows an overarching theme throughout multiple studies where "students who participate in arts learning experiences often improve their achievement in other realms of learning and life." 
  • Sport
    • Once again, students are free to chose. There are many studies that show how important physical activity is for students and as such we want to make sure our students get PLENTY of it. A simple google search, takes you to the CDC listing explaining how 
      • "Students who are physically active tend to have better grades, school attendance, cognitive performance (e.g., memory), and classroom behaviors (e.g., on-task behavior).14, 15"
      • "Higher physical activity and physical fitness levels are associated with improved cognitive performance (e.g., concentration, memory) among students."
]]> 2022-05-12 11:48:22 UTC https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2181099537 Ideal Curriculum: Electives! lkaphar https://padlet.com/kchoung00/orp7hpiumvlx5zge/wish/2181111851 The fun part ! Now that our students have completed 2-3 years of academically required classes, they have their junior and senior years to explore topics that really interest them! There will be two main types for electives: general education and project-based. 

General Education
  • Diving into a project head first can feel kind of scary, so this method is for students who aren't sure they're ready for a big project yet but they want to learn more about the subject overall. At the end of the semester, students can opt for either an exam or a final project to showcase their learning. This will be most similar to traditional classes that we have today.

Project-Based
  • We wanted to focus on a project-based model for electives primarily as the curriculum will be driven by STUDENT interest. An article from the Educational Psychologist explains how, "projects can serve to build bridges between phenomena in the classroom and real-life experiences; the questions and answers that arise in their daily enterprise are given value and are shown to be open to systematic inquiry. Hence, project-based education requires active engagement of students' effort over an extended period of time. Project-based learning also promotes links among subject matter disciplines and presents an expanded, rather than narrow, view of subject matter. Finally, projects are adaptable to different types of learners and learning situations."
  • As the name suggests, the curriculum behind this method is completely focused on what the STUDENT wants to study. Whether that be diving deeper into a STEM field or focusing on history and culture, students will engage in project-based classes where (guided by their instructor) they'll develop on a research project about their subject. For history, that could look like a research paper studying Japan-US relations over the years with a focus on either economic, cultural, or political exchange. For a STEM subjects, that can be a specific research question, a literature review on a topic they're curious about, or an engineering-based project. Regardless what the student chooses, instructors will first focus on giving them a big picture overview of what their interest/question covers, then work with the student to give them the tools to answer their questions!
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