Download - School Design Proposals Geyer Springs High-Ability Academy Forest Heights K-8 STEM Academy
School Design Proposals Geyer Springs High-Ability AcademyForest Heights K-8 STEM Academy
To promote student excellence in academics, collaboration and communication while developing 21st century leadership skills
To implement an accelerated curriculum and rigorous educational experiences for high-ability students that promote creativity and high levels of task commitments
GSHA Academy Goals
As part of the planning process, committee researched exemplary model sites
Sidener Gifted Academy, Indianapolis, identified as model school site
Identified as a top scoring school in Indiana Serves 266 students grades 2 – 7 Demographics include: 65% free and reduced lunch
eligibility Ethnicity: Caucasian - 42%
African-American – 38% Hispanic – 10% Multiracial – 9%
Asian – 1%
Exemplary National Model
Staged expansion between 2014 – 2017 Initial projected enrollment of 225 students
in grades 3 – 6 7th grade added in 2015 – 2016 8th grade added in 2016 - 2017 Total enrollment of 375 by 2016 – 2017
GSHA Academy Enrollment
8:45 – 3:45Breakfast in the ClassroomTransportation providedAfter school care
GSHA Academy School Day
Research-based best practices which encourage academic and creative productivity
Rigorous, accelerated curriculum-based learning Differentiated instructional approach Self-directed learning opportunities Applied, interdisciplinary learning Project-based, inquiry-based, problem-based Enrichment opportunities: foreign language, the
arts, special interest-based projects Integrated technology
GSHA Academy Curriculum
Specialized curricular materials developed by the William and Mary College Center for Gifted Education for language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies
Designed to respond to gifted learners’ learning characteristics
Includes three dimensions: advanced content; higher level processes; product development
Video clip of the Renzulli Academy, another model site informing the GSHA Academy
William and Mary Curriculum
Quiz Bowl Destination Imagination National History Day Science Fair Shakespeare Scene Festival Lego Competitions Worldfest Athletics for 7th and 8th graders
Competition Engagement
1:1 Technology All students and staff equipped with laptops Technology utilized across the curriculum
and embedded into the instruction and assessment processes
Technology will support all aspects of student learning
Technology will promote collaboration among teachers and students
Integrated Technology
Twenty-seven staff members Nineteen certified staff Eight non-certified staff Special services staff will be assigned based
on student need.
GSHA Academy Staffing
An array of community partners will provide resources and support for the GSHA Academy
UALR Arkansans for GT Education LR Museum of Discovery Duke University Talent ID Program
GSHA Academy Partnerships
Dr. Ann Robinson, DirectorUALR Mahoney Center for Gifted Education
GSHA Academy Professional Support
To create student interest in education and careers, specifically in STEM-related fields
To develop a school culture focused on active learning, problem solving, and academic success
To involve students in rigorous and engaging programs to promote excellence in literacy, math, science and technology
To provide innovative, hands-on experiences that include connections to the community and real-world challenges
Forest Heights K-8 STEM Academy Goals
A K-8 school focuses on STEM learning for student success and academic excellence
STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
STEM Academy = Hands-on learning, inquiry learning, problem-solving/project-based student work, college and career focus
What is a K-8 STEM Academy?
Research shows improvements in academic performance and behavior
Smaller grade size promotes inclusive academic community
Longer school stay promotes closer relationships with staff and other students
Softens the transition to middle 6-8th graders placed in role model position
Benefits of a K-8 School
A critical component in planning the FHSA was to review successful STEM schools.
The Annie Fisher K-8 STEM school in Hartford, Connecticut opened in August 2010 and was recognized by the USDOE as a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School.
Serves 350 K-8th grade students Demographics:African-American-47%;Caucasian–25% Hispanic–12%; Asian-12%; and 4% other
Exemplary National Model
Grade levels: K – 8th grades Total enrollment: 715 students Kindergarten: Two classes with 20 students
each 1st through 5th grades: Three classes with 25
students each 6th through 8th grades: 100 students per
grade level
FHSA Enrollment
8:45 – 3:45 Breakfast in the Classroom for K – 5th
graders Transportation Care program Uniforms Separate lunchtimes for K-5 and 6 – 8
FHSA School Day and Services
Innovative well-rounded academic curriculum
Interactive Science curricula: a standards-based, next generation K-8 program that teaches science topics taught inquiry, digital experiences, in-depth lab experiences, virtual labs, and engineering concepts and practices.
Technology literacy through EasyTech online curriculum for K- 8th graders
District’s math, literacy, social studies, art and music curriculums
STEM Curriculum
Project Lead the Way Launch for K – 5th grade students
Students learn the foundational science behind engineering concepts and designs
Activities and projects lead to asking questions, exploring ideas and solving problems
Examples of units include Structure and Function; Light and Sound; Properties of Matter
Engineering Curriculum
Project Lead the Way Gateway to Technology
Sequence of engineering courses for students grades 6 – 8
Exposes students to hands-on learning experiences and is designed to ignite student interest in engineering fields
Courses include Design and Modeling, Automation and Robotics, Magic of Electrons, Medical Detectives and Green Architecture
Engineering Curriculum
Engineering is Elementary is a K-5th grade integrated engineering curriculum developed by the Museum of Boston.
Through the lessons, students engage in the engineering design process, apply science and math to engineering problems, use creativity, troubleshoot, learn from failure and understand the role of materials in solution.
Video
Engineering Curriculum
Embedded Enrichment◦ Lego League◦ Future City◦ Design Squad◦ Maker Education◦ Chess◦ Competitions, showcases, events
Enrichment & Extended Learning
Dr. Eric Sandgren, DeanUALR College of Engineering and Information Technology
◦ Speakers◦ Career Awareness◦ Mentors◦ Field trips◦ Teacher Training◦ Enrichment◦ Program and Event Support
Industry and Community Partners
Comprehensive campaign using a variety of internal and external sources and media tools
Stakeholders to receive timely and accurate information
Message disseminated in English and Spanish
Appropriate delivery system to communicate to varied audiences
Electronic and print media combined with face to face communications such as community meetings
Communications and Marketing Plan