Program Overview Part of the Babson/Olin/Wellesley (BOW)
initiative Interdisciplinary students work with local
non-profit
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Babson : Manusha Chereddy Emily Jones John Quinn Alyssa Reisner
Olin : Ariana Chae Michael Costello Wellesley : Elena Shaw Michelle
Chung Kristen Jorgenson Xiao Lin Lei Reba Meserve Participants
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Project Start Next Steps Startup Plan Pitch
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Investor Pitch
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Learning Without Limits Acera High School
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The Acera School Today Serves nearly 100 K-8 students in its
Winchester, MA location. High-ability and accelerated learning
students who may struggle in traditional settings. Fosters
independent learning necessary for innovators, creators, engineers,
and entrepreneurs. Unique academic philosophies opportunities for
personal growth strong community culture
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We believe Students should follow their own interests and
passions to foster their sense of curiosity 21 st century education
will require STEM knowledge, a sense of creativity, and strong
emotional resilience The world needs young people who know how to
solve problems
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Comparing Education Acera Model Project-Driven Flexible, based
on student ability Collaborativ e Traditional Model Score- Driven
Standardize d Competitive
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Project-Based Models Learning is a constructive process Social
interaction is fundamental for growth Motivation and beliefs are
integral to learning Knowledge, strategies, and expertise are
contextual Bruning et. al.,(2004). Cognitive Psychology and
Instruction Nueva School, CA Focus on Do-Learn and social-emotional
learning for gifted students Fosters the whole child. Model since
1967 British Math Study (1997) Used open-ended projects Students
achieved top scores in national math exams School District of Union
City, NJ Challenging urban environment Increased test scores,
decreased absenteeism College Programs, including Olin College
Emphasize collaboration, team-building Excellent career placement,
fosters entrepreneurship Somerville STEAM Academy (2015 Launch)
Small-school environment for struggling students Connections to
high school, internships
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LearnGrow Building Acera High School Rapid Growth from both
Aceras K-8 program and from new students Financial Aid possible
within three years, according to financial models. Surveys to track
progress and learning for parents teachers, and students Portfolios
as college application supplements. Welcome Assess
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Investment Overview $5-10 million initial investment 2017
opening year 10:1 Student- Teacher Ratio 400 maximum students
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A School Without Walls Extending Student Opportunity Online
Learning Mentorships with Local Companies College- Level Classes
Teacher Training Program
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Projects and Portfolios Summer Programs and partnerships
Computer Science Foundation Creative Math and Science Arts &
Humanities Leadership & Emotional Development Classes for all
stages of learning Core Capacities
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Financial Overview
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Suggestions and Findings
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Strategic Plan Program Personnel Finance Community Student
Body
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Assessment Methods Inspiration Methods: Olin Model Student
Engagement Survey Self-Reporting Our Assessment Method: Behavioral
Changes and Client Satisfaction
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Other Suggestions Offering Career Exploration Diverse Subject
Offering Transition to Alternative Education College Readiness
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Other Suggestions Marketing and Branding Conducting Research
Organic Growth Model
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Future BOW Partnership with Acera Have clear goals for what a
partnership should look like Pitch several alternatives to begin
discussion Identify the correct faculty and students at each school
Pilot a small scale collaboration to prove mutual benefit Consider
other partnership Other colleges and universities with high school
programs Alternative learning spaces