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