Passages Proposal

Proposal to implement Self-Directed Learning Opportunities

 

Middle School: Intro to SDL and the special project requirement for middle school will no longer be a requirement. To replace the curriculum in these two classes, staff will focus on project-based learning to integrate the “SDL” skills into the core curriculum. These skills are:

  1. Setting Goals and a timeline for completion
  2. Identifying and gathering resources
  3. Time management
  4. Organization
  5. Self assessment and reflection
  6. Stand and deliver via presentation

A middle school Passage class  will be offered as an elective option within the schedule.

High School: Implement the Passages program as a graduation requirement.

Requirements: If implemented, students will be required to complete at least 3 passages in at least two different categories. One passage must be service based. One semester may be petitioned for core credit.

Benefits:

  1. Gets rid of all outdated language that we use to refer to SDL and other self-directed opportunities.
  2. Brings Steller’s unique educational opportunities under existing zangle titles without compromising our curriculum.
  3. Makes middle school scheduling easier.
  4. Supports Steller’s philosophy of self-directed learning
  5. Supports the strategic plan’s “get it, own it, pass it on” motto.
  6. Meets the request of the parent group for a talking point for “where the rubber meets the road”.
  7. Allows students to pursue passions without being confined to core content areas.

 

Language to Clarify:

 

Self-Directed Learning (SDL):  This language will no longer be used when referring to a specific course but will be used as a descriptor for one of the main tenets of Steller’s program.

 

Independent Study: A course that a student may take to earn core credit. This class is teacher designed.

 

Special projects/topics: A course that may be offered within the schedule that a student may take for core credit. This class is student designed and requires approval of a teacher.

 

Middle School Passage : An elective course that will let students pursue a passion.

 

Passages: This course is offered for elective credit and allows students to pursue a passion and would be a Steller graduation requirement.

For students who use other courses to satisfy a Passage requirement (peer teacher, KCC, gifted mentorship, seminar coach, etc.), Passages will be used as an in-house title on the credit count sheet. See example.

One semester of the Passages requirement may be petitioned for core credit.

One semester must be community service based.