Main Features of Polaris’ School Design
Expeditionary Learning – challenging, standards-based learning experiences that involve research, field/site work, and high quality products and performances.
Literacy centered instruction and curriculum.
Authentic assessment utilizing portfolio review, one-on-one conferencing, and on going self-reflection.
Multiple school partnerships to increase collaboration with diverse populations.
Instruction:
Active, hands-on pedagogy.
Experiential learning through excursions, simulations, and experiments.
Use of authentic text within the Readers and Writers Workshop approach to instruction.
Reading and writing across the curriculum.
In-depth, interdisciplinary investigations and projects.
Team building and character development.
Organization/Staffing:
Collaborative teaching with 2 hours of team planning time during school day.
2-3 weeks of professional development per teacher each year.
Strong support and team teaching opportunities for new teachers.
Provide opportunities and support for ongoing teacher leadership.
Parental Involvement:
Multiple opportunities for parents and community to be involved in students’ learning experiences.
Parent resource and mentoring center.
After school and evening parent workshops.
Community:
School partners with community-based organizations to provide services for students and their families (health care, after school enrichment programs, summer experiences, etc.)
Curriculum directly tied to community needs and issues.
