Education in the United States is currently undergoing a "techtonic" paradigm shift. While the Open Space Academy will provide a comprehensive high school program of classes to all students, they will be woven into fabric of projects, experiences, and student motivations. While students will take all the A-G classes to give them a college preparatory transcript, they will also be encouraged to build a résumé that includes a portfolio of work, concurrent college enrollment, MOOCs and other online learning opportunities, verifiable qualifications & certifications, and proven skills & abilities. Rather than simply offer a curriculum, we will encourage students to create a curriculum vitae, a "course of life" that will show accomplishment beyond a grade or a test score.
While we will a comprehensive high school education, we will emphasize "Green STEM" projects. In fact, we are drawn to "STREAM" (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). And here are just a few sources for developing curriculum on those themes...
The National Wildlife Federation
The STEM Education Coalition
The US Department of Education
The Public Broadcasting System
The National Education Association
The National Writing Project
Edutopia
The Open Space Academy will challenge students to be in peak physical shape and to be able to operate a variety of equipment. Core projects will include on-going field science and ecology monitoring, habitat restoration and bio-remediation, facilities development and maintenance, docent/guide training and interpretation, and other projects suggested by our partners. Students will receive training in emergency medical treatment and disaster preparedness, survival techniques, and a wide variety of practical skills and abilities.
Using the Expeditionary Learning Core Practices, and some of the ideas from Vocational Education (as well as UnCollege, Degreed, and the educational counter culture), we hope to develop a curriculum of projects and trainings that would weave todether the standard course of study including most of the following:
Features Facilities Format Mission Mobility Green STEM IEP=EIR OpenMindWalk Feedback
While we will a comprehensive high school education, we will emphasize "Green STEM" projects. In fact, we are drawn to "STREAM" (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). And here are just a few sources for developing curriculum on those themes...
The National Wildlife Federation
The STEM Education Coalition
The US Department of Education
The Public Broadcasting System
The National Education Association
The National Writing Project
Edutopia
The Open Space Academy will challenge students to be in peak physical shape and to be able to operate a variety of equipment. Core projects will include on-going field science and ecology monitoring, habitat restoration and bio-remediation, facilities development and maintenance, docent/guide training and interpretation, and other projects suggested by our partners. Students will receive training in emergency medical treatment and disaster preparedness, survival techniques, and a wide variety of practical skills and abilities.
Using the Expeditionary Learning Core Practices, and some of the ideas from Vocational Education (as well as UnCollege, Degreed, and the educational counter culture), we hope to develop a curriculum of projects and trainings that would weave todether the standard course of study including most of the following:
- Math: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics
- Science: Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Computer Science
- Language Arts: English 10, 11, 12; Journalism; 1-2 years of Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, etc.
- Social Studies: World History, US History, Government & Economics, Psychology
- Art: Drawing/Painting, Video/Graphic Design, Music, Dance, Theater Arts
- Physical Education: Team and individual sports, games, and recreational activities, fitness & endurance training
- UC-approved Electives: ie. Ecoliteracy, Food & Nutritional Science, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Environmental Field Studies
Features Facilities Format Mission Mobility Green STEM IEP=EIR OpenMindWalk Feedback