Danielle Johnson EDU692: Creativity Culture and Global Contexts in Education Decision Making Dr. Amy Gray November 23, 2015

Educare Chicago – Ounce of Prevention Fund Our early childhood programs support each aspect of a child’s development, from prenatal to age 5. We have created proven models and spurred improvements to boost program quality across states and at the national level, ensuring that more children have access to the programs best suited for their future success. (Educare, 2015). “Parents, teachers, scientists and leaders— together we can nurture the greatness in every child” The Ounce

Educare Demographics Educare Chicago is a state-of-the-art school that serves approximately 150 at-risk infants, toddlers and preschoolers in Chicago's Grand Boulevard neighborhood. Launched by the Ounce of Prevention Fund in 2000,. Serves 149 children and their families Opened in 2000 Located:5044 South Wabash Avenue Chicago, IL

The Educare model is based on research from early childhood development, education, social work and other allied fields. Four core features compose the Educare model: data utilization, embedded professional development, high- quality teaching practices and intensive family engagement (Educare, 2015). Educare Program Educare works to narrow the achievement gap between at-risk children and their more advantaged peers by giving students the skills they need to succeed in school. The Educare model the Ounce developed at this Chicago school has inspired the creation of other Educare Schools in the Educare Learning Network (Educare, 2015).Educare Learning Network

Educare Learning Begins At Birth 21 st Century Skills Unlock Potential Research Social Emotional Security Creative Thinking

Video cXMMezNm_vtTbjuUKw&v=mFFyIzQ7xeg Educare Chicago children express themselves through dance. How can young children learn about music, patterns, language and culture at the same time, all while having a blast? With dance! Educare Culture Teachers are able to meet the children were they’re and plan learning experiences based on their unique skill sets.

The Chicago Grammar School The Chicago Grammar School modifies the traditional Classical Curriculum approach by beginning instruction in preschool. The children’s own interest and curiosity are the means that lead to the creation of rich and thoughtful experiences for the purpose of developing processing ability in the areas of motor skills, vocabulary, language, math, music and emotional control, a foundation necessary for academic and athletic success (Chicago Grammar School, 2015). “We recognize that each child has its own developmental path”. CGS

The Chicago Grammar- Demographics Approximately 85% of CPS students are Latino or African- American. The student body includes 87% from low-income homes and 12.2% of students are reported to have limited English proficiency. Average salaries for were $74,839 for teachers and $120,659 for administrators (Chicago Grammar School, 2015).limited English proficiency

The Chicago Grammar Program The mission of the Chicago Grammar School is to provide children, preschool through eighth grade, the means to construct knowledge through experience, within the richness of a classical curriculum, informed by emerging research. Our educational program is designed to foster life-long learners by developing academic skill and proficiency, intellectual curiosity, personal wisdom and virtue, and responsible participation in society (Chicago Grammar School, 2015).

Grammar School Culture Twice a year, all CGS students showcase topics they have studied through drama and music. Drama at CGS is integrated with the literature, history, science and music curriculum. Using storyboards, written compositions or oral re- tellings, children in all the grades exhibit their comprehension of material read or heard. From this process, discussions arise in the classroom regarding "What shall we do for the show?" The students actively collaborate in the development and execution of their plays, including storyline, dialogue, casting, costumes, music and staging. Past performances have included a Journey Through Africa, a Famous Men of Rome pageant, and an adaptation of A Midsummer's Night Dream (Grammar School, 2015).

221 st Century Skills The Grammar School Multi-sensory and phonetically based Independent readers Ignite Curiosity Creativity & Investigation

Montessori Academy of Chicago At the Montessori Academy of Chicago, we provide a foundation for academic and personal excellence and encourage the love of learning inherent in every student through participation and engagement. Experienced, Montessori-certified teachers ensure each student’s success in a caring and structured environment (Montessori, 2015).

Montessori Academy of Chicago Program In the Montessori classroom – at any level – the child experiences an orderly environment containing a variety of tangible activities, which in many cases are self-correcting. The activities progress steadily from simple to complex, from concrete to abstract. Learning is reinforced internally through comprehension and feelings of success. Once our students reach the Primary level, our classrooms are grouped in three-year cycles. Collaboration among age levels is integral to reinforcing leadership skills and encourages mentoring (Montessori, 2015). Hands-on, self-directed learning, character development, and peaceful conflict resolution are central to our curriculum. Your child’s environment will be carefully prepared with multi-sensory materials to engage their minds and hands

Montessori Academy of Chicago Demographics Asian 34.85% African American 4.55% Hispanic 4.55% White 56.06%

Montessori Academy of Chicago Culture Culture of Creativity Creative thinking and problem-solving At the Montessori Academy of Chicago the development of creativity is central to all we teach. Creativity and creative problem solving are integral parts of daily life at all grade levels. In our academic curriculum we challenge our students to become problem solvers and creative thinkers by constantly asking them: to develop an understanding of why to take another look at things they think they already know to find unique ways to present their knowledge to others Once our students reach the Primary level, our classrooms are grouped in three-year cycles. Collaboration among age levels is integral to reinforcing leadership skills and encourages mentoring (Montessori, 2015).

21 st Century Skills Creative Thinking & Problem Solving Conversation Feedback loops Individuality Independent Thinkers Montessori Academy of Chicago

References Montessori Academy Chicago. (2015, November 23).Retrieved from montessori.php The Ounce of Prevention Fund. (2015, November 23). Retrieved from Chicago Grammar, (2015, November 23). Retrieved