Culturally Relevant Inspiration EFU 692 CREATIVITY, CULTURE, AND GLOBAL CONTEXTS IN EDUCATION DECISION MAKING INSTRUCTOR: THINH NGUYEN MONICA THOMPSON MILLS SEPTEMBER 7, 2015

Discovery Day Academy Bonita Spring, Florida  Link:  Location: 3480 Pelican Colony Blvd. Bonita Springs, FL  Demographic of the students:  Whites 70%, Blacks 15%, Hispanic 10%, other races 5%  This school is innovative because it incorporates exposing the students to 21 st century skills. This enables students to be able to produce, synthesize and evaluate information that is from a wide range of subjects and sources. They will also have an ability to understand as well as respect other cultures.  The 21 st century skills supported by the school are communication, collaboration, creativity, global competencies, compassion, confidence and persistence.  The school develops learning experiences of culturally relevant pedagogy through allowing students to actually have a chance to see what they want to pursue when choosing a project. They are allowed to develop appropriate works of art of their own development and predication. This helps the student present their skills of creativity and problem solving skills in producing their project.  This school promotes creativity by encouraging students to develop projects which allow them to present the different learning domains in math and and science. They are also encouraged to present some form of humanities, health, technology and arts in their projects as well. This helps students to develop a sense of interdisciplinary, experimentation, and authenticity in their project. The literacy component is involved through numeracy, objectives, related reading, math concepts, collaboration, communication and arts.  Reference  capus/ capus/

Goddard School South Carolina  Link:  The location: 8 five Forks Plaza Court Simpsonville, SC  Demographic of the students:  Non Hispanic White 65%, Non Hispanic Black 28%, Non Hispanic other race 2%, Hispanic 5%  This school is innovative and unique because it offers different STEM based learning opportunities which encourages students to develop a better understanding in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math at an early age. They do this by combining fun learning activities throughout the day that students can participate in.  The 21 st century skills that is supported by this school is communication, reading, collaboration, critical thinking, technology, and creativity.  The learning experiences that reflect culturally relevant pedagogy is through developmentally appropriate activates for all ages. It also is presented with the multi- cultural materials and equipment that is age appropriate.  The school promotes creativity for students and teachers. They do STEM programs for the students. This allows the student to be active with robotics and programing. For the teachers, there are different training series that coaches teachers in the areas of health and safety, curriculum, developmental guidelines and enrichment programs.  Reference:  ed.org/oasis2/u/par/accreditation/summary/pdf ; ed.org/oasis2/u/par/accreditation/summary/pdf

Two Rivers Public Charter School Washington D.C.  Link:  Location: th St. N.E. Washington D.C  Demographic of the students:  White 29%, Hispanic 6.1%, Black 52%, Asian 2%  The school is innovative because it integrates arts and Spanish language. It also includes physical education in addition to specializing in core subjects such as math, language arts, science and social studies. Their use of inquiring based learning is the core of instruction.  The 21 st century skills that the school uses to support their program is expert thinking, complex communication, and creativity.  The school enhances the learning experiences by reflecting culturally relevant pedagogy through encouraging Spanish and arts as a way of supporting the students. It introduces students to real world problem solving and allows students to have a voice to present their leadership skills.  The school promotes creativity in the classroom for both the students and teacher. For the teacher, it is through on going professional development throughout the school term. It also encourages staff collaboration and integration of the curriculum. For the students, outside experiences are brought into the classroom for discussion. This develops into project based learning. Students are also encouraged to be involved in public singings and speaking in English and Spanish.  Reference: 