June 2011

Place-based learning Connects kids to the community Uses the social and natural environment as an additional classroom Integrated learning experiences Authentic, hands-on, real world learning experiences Science, Art & Civics are the primary lenses Small class and school size

Fewer educational options in SW Portland 28 public options on the east side of Portland 6 public options on the west side of Portland Small class size & small school size Community involvement Authentic, place-based learning

– Year One Granted State Charter in May 2007 Opened in Fall students 3 teachers, 1 aide, director & office manager Grew to 45 students by end of Added 2 ADA bathrooms & several other smaller modifications to receive a temporary occupancy permit

– Year Two Grew to about 58 students Added 1 teacher for total of 4 teachers Converted office space to a fourth classroom Began own After School Enrichment program Added Spanish instruction

– Year Three Grew to about 120 students Operated in two locations apx. 2 miles apart Added 3 teachers for total of 7 teachers Granted a renewal of charter for 3 additional years Earned an Outstanding report card

– Year Four Grew to about 140 students Added 2 teachers for total of 9 teachers Started late (9/22) due to construction delays Operated in temporary facility through February Executed mid-year move to new facility (March 1)

2010/11– Water Physical aspects of water, watercolor painting, marine & aquatic animals, wetlands 2011/12– Earth Land animals, plants, soil, geology, volcanoes, cartography, ceramics, landscapes, human uses of the land 2012/13 – Sky Birds, flying insects, the solar system, space, the Big Sky painters, mobiles & wind sculptures, air quality, weather

An integral part of the learning at SWCS Authentic experiences for students Broadens their concept of where learning happens Connects classroom learning with real world application Behavior must be top-notch to participate

Over 125 field work experiences this year Weekly trips to neighborhood resources (e.g. Community Garden, Cottonwood Bay) Library trips at all grade levels (monthly) Art experiences Photography trips Portland Art Museum Theater & Music performances Science experiences OMSI Outdoor school – multi-day trips for grades 4-8 Pond studies at Oaks Bottom for grades K-2 Civics experiences Project Citizen in Salem – follow-up with City Council District Court Local businesses/community partners (e.g. Portland Streetcar & Metro) Portland connections – Chinatown, Downtown, Beverly Cleary neighborhood

State tests 100% participation Past three year have had 90%+ meeting or exceeding in reading, math & writing High points this year Met or exceeded state average in Reading – 4 th, 6 th, 7 th Math – 4 th Science – 5 th Writing – 4 th 67% of those testing have been at SWCS for 2 years or less 19% of those testing have IEPs Create portfolios of student work Use pre/post tests in many subjects Narrative report cards Northwest Evaluation Association (MAP tests) – 2011/12

Project-based rubrics Individualized student goals Create portfolios of student work Use pre/post tests in many subjects Narrative report cards Northwest Evaluation Association (MAP tests) – 2011/12

Gender 65% Boys 35% Girls Race/ethnicity 6% Hispanic/Latino 3% American Indian 2% Asian 4% African American 85% White

19% of families reported a household income less than $30,000/year in SY2009/10 Students represent 9 different school districts 72% from Portland Public Schools 18% disabled or identified with special needs

14% of our current students have IEPs Represent 4 districts Steady growth in IEP students every year

Teachers specialize Science & math Language arts & social studies Students work more intensively in field Metro project w/ Streetcars in 2009/2010 Water testing & Civil Rights projects in 2010/2011 Internships (February-June) Electives Woodworking, photography, painting, drawing, filmmaking Drama – The Mousetrap & Scenes from the Dream

Student teachers Beginning relationships with local universities Place-based Learning Participate/present with Lewis & Clarks PBE Consortium Community Partnerships Portland Parks & Recreation Metro SW Business Association SW Neighborhood Association Other local charters Two local churches

I would be lost without SWCS. – 4 th grade student I have learned more than I thought was possible. -5 th grade student SWCS has been an epic and astonishing expedition. -8 th grade student