School Design Proposals Geyer Springs High-Ability Academy Forest Heights K-8 STEM Academy

 To promote student excellence in academics, collaboration and communication while developing 21 st century leadership skills  To implement an accelerated curriculum and rigorous educational experiences for high- ability students that promote creativity and high levels of task commitments

 As part of the planning process, committee researched exemplary model sites  Sidener Gifted Academy, Indianapolis, identified as model school site  Identified as a top scoring school in Indiana  Serves 266 students grades 2 – 7  Demographics include: 65% free and reduced lunch eligibility  Ethnicity: Caucasian - 42% African-American – 38% Hispanic – 10% Multiracial – 9% Asian – 1%

 Staged expansion between 2014 – 2017  Initial projected enrollment of 225 students in grades 3 – 6  7 th grade added in 2015 – 2016  8 th grade added in  Total enrollment of 375 by 2016 – 2017

 8:45 – 3:45  Breakfast in the Classroom  Transportation provided  After school care

 Research-based best practices which encourage academic and creative productivity  Rigorous, accelerated curriculum-based learning  Differentiated instructional approach  Self-directed learning opportunities  Applied, interdisciplinary learning  Project-based, inquiry-based, problem-based  Enrichment opportunities: foreign language, the arts, special interest-based projects  Integrated technology

 Specialized curricular materials developed by the William and Mary College Center for Gifted Education for language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies  Designed to respond to gifted learners’ learning characteristics  Includes three dimensions: advanced content; higher level processes; product development  Video clip of the Renzulli Academy, another model site informing the GSHA Academy

 Quiz Bowl  Destination Imagination  National History Day  Science Fair  Shakespeare Scene Festival  Lego Competitions  Worldfest  Athletics for 7 th and 8 th graders

 1:1 Technology  All students and staff equipped with laptops  Technology utilized across the curriculum and embedded into the instruction and assessment processes  Technology will support all aspects of student learning  Technology will promote collaboration among teachers and students

 Twenty-seven staff members  Nineteen certified staff  Eight non-certified staff  Special services staff will be assigned based on student need.

 An array of community partners will provide resources and support for the GSHA Academy  UALR  Arkansans for GT Education  LR Museum of Discovery  Duke University Talent ID Program

 Dr. Ann Robinson, Director UALR Mahoney Center for Gifted Education

 To create student interest in education and careers, specifically in STEM-related fields  To develop a school culture focused on active learning, problem solving, and academic success  To involve students in rigorous and engaging programs to promote excellence in literacy, math, science and technology  To provide innovative, hands-on experiences that include connections to the community and real- world challenges

 A K-8 school focuses on STEM learning for student success and academic excellence  STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics  STEM Academy = Hands-on learning, inquiry learning, problem-solving/project-based student work, college and career focus

 Research shows improvements in academic performance and behavior  Smaller grade size promotes inclusive academic community  Longer school stay promotes closer relationships with staff and other students  Softens the transition to middle  6-8 th graders placed in role model position

 A critical component in planning the FHSA was to review successful STEM schools.  The Annie Fisher K-8 STEM school in Hartford, Connecticut opened in August 2010 and was recognized by the USDOE as a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School.  Serves 350 K-8 th grade students  Demographics:African-American-47%;Caucasian–25% Hispanic–12%; Asian-12%; and 4% other

 Grade levels: K – 8 th grades  Total enrollment: 715 students  Kindergarten: Two classes with 20 students each  1 st through 5 th grades: Three classes with 25 students each  6 th through 8 th grades: 100 students per grade level

 8:45 – 3:45  Breakfast in the Classroom for K – 5 th graders  Transportation  Care program  Uniforms  Separate lunchtimes for K-5 and 6 – 8

 Innovative well-rounded academic curriculum  Interactive Science curricula: a standards- based, next generation K-8 program that teaches science topics taught inquiry, digital experiences, in-depth lab experiences, virtual labs, and engineering concepts and practices.  Technology literacy through EasyTech online curriculum for K- 8 th graders  District’s math, literacy, social studies, art and music curriculums

 Project Lead the Way Launch for K – 5 th grade students  Students learn the foundational science behind engineering concepts and designs  Activities and projects lead to asking questions, exploring ideas and solving problems  Examples of units include Structure and Function; Light and Sound; Properties of Matter

 Project Lead the Way Gateway to Technology  Sequence of engineering courses for students grades 6 – 8  Exposes students to hands-on learning experiences and is designed to ignite student interest in engineering fields  Courses include Design and Modeling, Automation and Robotics, Magic of Electrons, Medical Detectives and Green Architecture

 Engineering is Elementary is a K-5 th grade integrated engineering curriculum developed by the Museum of Boston.  Through the lessons, students engage in the engineering design process, apply science and math to engineering problems, use creativity, troubleshoot, learn from failure and understand the role of materials in solution.  Video

 Embedded Enrichment ◦ Lego League ◦ Future City ◦ Design Squad ◦ Maker Education ◦ Chess ◦ Competitions, showcases, events

 Dr. Eric Sandgren, Dean UALR College of Engineering and Information Technology ◦ Speakers ◦ Career Awareness ◦ Mentors ◦ Field trips ◦ Teacher Training ◦ Enrichment ◦ Program and Event Support

 Comprehensive campaign using a variety of internal and external sources and media tools  Stakeholders to receive timely and accurate information  Message disseminated in English and Spanish  Appropriate delivery system to communicate to varied audiences  Electronic and print media combined with face to face communications such as community meetings