The Science Leadership Academy Learn – Create – Lead The School District of Philadelphia School Reform Commission James E. Nevels, Chair Martin G. Bednarek Sandra Dungee Glenn James Gallagher, Ph. D. Daniel Whelan Paul G. Vallas, Chief Executive Officer Gregory Thornton, Ed. D., Chief Academic Officer Albert Bichner, Interim Deputy Chief Academic Officer

Why SLA? Innovative, inquiry-based curriculum Innovative, inquiry-based curriculum Small learning community Small learning community Nationally Recruited Faculty Nationally Recruited Faculty Partnership with the Franklin Institute Partnership with the Franklin Institute Internships Internships Dual enrollment programs Dual enrollment programs Longer classes to enable depth of study Longer classes to enable depth of study

Three Essential Questions How do we learn? What can we create? What does it mean to lead?

Five Core Values Inquiry Inquiry Research Research Collaboration Collaboration Presentation Presentation Reflection Reflection

The Capstone Projects Graduation Exhibitions Graduation Exhibitions Student-developed projects Student-developed projects Skills-based standards Skills-based standards Authentic assessment Authentic assessment

The School Site

Summer Institute Two week summer program Two week summer program Bridge the gap between elementary and high school Bridge the gap between elementary and high school Opportunity to meet teachers and classmates in a less formal setting Opportunity to meet teachers and classmates in a less formal setting Use of Franklin Institute and Centennial Lake in Fairmount Park Use of Franklin Institute and Centennial Lake in Fairmount Park

Science Hands-on, laboratory based coursework Hands-on, laboratory based coursework Science Methodology Science Methodology Begin with Biology, Chemistry, Physics Begin with Biology, Chemistry, Physics AP courses in later years AP courses in later years Advanced courses on and off campus Advanced courses on and off campus Outdoor science facilities Outdoor science facilities

Technology Wireless connectivity Wireless connectivity Full digital production lab Full digital production lab Three ways to look at tech: Three ways to look at tech:  Communication with parents  Technology elective course offerings  Integration into “traditional” classes

Leadership / Entrepreneurship Internships Internships Student involvement on school committees Student involvement on school committees Real world application of class study Real world application of class study Student involvement in admissions process Student involvement in admissions process Presentation as fundamental to learning Presentation as fundamental to learning

The Advisory System Small Advisory size – Students Small Advisory size – Students Four year sequence Four year sequence School – Family link School – Family link Parent-Advisor-Student conferences Parent-Advisor-Student conferences

After-School Life Commitment to extra-curricular activities Commitment to extra-curricular activities  Athletics  Arts  Student Leadership  And more…

College Process Individualized attention Individualized attention  College counselor  Advisory system College “sit-ins” starting next year College “sit-ins” starting next year Aggressive marketing to universities Aggressive marketing to universities Partnerships with local schools Partnerships with local schools

Admissions Redefining “Magnet” school Redefining “Magnet” school  Grades  Counselor recommendations  Terra-Novas 100 – 120 special kids 100 – 120 special kids

For More Information: On the web: On the web: Contact: Chris Lehmann, Principal Contact: Chris Lehmann, Principal  Phone: 