Century Community Charter School |
| Date Added: May 22, 2009 07:50:09 PM |
| Author: charterschoolstoday |
| Category: Education |
| Century Community Charter School (CCCS), located in Los Angeles County in Inglewood, California. Academics CCCS focuses on professional development, coaching, instructional leadership and the academic program using educational approach referred to as the Backward Design Model. This model focuses on effective instruction through deliberate planning that begins with the standard (What should students know, understand, and be able to do?). Next teachers determine the acceptable evidence that will show how we know if students have achieved the desired results and met the standard. Teachers consider a range of both summative and formative to determine whether students have attained the desired understanding of the standard. Once that is established, the educators’ work backward using Bloom’s Taxonomy to create the unit, lessons, activities, and assignments that will guide student learning. Teachers clearly articulate the learning expectations to the students to help them develop focus and self-direction as learners. Teachers deliver lessons using multiple modalities and array of strategies that include the traditional reading, writing, and lecture using computers (Brainpop, YouTube) and Smart Boards to enhance lessons. Students work in cooperative groups, in pairs, and alone. Assessments take the form of quizzes, tests, projects, oral reports, performance, blogs, and in some cases imovies. “Variety in their assessment is critical,” says Norris. “The teachers make sure that they use all of the modalities so that all students have access to meet or exceed the standard.” In order to accomplish this teachers are provided with laptops, overhead projectors, LCD Screens, textbooks, and adequate classroom supplies. Teachers at CCCS are not left on their own to try to implement or work through this model. Rather, the school contracted Insight Education Group to conduct yearly training sessions as well as monthly coaching visits that assist teachers with their Unit and weekly plans. Insight Education maintains its availability to facilitate planning via phone and email when they are not present at school. Two Instructional leaders, the Principal and Mrs. Dana Means, the school Dean, also support teachers. Support includes weekly Walk Throughs, demonstration lessons, and consistent guidance when planning units and lessons. Students take the normal CORE classes of Social Studies, English Language Arts, Mathematics (Pre-Algebra and Algebra), Science, Health and Physical Education, as well as a variety of electives that include Art, Drama, Dance, Choir, American Sign Language and Music. Seventh and Eighth Graders in good academic standing (3.5 or above) take Honor’s Classes. Honor’s classes do not i |
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