I haven't heard these names in recent conversation nor seen any press, but it appears that two Charter Management Groups are scoping out Delaware, specifically Wilmington, for their next big ventures. For that matter, just b/c I hadn't heard of them, doesn't mean they aren't already working on the chartering process with DOE.
Here's some info from the high school survey:
About the Big Picture High School Model
Big Picture High School model is a dynamic approach to learning, doing, and thinking that has been changing the lives of students, educators, and entire communities since 1995. Development by Big Picture Learning and designed as a small school with personalized attention, all components of the school design are based on three foundational principles:
(1) that learning must be based on the interests and goals of each student; (2) that a student’s curriculum must be relevant to people and places that exist in the real world; and (3) that a student’s abilities must be authentically measured by the quality of his or her work.
At Big Picture, classrooms are small, with approximately 15 students, and are run by Advisor-Student-Parent-Mentor teams. Students who attend a Big Picture High School spend three days a week in the classroom and two days a week in internships with a mentor. Small advisory groups complement the internships through the development of an individualized learning plan with input from the student, parents, advisor and mentor. Students who participate in the BIG Picture High School graduate with a diverse portfolio of work experiences that prepare them to make informed decisions about college and their career.
Big Picture High Schools have transformed the lives of high schools students nationwide. Compared with traditional high schools, Big Picture schools have an average graduation rate of a 92% and a college acceptance rate of 95%. You can learn more and view videos on the BIG Picture High School model at www.innovativeschools.org or at www.bigpicture.org.Info on the proposed new elementary charter from the press release:
The proposed elementary school will be designed specifically to serve Spanish speaking students in the Hilltop area of the city, and will replicate the Expeditionary Learning model. Utilizing project-based learning, the Expeditionary Learning model challenges students with high-level tasks and active roles in the classroom. Students in Expeditionary Learning schools:
Work with experts – scientists, historians, mathematicians, writers, and artists – to conduct field research to learn and produce high quality academic products that meet professional standards Hold themselves and their peers to high expectations for quality work, and are committed to learning Take leadership roles in their schools and communities Engage their families and communities in their learning by leading family conferences and making formal presentations to expert panels Contribute to their communities through meaningful service embedded in the curriculum.
Follow the link and check out the survey -
http://www.makemineamodelschool.org/
all-in-all, an informative read.
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