Preparing Students for the 21st Century

IDEAS is a place where:

• A serious learning environment engages students to be active learners.
• Project-based curriculum is the norm.
• Team teaching is encouraged.
• Technology is a tool available to all.

 

Project-Based Learning

Instruction at IDEAS is fundamentally different than at many high schools. The heart is project-based learning. It is a real world, hands-on approach to learning. When students understand that their work is ultimately valuable as a real problem that needs solving, or a project that will impact others, they're motivated to work hard. Just as in the adult world of work, when an assignment has REAL, LEGITIMATE value, it is more meaningful and important to do it well and to do it right.

 

What does project-based learning look like?
Geography, history, literature, fine arts, math, science, world languages, health, and other electives are key to preparing students for a successful future. But in addition, imagine creating a classroom where students "need to know." They aren't just memorizing facts to pass a test, but instead are seeking out the information and learning it because they truly want to understand. The age-old question of "why do we have to do this" disappears.

 

Learning is not limited by traditional subject boundaries. Here are examples of successful projects we have seen:

1. Students might work with an architect to redesign a section of the school and learn advanced math concepts and engineering along the way. They want the new facility and they care about it's features, so they need to know how to calculate the stress loads, the geometric angles, the impact on the environment, and the budget.

2. Students might study single-cell organisms in order to provide data to researchers in a university lab while learning Biology. The idea that they can be providing important information that can someday save lives creates a desire to know how to do it right.

3. Students might work with government agencies to design crosswalks at local elementary schools while learning English and Civics. For their plans to succeed they need to know government processes work.

What do these projects have in common? All engage students through hands-on, serious, authentic experiences. They also allow for alternative approaches that address students' individual differences, variations in learning styles, intelligence, abilities, and disabilities. Teachers receive special training in turning traditional classroom subjects into challenging, real-world projects and problems.

 

Making the final connection
At the end of each major project, students will demonstrate their newly acquired knowledge before a professional review board consisting of staff and community members and are judged by how much they've learned and how well they communicate it. MAKING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ACADEMIC STUDIES AND THE REAL WORLD with on the- job work experiences is vital to completing a student’s education. Workplace mentors in our community are our extended faculty, making students better-prepared for the world beyond academia.

 

Team Teaching

Teamwork is a major focus of our school model. Teachers collaborate and teach courses together whenever possible so that students can see the connections between subject areas. Learning will not be limited by traditional subject boundaries. For example, students might take a "Science & Society" course in which they learn how major scientific breakthroughs have affected history. Teaching courses together helps students make cross-curricular connections.

What does team teaching and interdisciplinary mean?
It means that more than one subject is taught at the same time, with 2 teachers in the room. Examples of course pairings could be:
1. Scientific Studies (Physics & Algebra II)
2. Communications Studies (Art, Drama & English)
3. American Studies (American History & American Literature)
4. Political Studies (Economics, U.S. Government & Political Literature)
5. World Studies (World History & World Literature)

 

Technology: A Tool for the 21st Century

We have created a technology-rich environment with a computer for every student. Online Project Libraries, advanced online grading systems, and an unprecedented degree of parent access to student progress are key components. The School of IDEAS is part of a nationwide network of technology-driven schools, which have a demonstrated track record of student success.

 

It is critical that students have access to technology and understand its importance in the modern world. There is a computer available for every student and graduates will be technology-literate (research and data collection, file management, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, networking, browsers, and e-mail).

 

Students use the latest software to do nearly everything from accessing daily bulletins for each class to completing assignments. They can accesses anything, public or personal, from any computer in the school or at home. We would also like to have a number of laptops available for students to take home. Some students are already very comfortable using a computer. Some will have never touched a mouse before arriving.

 

Parents have access, too! Parents can also take advantage of the technology as most course materials, student progress, and grading is available online at a secure web site.

 

North Eugene High School has 5 computer labs and approximately 700 computers. 75% of them are PC’s running Windows XP. The rest are Macs running OSX. Although many of the computers are "hard-wired" into the netowrk, there are currently also 10 Wireless access points throughout the school.

 

No matter where students are in the building and no matter which computer they are using, students are able to access their work. North students who are using computers are given usernames and passwords so they may save their work on 4J’s network of secure servers. NEHS staff also have access to student passwords so they can help students with their work.

 

If students want to work from home, we recommend purchasing a USB flash media device (sometimes called USB thumb drive or pen drive). This device will work on any newer Macintosh or PC. They are sold at NEHS finance office or any computer or office supply store.

 

A Serious Learning Environment

Geography, history, literature, fine arts, math, science, world languages, health, and other electives are key to preparing students for a successful future. But IDEAS students will go beyond the basic 4J graduation requirements and be college ready with exposure to college-level courses, internship opportunities, and valuable workplace skills.

 

Are you interested in becoming an IDEAS student?

Instead of memorizing Newton's three laws for a physics class, IDEAS students design a sport to be played on the moon. Instead of writing a report about a philosopher in a government class, IDEAS students debate the nature of man (good or evil) and create their own political party. Instead of taking a 200 question multiple-choice test on the Great Depression, IDEAS students design a museum exhibit explaining the impact of those dark days on society.

 

The Result ... IDEAS students are engaged in their school work, are challenged to learn (not just memorize) and are actually enjoying school.