Welcome to IDEAS
The School of Invention, Design, Engineering, Art & Science
Junior Night 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 7p in the NEHS Cafeteria
• Junior & senior year planning
• Post high-school planning
• College-entrance testing (PSAT, SAT, ACT)
• New graduation requirements
• Financial aid & scholarship information
If you missed the meeting and you have PowerPoint
or updated web browser software installed on your computer, click
here to download the slide show used at the presentation.
Also, here is the PowerPoint presentation given by the Guidance department
titled "Alternatives to a 4-Year College." Click
here to view it.
Saturday School
IDEAS offers Saturday School for any student in the
School of IDEAS who needs some extra time to complete work.
Time: 9-11a in the Tech Lab. There
will be two certified teachers to help students with school work during that
time.
March: 22
April: 5, 12, 19, 26
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
At t he heart of what we plan do 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. These types of real-world
projects make learning authentic and create a "need to know." The
age-old question of "why do we have to do this" or just learning
facts to pass a test disappears. Click
here to read more about the educational program.
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.
Technology as a Tool
We want students to have access to technology and understand its importance
in the modern world. One of our goals is to create a technology-rich environment
with a computer for every student. Online Project Libraries, advanced grading
systems, and an unprecedented degree of parent access to student progress
are key components. Students will graduate with a comfortable working knowledge
of basic computer applications to better prepare them for the world of the
21st century. The School of IDEAS is part of a nationwide network of technology-driven
schools, which have a demonstrated track record of student success. Click
here to read more about the use of technology at IDEAS.
Meaningful Grading
In many traditional classrooms, very little meaningful data is presented
in a student's grade or a transcript. For example, what does a “B” tell
us about a student’s skills and abilities? Is the student getting A's
on papers and tests, but not doing the homework? As soon as the teacher enters
the “B” into the grade book, we can no longer tell why that student
received that grade. At IDEAS, students will get several grades for assignments,
projects and papers. Click here to read more about the grading system.
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.
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