Our Approach

Curriculum will be –

  • Project-based, providing relevance and challenging learning that is engaging, focused on integration of essential skills and knowledge;
  • Supplemented with virtual courses focused on knowledge and skills acquisition;
  • Enhanced by the use of technology and Web 2.0 tools (e.g., podcasts, blogs, wikis, online video conferencing);
  • Designed to allow hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to collaborate with others; and
  • Built upon the following standards:
    • Core subjects (e.g., Language Arts, Arts, Mathematics, Economics, Science, Social Studies) and 21st century themes (e.g., global awareness, financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy, civic literacy, health literacy);
    • Learning and Innovative Skills (e.g., creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, communication and collaboration);
    • Information, Media, and Technology Skills (e.g., information literacy, media literacy, Information and communication technologies (ICT) literacy; and
    • Life and Career Skills (e.g., flexibility and adaptability, initiative and self-direction, social and cross-cultural skills, productivity and accountability, leadership and responsibility).

Students will –

  • Work with staff and parents/guardians to develop an individual learning plan;
  • Collaborate on developing curriculum to meet their individual learning needs;
  • Work at a reasonable pace to accomplish their learning goals;
  • Be responsible for their learning; and
  • Meet state proficiency requirements and take all required state assessments.

Learning by Design staff will –

  • Work together to develop appropriate project-based curriculum;
  • Facilitate student learning through online/virtual means and some face-to-face assistance; and
  • Participate in school and district-sponsored professional learning to assist them in their work.

Parents/Guardians will assist student by –

  • Participating in the student’s individual learning plan development;
  • Being familiar with the student’s projects and assignments;
  • Ensuring that the student is meeting his/her agreements (e.g., completing accurate work logs, attending required onsite meetings, contacting teachers for assistance);
  • Contacting Learning by Design staff with concerns and questions; and
  • Providing the necessary access to technology and other resources the student needs.