Alexandria School of Innovation Where Classical Education M eets 21st Century Learning

1. Alexandria School of InnovationWhere Classical Education Meets 21st Century Learning Powered By Charter Management Organization

2. Why AlexandriaSchool of Innovation?Where Classical Education Meets 21st Century Learning "Alexandria struck me as the perfect name for a school of innovation because of the history of innovation associated with the name. Alexandria, Egypt was the center of learning and innovation in the ancient world and a hub for math and science. It housed the largest repository of books in the world, the scholars at the House of Muses were the first to separate "the arts" and "the sciences" into distinct disciplines, and the lighthouse at Alexandria was an engineering marvel that literally made Alexandria a beacon on the horizon for sailors (business tradesmen) and scholars alike. The Lighthouse of Alexandria was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World built on the Island of Pharos. The achievements of Alexandria of antiquity have inspired leaders in society for millennia, and I believe there could not be a better-suited name for a new school to shape tomorrow's leaders.”DCSD High School Student Powered By Charter Management Organization

3. Financially Responsible Fiscally conservative business practices – A fiscally stable and conservative business model will be incorporated immediately to ensure that the school practices the highest degree of transparency and accountability. Fundraising and Grant Writing – An aggressive fundraising and grant writing strategy will be put in practice, so the school will have extra funding to ensure that all students have an enhanced and enriched education and are well prepared and equipped for post secondary endeavors.

4. Overview • Mission • The Alexandria School of Innovation will provide a unique, innovative, creative, content-rich, integrated educational system of high standards to engage all students in an academically rigorous core curriculum, promoting a strong foundation in the sciences, technologies, engineering, arts and math (STEAM), while building on community assets and partnering with parents to build character and pursue entrepreneurial endeavors so that students are college and career ready. • Vision – 8 C’s • Creativity, 2. Core Knowledge, 3. Community Assets, • 4. Character, 5. Collaboration, 6. Communication, 7. Civic Responsibility, 8. CMO Replication

5. Alexandria School of Innovation Community Resource CenterResearch Labs A unique feature the Alexandria School of Innovation are the Research Labs that are driven by entrepreneurial leaders and enhanced by partners from business and industry together with collaborators from higher education.  The Research Labs are divided into five categories: science, technology, engineering, arts and math.  They are used after-school by all students from all schools in the community and during the regular business hours, by the charter school students from Alexandria. The Research Labs are a part of the Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) at Alexandria Science Labs 1. Geo Science and Mining 2. Energy and the Environment 3. Bio Medical 4. Meteorology and Science Center Engineering Labs 5. Aviation and Flight 6. Aerospace, Design, Modeling and Engineering 7. Automation, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Technology Labs 8. Digital Media Center Research Lab 9. Cyber Security Research Lab 10. Filmmaking and Television Studio Math and Business Labs 11. Khan Academy Research Lab 12. Entrepreneurial and Business Art Labs 13. Art and Craft Studo

6. Community Outreach • COMMUNITY Research Labs in our Middle and School • Connections to Business, Industry and Higher Education • Research Labs may include: Horticulture (Greenhouse), GeoScience, BioMedical, Energy, Entrepreneur & Business, Digital Media, Aviation & Flight, Engineering & Manufacturing, and Technology.  We also have plans for a Broadcasting & Recording Studio, Art Lab, and an Auditorium.

7. Development Team Members • President of STEM Ventures • Co-Founder and President of STEM School and Academy • Entrepreneur, Innovator, Rebel, Risk-Taker, Scientist and Fundraiser Barry Brannberg • Executive Director of STEM Ventures • Co-Founder STEM School and Academy and Executive Director of STEM Academy • MSc Science Teaching, BS Project Management, Journalist, Grant Writer Judy Brannberg • DCSD Mathematics Educator and ACC Mathematics Professor • Assisted in the writing of the original STEM School and Academy Charter • STEM Education Consultant, Education Innovator and Award Winner Tiffiny Vaughn • Elementary School Educator, Homeschool Mom, DCSD Parent • STEM School and Academy Curriculum Committee Member • STEM Education Consultant for K-5 grade, Education Innovator Sharon Miller STEM Ventures and Alexandria School of Innovation have recruited the talents of many educators, administrators, business and industry professionals, parents, community stakeholders, philanthropists, and others to assist with this new initiative.

8. Balanced Approach Inquiry- based learning Direct instruction Content knowledge 21st century skills Backward Design 1. Determine Desired Outcomes 2. Determine Acceptable Evidence 3. Plan Experiences and Instruction that are empowering, personalized, differentiated, developmentally appropriate, and focused on the whole child

9. Balanced ApproachKnowledge, Skills, Experience The goal of this balanced approach is to empower our learners with the skills, knowledge, and experience vital for success in the 21st century. Experience Learning experiences are more valuable when they are built on knowledge, and knowledge is more exciting when it is paired with learning experiences. Skill development enhances the overall learning process. Skills Knowledge

10. Balanced ApproachKnowledge, Skills, Experience Rich Experiences Inquiry Labs, Research Labs, Entrepreneur Opportunities Essential Skills Accountability, Research Skills, Analytical Thinking, Collaboration, Creativity, Innovation, Communication, Global Awareness, Financial Literacy, and Entrepreneurship Experience Rich Content Knowledge Skills Knowledge

11. Respect Servant Leadership Excellence Integrity Educational PhilosophyCore Values The goal of our Core Values is to empower our learners by helping them develop good character, positive habits, and interpersonal skills.

12. Educational PhilosophyCore Values: Servant Leadership The 7 Habits of Highly EffectivePeople are integrated into everyday learning. Our high school students also implement Habitudes Leadership Curriculum. Habitudes uses visual images to teach leadership principles.

13. Educational Philosophy Authentic Assessment/Success for All • Teaching and learning are enhanced by the assessment of individual progress and by providing meaningful feedback. • Assessment is used as a tool by mentors and learners, so they can determine which material has been mastered and which material requires further learning activities. • Every child can successfully learn content and skills, while also practicing our Core Values, if they are given the right tools, resources, and enough guidance and time. Teaching x Learning + Assessment x Feedback = Results

14. Educational Philosophy Authentic Assessment Tools • Learners participate in meaningful learning experiences that build content knowledge, essential skills, and Core Values • Assessment tools provide insight into the depth of content studied, the skills practiced, and the exercise of Core Values. • Tools may include Inquiry Lab Books, presentations, product creation, tests, mentor evaluations, and self-evaluations.

15. Educational Philosophy Culture of Discovery and Empowerment We respect our students’ needs and interests. We create ample opportunities for learners to be curious, imaginative, and creative. In doing so we create a positive environment where children feel free to be themselves, to follow their passions, and to accept others. Overview

16. Integrated Learning Time(ILT) Integrated Learning Time (ILT) is the heart of our school. ILT integrates Language Arts, Fine Arts, and Technology into Science and Social Studies. ILT gives learners the opportunity to not only learn content knowledge but to develop essential skills and Core Values. Lab Writing Drawing Reading

17. Integrated Learning TimeDirect Instruction and Group Activities Topics rotate on a block schedule between social studies and science. Topics are selected mainly from the Core Knowledge Sequence (grades K-8) and our science curriculum, Project Lead the Way.

18. Integrated Learning TimeTechnology and Reading Teacher-Librarian Digital Literacy Content Specialist Students practice Inquiry-Based Learning and Analytical Thinking Learner-mentor collaboration

19. Integrated Learning TimeLanguage Arts Reading, Note-taking, Writing Inquiry Lab Book

20. Integrated Learning TimeScience • Science Museum • Inquiry-based, hands-on • Pairs content with skills • Naturalist Trade Center • Develops entrepreneurship and financial literacy Science Labs Using Project Lead the Way

21. Integrated Learning TimeSocial Studies Learners develop Global Awareness • Student-created products displayed around the school • Encourages innovation, creativity, and accountability

22. Integrated Learning TimeCollaboration, Communication, Leadership Knowledge Building Circle • 7 Habits of Highly Effective People • “Leader in Me” • Develops integrity, leadership, accountability, and adaptability

23. Integrated Learning TimeProduct Creation Differentiated and Personalized Learning Integrated Arts Creativity and Innovation Digital and Print Materials

24. Technology Movie Making Digital Photography Lego WeDo & Stop Animation Video Game Design USB Microscopes Podcasting Typing PowerPoint Online Safety Digital Drawing Word Processing Coding – Code.org MIT Scratch and MIT APP Inventor

25. Fine ArtsCreativity, Collaboration, Communication, Analytical Thinking Music Keyboard Lab Singing Music Reading Music Composition Drama Participating in and writing dramatic enactments Monologue Memorization Art Drawing Painting Sculpting Printmaking

26. K-5 Math Backward Design, Standards-Based Differentiated Instruction Singapore Math as a Tool Proven to build mental math skills, conceptual knowledge, and computational skills Ability groups Collaborative groups Mentor support Math Specialists Mastery-Based Daily Problem Solving Challenges

27. K-5 Reading Backward Design, Standards Based Differentiated Instruction Ability groups Collaborative groups Mentor support Reading Specialists • Leveled Readers • AR, Reading A-Z, Basal Readers • Differentiated Spelling Dedicated reading time

28. K-5 Recess Imagination Playground Equipment that develops the whole child and encourages creativity and imagination

29. K-8 Homework Policy “Sharpen the Saw” is Habit 7 from Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. At school, learners receive high-quality, individualized instruction. They also develop the skills and knowledge to direct their own learning and to manage their time. After school, students have time to “sharpen the saw.” This means they have time to renew themselves physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. We hold the essential belief that “Less is More,” when children are given high-quality, individualized instruction. Therefore, homework is very limited and is only given on an individual basis if it is determined to be personally beneficial to the student. This policy was chosen in favor of a no homework policy to provide flexibility. The intention is that homework will only be given in exceptional circumstances. It is our hope that learners will use the after-school hours not only to develop personal interests but to also build relationships with friends and family. Our school will also offer a variety of after-school enrichment activities.

30. Architecture Our school is designed for 21st century learning. Because “form follows function,” 21st century schools must be structured to support the learning we wish to occur. Classrooms are replaced with specific grade-level Learning Studios and Learning Commons. The Learning Commons open on one side to the Library Media Center. On the other side they open up to a courtyard, so learners may work outdoors. Specialty rooms adjoin the Library Media Center, so learners may easily visit them during ILT. A Teacher Collaboration room is set up to facilitate teamwork.

34. Entrepreneurship Junior Achievement: Full K-12 programming teaches financial literacy, work-readiness, and entrepreneurship Young AmeriTowne: Teaches 5th graders about business, economics, and free enterprise

35. Entrepreneurship Business opportunities through Research Labs High School students run the annual STEM Expo Middle School students run the Spring Carnival

36. Middle and High School ResearchLabs and Experiential Experiences • Horticulture (Greenhouse) • GeoScience • BioMedical • Energy • Entrepreneur & Business • Digital Media • Aviation & Flight • Engineering & Manufacturing • Technology • Broadcasting & Recording Studio • Art Lab • Auditorium for Drama and Music

37. Middle and High School Applied Learning Time Students have the opportunity to design and create their own projects. For instance, a student may use the Engineering Lab to design and construct a project, while another student may use the music room to compose or learn a song. Learners are well-prepared with the skills needed to manage themselves and their projects because of their experience in ILT. Seniors use this time to work on a Capstone Project. Applied Learning Time may also be used to receive extra help.

38. High School Concurrent Enrollment We will offer Concurrent Enrollment to our high school students, so they may earn college credit. Possible classes include ENG 121 (English Composition), LIT 115 (Intro to Literature), HIS 201 (US History to Reconstruction), and MAT 125 (Survey of Calculus). These classes are guaranteed to transfer to Colorado public universities.

39. High School Certificate Program Our high school offers optional Certificate Programs. Students may earn a certificate in Business, STEM, or the Fine Arts. This certificate shows universities that students are well-prepared to study these fields at a college-level.

40. Middle and High SchoolLearning to Lead a Balanced Life • Seminar • Seminar is a weekly class period designed to build student to student relationships and student to adult relationships. We want our students to feel appreciated, accepted, and valued as individuals and not just for their academic performance. We want our students to have a support network they can trust to be there for them through the ups and downs of their teenage years. Seminar may feature team-building activities, games, or just a time to hang out and chat.

41. Middle and High SchoolLearning to Lead a Balanced Life • Stress Management • A recent study by the American Psychological Association reported that teenagers experience an unhealthy level of stress during the school year. This is not surprising, considering that over the years, school days have become longer and homework loads have become heavier. Many students work beyond the hours of what is considered to be a typical workday for adults. • We encourage our students to do the following: • Get enough sleep and rest, so they can come to school re-energized and ready to learn. • Eat healthy and avoid sugary snacks, treats, and drinks. • Spend time outdoors. • Balance their time between academics, hobbies, rest, and recreation.

42. High SchoolLearning to Lead a Balanced Life • Our overarching goals for our high school students include • Being prepared for college • Having the skills to start a business • Having the knowledge, real-world experiences, and values required for success in their personal and professional lives

43. High SchoolLearning to Lead a Balanced Life Homework and Balance While some high school classes may require homework due to advanced course-work (such as Concurrent Enrollment) or due to longer reading assignments, we still maintain the philosophy that, due to our quality programming, “Less is More.” This philosophy allows our students to lead balanced lives of academics, relevant/real-world experiences, and rejuvenation via hobbies and relationships.

44. High SchoolLearning to Lead a Balanced Life Balance In order to be successful in their personal and professional pursuits, 21st century citizens must learn to lead balanced lives, driven by a system of Core Values. Core Values: Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Servant-Leadership

45. Educational PhilosophyThe Competent Child