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An integrated, place-based curriculum.

key differences

So what will be different about Discovery Charter School?

place-based approach

• Place-based education is the process of using the local community and environment as a starting point to teach concepts in language arts, math, social studies, science and other subjects across the curriculum.

• At Discovery Charter School, place-based education will provide a relevant context for instruction; that context will be the natural, cultural, social and political environment of our community, including the rich environments of the Indiana Dunes, Lake Michigan and feeder rivers, adjacent farmland, and residential, commercial, and industrial developments.

environment as integrating context

• Because our school will be located in an area dominated by protected natural areas, the major integrating context for our place-based curriculum will be environmental education (“EIC”). By providing students with opportunities to explore and become involved in the local community and environment as a regular part of daily learning, our school will meet the following goals:

• Higher Test Scores and Grades: Students in schools and classrooms that use the environment as an integrating context (“EIC”) for learning score higher on standardized tests in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.

• More Advanced Critical Thinking Skills: EIC programs have been shown to raise students’ scores on the Cornell Critical Thinking Test, because EIC programs require students to integrate multiple disciplines, formulate and test hypotheses, investigate issues, take responsibility for their own learning, reflect on what they learn, and connect their learning to their communities.

• Greater Achievement Motivation: Greater achievement motivation is associated with greater engagement in schoolwork, which improves academic performance. Students in classrooms with EIC programs score significantly higher in achievement motivation compared with students in more traditional classrooms due to the use of the local environment, the application of learning to real-life issues, and the ability to tailor learning experiences to students’ interests and strengths.

• More Responsible Behavior: Students exposed to EIC programs display reduced discipline and classroom management problems, better attendance, and more responsible behavior in their school and community.

more time outside

• Discovery Charter School students will spend a meaningful time of each week outside the classroom in educational and exploratory work.

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR EDUCATORS ALLOWING CREATIVITY,
FLEXIBILITY AND RECOGNITION

• Discovery Charter School will offer an opportunity for teachers to work in a small, flexible environment.

• Compensation and bonus will be based upon performance and merit.

FIELD WORK

• Complementary to the practice of interdisciplinary studies, students are engaged in real world project based learning in the local community. This is a hands on approach to learning, using natural science field experiences, research, and service projects. Classroom work supports and integrates with field projects, so students will learn skills in class then apply them in field project work. Additional learning labs and class work will develop skill proficiency in subjects such as math, reading and writing.

BRINGING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES TOGETHER FROM ACROSS NORTHWEST INDIANA

• As a public charter school, Discovery Charter School will be open to students in all of Indiana. We believe this will provide a unique opportunity to bring children and families together from across northwest Indiana.

LONGER SCHOOL DAY

• In order to add the opportunities for field work and the school’s place-based approach, Discovery Charter School students will have a longer school day.

TEACHER EVALUATION AND SUPPORT

• Teachers will be provided with weekly opportunities for professional development (during the once-per week early dismissal).

• Our school will employ team leaders to support and mentor teachers.

• Teachers will be provided with the resources they need.

• Teachers will have one year contracts and will be expected to perform. This does not mean teachers are not backed up and supported and, in fact, our school management organization, American Quality Schools, has extremely high retention rates.