BIG PICTURE Our new adventure in education!

What is the Big Picture? A method of education where individual students are honored, respected and required to explore their passions and interests. Educating one student at time. Blending theory and knowledge with real life experiences.

Why is the Big Picture needed? The LaFayette Board of Education, Administration, Teachers and community understand that the “traditional school structure” is not the right fit for all students. Some of our students will excel academically when given the freedom to explore their interests, challenge themselves, and have pride in their work.

How does this fit in with New York State Standards and Regents Exams? State standards and requirements will be met through the Learning Plans. Each student will be mastering standards/curriculum at different times depending upon their Learning Plans. Students will still be required to take Regents exams. The current pattern of taking exams will change depending upon the student.

Relationships Rigor Relevance

Will students still graduate as a LaFayette student? Yes!!! Students will earn Regents diplomas and participate in LaFayette’s graduation ceremony. We will also celebrate in true Big Picture style!

Can my child participate in ………. Students interested in Band, Chorus, Art, Athletics, Extra Curricular activities will still have the opportunity to participate. In fact, we will strongly encourage our students to get involved in at least one activity each year.

The Essential Components Of Big Picture Schools

Learning in the Real World: Students will spend two days each week at an internship site with a mentor. Students will complete authentic projects at internships that meet NYS curriculum standards.

Internships: Internships in the First part of 9th grade will look different than second half of the year and in In the beginning we will: Group Shadow Days Small Group Work Structured Activities Classes/Workshops

One Student At A Time: Personalization Each student creates an Individual Learning Plan each quarter Learning Plan focuses on students interests Students are responsible to identify and follow their interests

Learning Plan for the Real World Name ____________ Advisor __________ Mentor________ Grade ______ Quarter __________ Internship Site ____________ Date _________ Real World Learning Experiences: I’m meeting the learning goals through the following experiences: Final Products I will show in my exhibition: Advisors Comments and work needed to complete: (Internship Description) Business card, Journal, Written Report, Photos Independent Projects Community College course(s) Calendars Who Am I?(Exploration of Interests, careers, strengths, etc) Literacy/ReadingIndependent Readings and Reading Logs, Vocabulary Lists, Bibliography College PrepACT/SAT prep course

Authentic Assessment: Students complete an exhibition of their work and progress each 10 weeks. Students must defend the rigor of their work and make connections to their Learning Plan Students collect exemplars of their work in portfolios as well as journals

School Organization: The walls of the school become transparent as students are involved in the community to achieve their Learning Goals. Small groups of students (12-15) work in an advisory to support each other and collaborate. The advisory promotes relationships with the students, the families, the mentors, and the advisor.

Advisory Structure: The advisor is the cheerleader, the manager, and challenger to their group of students. The advisory group is the home base and develops into a second family for the students, parents, and advisor.

School Culture: Our school will be built upon the values and practices of team work, trust, responsibility, equality, and respect.

Leadership: In September 2008, our school will consist of a Principal and one advisor. Both have been trained, coached, and mentored in Big Picture philosophy and practice. We are committed to the success of each of our students and will remain with each student through their four years of High School. As our program grows, we will continue to add additional advisors.

Parent/Family Engagement: Adult Support Parents and Families become an integral part of each student’s education. Families participate in the development, progress and evaluation of Learning Plans

School-College Partnership/College Prep Students are encouraged to challenge themselves and participate in college courses. Students will be required to apply and be accepted to a post-secondary institution. College becomes a reality/real possibility for all of our students.

Professional Development: With this huge shift in what many of us have experienced in education, Big Picture staff will continue to learn and grow through professional development.

Our First Year: 9th grade: Who am I? project Career Exploration Get out of the building and into the “Real World” Develop Resume, cover letters, professional dress and conversation Mentors Volunteer Projects Adventure Base Learning

So, That’s What. Now What? Would your child flourish in this setting? Students are selected into the program by lottery. Students and parents are required to complete an application.