Free to Think. Inspired to Lead. It’s a pretty powerful statement in regards to our children’s education. At the heart of parenting is the desire to assist your children in gaining the best education they can achieve, and not just traditional education – English, math, history, science, etc., but an emotional and enhanced experience that truly lets them pull from all facets of life to develop their learned knowledge.
iLEAD schools are re-writing the book on independent, group and alternative learning programs. Anchored locally at SCVi Charter School, the founders of iLEAD charter schools, Dawn Evenson and Amber Golden Raskin created Innovation Studios, currently piloted at the high school level, to provide an innovative learning environment in which students feel safe, supported and respected as they actively learn and develop academically, socially and emotionally. By engaging students in a rigorous standards-based curriculum, aligned with the Common Core and California State Standards, the hybrid school promotes flexibility, learning for leadership, emotional & academic growth, the ability to construct knowledge, and individual responsibility in a caring environment.
I recently sat down with Director of Innovation Studios, Erin Aquaviva to find out more about the program.
é: Wow, this sounds like great opportunity for student driven education. How do the teachers play a role in educating the students?
EA: Well, we call our teachers “guides” or “facilitators” because at iLEAD schools working to shift the paradigm to where learners feel responsible and in control of their learning while guides are there to guide and facilitate learners in the process. It is for that same reason we refer to students as learners. We work on site with the learners and are also available via email, messaging and phone. We offer flexible scheduling so the learners can maximize their time with us. The students create their course load with our guidance and develop their project/big question for the semester. We facilitate hands-on, cross-curricular learning experiences that assist our learners in drawing meaningful connections to relevant real-world applications.
é: What do you feel the greatest strengths of the program are?
EA: This environment not only encourages creative thinking, but allows learners to unlock their potential by participating in collaborative workshops and interest-driven experiences. Our students or “learners” have the option to work individually at home, in an internship, and in the community with the expectation that they will utilize provided studio spaces where like-minded individuals come together to create a community of learners—A place where the students are safe to explore and ask questions, encouraged to think outside of the box and actively involved in academic conversation.
é: How do students and parents get more information about the program?
EA: Our website, https://ileadinnovationsstudios.org, provides more information as well as an “Intent to Enroll Form” where families can ensure their child has a priority opportunity to become a valuable learner and leader in our growing iLEAD family!
For more information on iLEAD Innovation Studios, please visit www.ileadschools.org, www.scvcharterschool.org andhttps://ileadinnovationsstudios.org.