This team -- which has grown to include students, parents, educators, business and faith-based leaders, and other advocates -- started by interviewing students about their dreams, successes, and challenges.
The insights gathered from the students, along with inspiration gained from visits to innovative schools across the country and knowledge about how people learn, has resulted in a new school design -- the "North/Phillips School of Innovation."
During the 2018-2019 school year, ECPS will pilot the design at a "micro school," consisting of 8th and 9th graders who will test the new model and provide feedback throughout the year. These scholars will not take the typical four core classes and an elective. Instead, they will engage in daily project-based learning that is tailored to their individual needs and interests, and receive personalized mentorship to develop the life skills that will help them be successful in whatever path they choose.
Transcend is a national non-profit that "enables visionary learning communities to build and spread breakthrough models that prepare children to thrive in and transform the 21st century."
During the 2018-19 school year, we look forward to sharing updates on the North/Phillips School of Innovation, as well as our plans to help the young scholars at Coker-Wimberly Elementary School gain the skills and dispositions necessary for success in the new model and in life!