Pathway Update: Learning and Inclusion - AISC develops and implements inclusive policies and programs for all students with diverse and identified needs to fulfill their learning potential.
Building on efforts from the 2020-2021 school year, the learning support team is continuing to work on meeting a range of student learning needs through the implementation of different supports and services. High school students with identified learning needs can consider an alternative, personalized diploma. Modified curricula and service learning opportunities are being developed to support students pursuing this pathway. The learning support team is also drafting a proposal to make changes to AISC's admissions policy as we further explore how to include students with a greater range of learning needs at AISC.
One other focus for the learning support team as a Futures goal is to help facilitate professional learning on the topic of supporting high-ability learners. Around 30 teachers and teaching assistants are gathering on six early release Wednesdays to learn about different methods and strategies to better support these students.
Need more information? Contact Dave Allen at adavid@aischennai.org
Pathway Update: Learning & Vision for the Learner - AISC integrates the Vision for the Learner as a means to achieve the Mission in Middle School
On Thursday, October 7 during students regular connection time in classes, students were (re)introduced to the Vision for an AISC Learner (VfL) traits of Versatile, Explorers, Thinkers, Innovators, Resilient, Leaders, Ethical, Reflective. Teachers received slides based around the VFL attributes and students did work based on VFL attributes such as sharing examples of how they were innovative during COVID times and grappling with ethical dilemmas in a Kahoot. The Learner traits of Empathetic and Collaborators were not explored on the VfL Orientation Day as these are addressed in Advisory and on the actual Vision for a Learner day respectively.
Once students were given an Orientation to VfL, on Friday, October 8 students chose a project that most aligned with their interests and worked in small groups with teachers for that day, instead of normal connection or independent work time. Students chose from the following options to pursue:
Books & Cooks
Coding
Creative Expressions - Passion Project
Lego Stop Motion
Mock Government
Pizza!
Ted Talk
Scuba Diving
Frida Kahlo Museum
Virtual Trip to a Zoo
Where are you really from?
Students produced stop motion videos, cupcakes, pizza, and also short speeches. They connected with other students who have similar interests to their own, and were able to experience the VfL traits in action. Students said: “I had a great day learning this way because it was so fun in the kitchen.” The feedback from students indicated that the project was successful as it helped them to understand the different Learner Attributes. We are continuing to focus on these throughout the year and will have students add reflections and photos like the ones below to their portfolios.
