Because our school is so different from other schools — and from what we experienced growing up — it can be difficult to express why we’ve made this choice for our child’s education and why we love what we see in our child’s development. The following points are meant to help make this a bit easier!
IDEA Students develop their abilities to express their ideas creatively and to apply creative problem-solving strategies.
- Current research suggests that creativity is essential as the demand is skyrocketing for workers who can apply their creativity and imagination to generate creative solutions to difficult problems.
- The Atlantic: STEM Needs a New Letter — Science, technology, engineering, math — and arts and design
- Psychology Today: Childhood Creativity Leads to Innovation in Adulthood
- Peter Gray: Give Childhood Back to Children
At IDEA, students learn to evaluate and use information, not just memorize it.
- With smart phones, we all have the Library of Congress in our pockets. The question is no longer one of memorizing or even accessing information; it’s being able to evaluate information, and use it effectively to pursue an objective.
- Rote learning and memorization can stifle and stymie a love of learning. IDEA School students love school because it is meaningful to them, and because we ask them to use information to pursue specific goals that matter to them.
Learning at IDEA is collaborative, not competitive.
- We offer our students plenty of time and space to share ideas and to learn from each other. We do not rank or track students. Rather, we work with them individually and in small groups to help each and every child learn and grow.
- We evaluate their progress in reading, writing and math, as well as in the Habits of Mind, based on a developmental continuum that tracks individual progress over time, reinforces individual responsibility, and fosters the Growth Mindset.
- Susan Engel: We’re teaching our kids wrong: Steve Jobs and Bill Gates do not have the answers
Teachers at IDEA make learning relevant and engaging to kids.
- Teachers are accountable to the students and they spend hours during the week designing curriculum to engage and challenge students.
- EdSurge: What Does a ‘Modern Classroom’ Look Like — And What Should Educators Leave Behind
IDEA School students develop and explore their interests using real-world tools including technology and design tools, visual arts tools, scientific and math tools, writing, etc.
- As kids grow up, their interests become more sophisticated. At IDEA School, students become well equipped to find the info they need and share it using a variety of creative tools.
- The Journal: The Maker Movement Conquers the Classroom
Our program allows our students to grow into self-directed learners.
- As our students make choices about the studios they spend time in and the projects they take on, they practice accountability, intrinsic motivation, and responsibility.
- PersonalizeLearning.com: Continuum of Motivation: Moving from Extrinsic to Intrinsic