The Process (in a Nutshell)

Our North Star-ish Learning Program is based on having a set of "rules" with which to begin. Students assess their mastery of the 7th grade Language Arts standards and create lists of "know it" and "need to learn" concepts. The next step is to spend time in a reflection process to understand their own learning styles and areas of passion and persistence (what topics do they enjoy, want to know more about, never give up on). Using their "practice" list, learning styles profile, and passion and persistence topics, students outline a "course of study" for the trimester, much like a syllabus for a higher-education course. The final piece to our program is to find and secure mentors to support the student's individual course syllabus and/or action plan for the year and specific trimester. Students should have more than one mentor - one for guidance throughout the year and subject or task specific depending on the task, project, plan or interest.


As the teacher, I see my responsibilities as: modeling this style of learning by engaging in the same process along with the students with my own studies thereby demonstrating the practice life-long learning; providing necessary tools for the self-assessment and planning stages; guiding students through the process of assessing and planning; providing possibilities for project ideas; providing several models of syllabi to assist in the creation of personal action plans; modeling and facilitating seeking out mentors and the process of building relationships with mentors and most importantly, providing inspiration and encouragement and guidance along the journey!


It is also my responsibility to provide Language Arts and Reading content resources and guidance for the students. I am making a shift in the materials used in class toward non-fiction (to promote self-discovery and goal-setting) and contemporary teen fiction (to provide engaging literature for grammar and mechanics study). Please check our book shelf at Shelfari to see our LIterature choices.


I see this Learning Program as a combination of self-directed learning, student interest projects, project based learning, guided instruction, action plan research, mentoring, application of interest to real world training, technology infused learning, knowledge construction, social networking training and use, collaboration, language arts, reading, development of communication skills, student exploration and highly engaging learning.