111. Creating an Inquiry-Based Inclusion School

We know that kids learn best when they’re interested in the curriculum. But our traditional model leaves a lot to be desired. Prescribed curriculum regurgitated in front of a classroom full of quietly sitting children is not the way to interest those children.

 

Instead, we need kids to be involved. We need them to forge their own paths and learn through inquiry. That’s exactly how School Lane Charter School in Bensalem, Pennsylvania operates. And the school is on the cutting edge of finding new ways for teaching and learning with inclusion in mind.

 

This week, I’m talking to Karen Schade, leader of that school for the last 20+ years. She shares my beliefs that not every child is destined for a four-year university, and yet we can still support them to academic excellence. That achievement looks different for every child and we must educate our communities that yesterday’s style isn’t what today should look like.

 

Listen in to how School Lane Charter School is making waves with its teaching model, grading system, and inclusion opportunities for all students, no matter their path.

  Jump in the Conversation: [1:46] - Creating a learner-centered school [3:32] - Find a place where your values can come to fruition [4:42] - Using a co-teaching model  [6:09] - It wasn’t just inclusion; it was about figuring out what they wanted to do in future [7:18] - Pick the best when you start a school [9:01] - Other key features to School Lane [11:09] - Unique grading system [13:40] - Unique school day and school year [15:22] - Biggest struggles to creating a new model for community [18:00] - Every student is an individual [18:48] - Creating opportunities based on something different from others [20:22] - Kids don’t have to go off to 4-year college [22:19] - Limiting gatekeepers [23:43] - Rigor isn’t a bar that everyone reaches; they all have their own bar [25:31] - What leaders and parents can do to create a school like this [28:07] - Turbo Time [29:25] - What you need to know about student-driven learning [32:09] - Karen’s Magic Wand [34:02] - Maureen’s takeaways

 

Link School Lane Charter School International Baccalaureate Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink Three Rules to Spark Learning - TED Talk with Ramsey Musallum Email Maureen Maureen’s TEDx: Changing My Mind to Change Our Schools The Education Evolution Facebook: Follow Education Evolution Twitter: Follow Education Evolution LinkedIn: Follow Education Evolution EdActive Collective Maureen’s book: Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids Micro-school feature on Good Morning America The Micro-School Coalition Facebook: The Micro-School Coalition LEADPrep