Understanding Curriculum
An explanation of Montessori, IB, AP, Expeditionary Learning, Concurrent Enrollment and STEM programming in Denver’s public schools
By Celeste Thurman Archer
Continuing the conversation on Denver’s public school choices from last month’s edition, this article focuses on curriculum styles currently within our public schools, including: Montessori Education, International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), Expeditionary Learning, Concurrent Enrollment and Science, Technology, Engineering, (Arts) and Math (STEM/STEAM).
Montessori Education
Montessori education is most often associated with early childhood learning, even though its curriculum extends through high school. Park Hill neighbor Anna Jo Haynes was the 40-year leader of the Mile High Montessori Early Learning Centers, although the Montessori curriculum was added only twenty years ago when Anna Jo and other school leaders determined it was the best choice for the centers. She describes the Montessori style as “An approach that allows the child to determine their own area of interest and then be able to pursue that area as long as they want to. The teacher serves as a guide in this exploration.” She points to the importance of the structure and calm in the Montessori environment, which underscores the values of those qualities to a child. Life at home, she goes on to point out – especially in struggling families – can be chaos; the daily experience at Mile High combats that, giving students a respite and an important foundation for learning.
International Baccalaureate
Education leaders in Denver would say that the International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a logical continuation of Montessori education. McAuliffe, which will move into the Smiley campus in a year, offers the Pre-IB program, and George Washington High School offers the main IB program. The program’s goal is to, “develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” This translates into a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum with a requirement for testing as part of the final diploma. Colorado law requires colleges to offer credit to successful IB students.
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are a nonprofit curriculum administered by the College Board, the organization responsible for the SAT college admittance test. East High School has a large number of AP classes. The AP mission is to “promote excellence and equity in education through programs for K–12 and higher education institutions, and provide students a path to college opportunities, including financial support and scholarships.” AP classes present a college-level curriculum for high school students, with a high-stakes test at the end. Scores on the test are scored by bell curve and range from 1 – 5, with some colleges accepting scores of four or higher (a change from having allowed scores of three in recent history) in exchange for college credit and advanced college placement. Recently, the College Board has begun to revise its AP curriculums in response to falling scores and desire for more focus on critical thinking skills.
Expeditionary Learning
Expeditionary Learning is the curriculum at The Odyssey School and Venture Prep. Marcia Fulton, principal at Odyssey, defines expeditionary learning as, “an approach to curriculum which makes content and skills come alive for students by connecting learning to real-world issues.” Coursework includes trips, case studies, projects, fieldwork and service learning aimed to inspire students to think and work as professionals do, by responding to real-life experiences. Students present their work to an “authentic” audience of relevant professionals or community members for critique and feedback. The structure is designed to create a meaningful, hands-on learning environment and teaches them, from an early age, portfolio development as proof of true learning.
Concurrent Enrollment
Concurrent Enrollment allows high school students to earn college credit at no cost, either on collage campuses or in courses taught by accredited high school teachers as a way to bring accelerated courses into high schools. Gully Stanford, Director of Partnerships for College in Colorado and longtime Park Hill resident, sees concurrent enrollment as a Colorado pace-setter. “Thanks to new laws, Colorado’s community colleges and school districts are offering all high school students the opportunity to earn guaranteed college credit. Many students are graduating from high school with certificates or an Associate Degree. The ASCENT program allows students to take college courses at no cost for a fifth year in high school,“ said Gully. He notes this is of particular value to undocumented students and directs readers to collegeincolorado.org.
STEM and STEAM
Last are two of the most misunderstood methodologies: STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math; STEAM adds in Art. The Denver School of Science and Technology uses the STEM curriculum. Bill Kurtz, DSST’s Executive Director, says that STEM exposes students to the fields of science, design and mathematics, while providing a liberal arts education. The ultimate goal of DSST, and STEM, according to Kurtz, is “not to get great test scores. It’s to get them in college with the ability to make good choices for themselves.”
One type of school left off of last month’s list was the Magnet School. These are public schools with a specialized course or curriculum of study. The Denver School of the Arts is an example of a magnet school, as is DPS’ gifted and talented program such as the one at Morey. The word magnet refers to the way in which students are drawn from across the school district boundaries to focus on a particular area of study.
Celeste Thurman Archer is the developing director for a summer learning opportunity, the Colorado Governor’s School. She can be reached at cogovschool@gmail.com.
Park Hill Parents Group Needs New Members
By Paula Marinelli, Lead Organizer
I have been a member and an organizer for the Park Hill New Parents Meetup Group for nearly five years. It has been a wonderful experience for my daughter and me. When I was a stay-at-home mom, it was a saving grace to have the opportunity to meet and connect with my neighbors with small children. The group has grown to over 350 families!! I want all of you to have these same opportunities! As my daughter and I both have full-time commitments now, I have found that we have less time to spend with the group and many of the families in our age group attend fewer and fewer events. Of course the friendships we have made will continue but there is less involvement in the group. Many of the members who organized and hosted our events have moved on, too. I am asking that parents who have an interest in seeing this group continue and grow to volunteer to help organize. It is a very fun and worthwhile effort and really not a burden if there are many who share the load! Unfortunately the group will not survive without some renewed interest and new blood! The Meetup site is paid for until January. We need:
• A Lead organizer
• A Book Club organizer
• A Craft Club organizer
• Play Group organizers for various age groups
• Holiday Party organizer
• Family Night organizer
Paula can be reached at RubilyRu@yahoo.com.