Deeper and Personalized Learning
The team at Spark Institute embraces project-based learning, cooperative learning structures and broader student outcomes in order to deepen and personalize learning for students.
Problem-based Learning and Cooperative Learning Structures
Students have two hours of project-based learning time in the afternoon every day, during which they engage in authentic, interdisciplinary learning experiences. Each quarter, the team introduces a new guiding question for PBL time, and students select project pathways related to the guiding question. Students then work in collaboration with their peers toward creation of final products aligned to their pathways.
Teams of Educators with Distributed Expertise
Spark Institute educators distribute expertise based not only on content knowledge (e.g., specializing in math, world culture, STEM) but also on their skills and passions.
Certified Educators–Core content area teachers teach math, science, STEM and interdisciplinary ELA and social studies. Elective teachers offer courses in world culture and leadership, and a class that alternates between art and health.
Teacher Candidates–Two ASU Mary Lou Fulton Teacher’s College residents support the team; one whose program of study is ELA and another whose program of study is science.
Community Educators–Community educators lend their expertise at strategic points during PBL time.
Broader Student Outcomes
Spark Institute students have daily opportunities to engage in self-discovery and to practice developing collaborative skills with peers and adults. This occurs dependably during morning advisory, when students check in one-on-one with their advisory teachers and engage in reflection activities. During Friday advisory, students also engage in Spark Institute’s social-emotional curriculum, which includes goal-setting and activities to build a growth mindset.
Join us for an Information Session
We invite you to experience Spark Institute in person by joining us for a tour and information session. Click below to see our information session schedule.
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