6. SLA Mission Statement
• "How do we learn?"
• "What can we create?"
• "What does it mean to lead?"
These three essential questions form the basis of instruction at the Science Leadership Academy
(SLA), a Philadelphia high school opened in September 2006. SLA is built on the notion that inquiry is
the very first step in the process of learning. Developed in partnership with The Franklin Institute
and its commitment to inquiry-based science, SLA provides a rigorous, college-preparatory
curriculum with a focus on science, technology, mathematics and entrepreneurship. Students at SLA
learn in a project-based environment where the core values of inquiry, research,
collaboration, presentation and reflection are emphasized in all classes.
The structure of the Science Leadership Academy reflects its core values, with longer class periods
to allow for more laboratory work in science classes and performance-based learning in all classes. In
addition, students in the upper grades have more flexible schedules to allow for opportunities for
dual enrollment programs with area universities and career development internships in laboratory
and business settings, as well as with The Franklin Institute.
At SLA, learning is not just something that happens from 8:30am to 3:00pm, but a continuous
process that expands beyond the four walls of the classroom into every facet of our lives.
7. What Is Implied:
The Ethic of Care
(yes, we’re planning on updating the mission.)
8. Hiring
Scheduling
Curriculum
Administration
Systems and Structures
Parent Relations
Professional
Food Service
Development
Assessment
20. Break-Out:
Examine One to Three Systems or
Structures of Your School or Classroom.
How can you change them to better
reflect your values / mission?
21. Conversations:
• Who are the stakeholders?
• How can they be brought into this
vision?
• What fears do you need to address?
• How will the student voice be part of
the discussion?
22. Hard Questions:
• What is the worst consequence of your
best idea?
• How can you mitigate them?
• What are the obstacles to this change?
• How can you overcome them?
23. Life Questions:
• How are the lives of teachers different
in this model?
• How are the students’ lives different?
• How will you deal with the change?
24. Creating Change
What is the action plan to move the systems and
structures of your school / classroom closer to the
values you espouse?
• One month plan
• One year plan
• Three year plan
25. Be Willing to Be
Transformed
We Have So Much Left to Learn
26. Keep In Touch:
Chris Lehmann
Science Leadership Academy
chris@practicaltheory.org
http://www.practicaltheory.org
Twitter: @chrislehmann
EduCon 2. -- Jan. 25-27, 2013
http://educonphilly.org