learning – Chrysalis School

Student Voice

January 8, 2016 By:Alison McNee

Research: Russell Quaglia, President and Founder of the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations, conducted a study on the importance of student voice in schooling and student achievement. He found that students who are engaged are 16 times more likely to want to do well in school and concludes that “students who feel respected and have a sense of control and purpose over what they do at school have a much greater chance of doing well.”

Practice: At Chrysalis we recognize the importance of student voice and engagement in learning. We listen to students’ wants and needs and personalize their educational program to them. They have a say in their schedule, the selection of their teachers, and the direction of their classes. When we receive a new student we’re not only assessing where they are academically, but trying to connect with them on a very human level to understand their goals and help them find purpose in school. All of this adds up to engagement, which forms the basis for any and all academic work that follows.

We Don’t Confine Learning To the Classroom

December 11, 2015 By:Alison McNee

Research: There’s a movement happening in education that seeks to validate the learning that students do outside of the formal academic setting. Important skills can be gained in a variety of areas outside of school, including sports, music, art, volunteer work, or any other passion—activities that truly express student personalities, interests, and achievements. The challenge schools face now is to formalize a process that expresses these learning experiences and acknowledges the learning they’re already engaged in.

Practice: We’ve always known that learning isn’t confined to a classroom or school setting. This is why we encourage students to follow their passions and allow them time in their schedules to do so. It’s also why at the high school level we allow students to gain credit for activities they pursue outside of school, including PE, volunteer work, employment, and music.

Learning Never Ends

September 18, 2015 By:Alison McNee

Research: Jerome Bruns, author of “They Can But They Don’t,” argues that learning doesn’t have to be confined to the classroom or traditional worksheets, lectures, and homework. He’s a firm believer that kids are natural learners and that as parents we are their first and most influential teachers. The time we spend with them is simply irreplaceable. Spending time with them, observing and participating in their areas of interest, encouraging them without evaluating or pointing out their errors, and helping correct them in nonjudgmental ways are incredibly valuable learning opportunities.

Practice: Families who are new to Chrysalis may find themselves asking, what should we do with all this extra time that my child’s not in school?! Think of all the life skills your child will need in the future. They will need to cook, manage their finances, find their way around town, board a bus…it’s endless and learning is hidden in many activities. Cooking is math, TV sparks discussion, excursions are lessons in how to navigate the region, read maps, plan and organize an outing. Chores, PE, community service, times with family and friends, sports, and extra sleep are all valuable activities!

Problem Solving With Minecraft

August 24, 2015 By:Alison McNee

Research: Minecraft has been hailed as a “virtual sandbox,” with opportunities for kids to build, explore, and create on a digital platform. Education writer James Drzewiecki identifies many benefits to using Minecraft in the classroom, which include: increased engagement, collaboration and teamwork, building social skills, increased problem-solving skills, the creative introduction of curricular content, the incorporation of student choice and creativity, and incredible potential for use in endless subject areas. Its overwhelming appeal to many students makes it an accessible and comfortable format for them to engage in the learning process and demonstrate what they know.

Practice: As a tool that so many of our students are familiar with and enjoy, we see a world of opportunities for learning with Minecraft. We are extremely grateful to the parent who made a generous donation to the South Campus this summer. We are now outfitted with new computers, iPads, and our own server so that we can begin to explore the potential for this new technology. We can’t wait for it to transpire!

Celebrating Achievements

June 8, 2015 By:Alison McNee

Research: Portfolios are student-driven demonstrations of learning and qualitative measures of accomplishment and growth. They present the opportunity for a student to reflect upon what and how they’ve learned over a period of time and evaluate their readiness to take the next step, whether it be graduation or grade promotion. They highlight student strengths and identify personal achievements to celebrate and promote the learning process.

Practice: Portfolios are an important part of the Chrysalis experience. A good deal of what we do involves helping students understand how they learn and uncovering their strengths. Dedicating time to reflect upon their growth during the course of the year and on their school experience more generally is empowering and inspiring. We dedicate this one day each year to celebrating their achievements and sharing them with their families. Our students have amazing stories to tell!

A Climate of Possibility.

May 29, 2015 By:Alison McNee

Research: Education reformer Sir Ken Robinson uses his expertise in business and education to outline the crisis in education in America in his Ted Talk, “How to Escape Education’s Death Valley.” He argues that education must be centered on the concept of human flourishing. According to Robinson, this rests upon three main assumptions: (1) that humans are naturally different and diverse, (2) that curiosity drives learning, and (3) that humans are inherently creative. When schools force standardization they effectively limit the ability for children to flourish, and as a result we see children who are stressed, disengaged, and at risk for dropping out altogether.

Practice: At Chrysalis we recognize that learning is personal. Every child learns differently, has different strengths and challenges, and has unique interests. In response, we offer different programs for every child to obtain the balance that’s right for them–a place where they are challenged appropriately, supported when needed, and allowed a place to shine. To use Robinson’s words, we create the conditions in which children thrive by offering a climate of possibility.

We Don’t Adhere to Arbitrary Standards

April 30, 2015 By:Chrysalis School

Research: Rebecca Givens Rolland laments that schools are racing through K-12 education these days, with policies that encourage children to cover more material in shorter amounts of time, under expectations that are misaligned with natural child development. She argues, “This push, while well-intentioned, is counterproductive. Children need time to sit with a subject, to see mistakes not as humiliations, but as chances to learn.” What’s missing in this “need for speed” is an understanding of the nature of the learning process and proper encouragement to create lifelong learners.

Practice: Every student at Chrysalis is allowed to learn at their own pace and in their own time. Since we don’t adhere to arbitrary standards we can create educational programs that meet each child where they are and allow them to progress when they’re developmentally ready. Our program allows children the extraordinary gift of time to flourish, learn deeply, and develop a love of learning.

The Humanistic Approach to Learning

March 20, 2015 By:Chrysalis School

20140515_122358-1024x768 Research: Professor Yong Zhao at the University of Oregon has been making headlines recently with his call to reimagine education in the United States. He states that “all human beings are born with the capacity and desire to learn…but their environment can either suppress or encourage that drive.” The school environment must be both stimulating and supportive, and allow kids to pursue individualized goals that build on their strengths rather than identify differences as flaws that must be fixed.

Practice: This humanistic approach is the very basis of a personalized education. We place the student and their individual goals at the center of their program, and commit ourselves to helping them be successful by implementing the right amount of support along the way. This looks different for every child and is crucial to encouraging student success. The right amount of support allows students to recognize their abilities, comfortably accept new challenges, increase their independence, and advocate for their needs.

National Bullying Prevention Month

October 17, 2014 By:Alison McNee

Research: October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Unfortunately, bullying is often considered part of the school experience — something that kids are expected to endure and overcome on their own. However, study after study outlines health and academic risks to both the bully and the bullied, including increased indices of depression, anxiety, and risky behaviors.

Practice: We know that physical and emotional safety is primary to well-being, and that without it learning cannot occur. We take great pride in our ability to maintain a positive school culture, not only for the sake of learning; it also makes Chrysalis a great place for everyone to be! When situations inevitably arise, we take the time to talk students through them, to help them see new perspectives, and build empathy and community. If you suspect that your child is experiencing any form of bullying, please let us know so that we may deal with the situation appropriately.