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Four Groups Seek to Open Public Charter Schools
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The board is currently reviewing four proposals during its 2020 charter application cycle. Each applicant is evaluated through a rigorous review process that includes capacity interviews with the founding groups and public hearings for the community to voice their opinion on the proposed schools. The proposals include:
- Capital Experience Lab: The mission of Capital Experience Lab is to empower students in Washington, DC to harness the resources of their world-class city in the service of their dreams. If approved, Capital Experience Lab will serve students in grades 6 through 12 and seeks to locate in Ward 6.
- The Garden School of Business and Entrepreneurship: The Garden School of Business and Entrepreneurship's mission is to holistically prepare students to build their future. They aim to intellectually grow, culturally affirm, financially educate and emotionally support the next generation of innovators. If approved, The Garden School of Business and Entrepreneurship will serve students in grades 9 through 12 and seeks to locate in Ward 8.
- Global Citizens: The mission of Global Citizens is to inspire and prepare the next generation of global citizens, offering dual language immersion in both Mandarin-English and Spanish-English. If approved, Global Citizens will serve students in grades PK3-5 and seeks to locate in either Wards 7 or 8.
- Washington Arabic: The mission of Washington Arabic is to believe that the intellectual promise of each student is enhanced in a multi-lingual community that incorporates and celebrates diversity. They challenge students to think critically and creatively, to know themselves as learners developing into global citizens in a joyful environment. If approved, Washington Arabic will serve students in PK3-5 and seeks to locate in either Wards 1,4,5 or 6.
Our Standard of Approval evaluates applicants on the strength of their demonstrated need for the school; sufficient progress in developing the plan; consistency of the mission and philosophy; inclusiveness; and founding group ability. If approved, the schools would open in school year 2021-22.
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Youthbuild PCS's STEP Program Prepares Students for Life After Graduation
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Photo Credit: [YouthBuild PCS]
Five years ago, the YouthBuild PCS team implemented a personalized learning program called Student Transition and Education Portal (STEP). YouthBuild PCS designed STEP for students to track their progress as they improve their math and literacy skills, work to earn a GED, and strengthen the community as they build their construction skills. STEP also helps students develop resumes and college applications, meet with employers, college admissions offices, practice interview techniques, and master job skills.
Kate Salasky, YouthBuild PCS' Transitions Coordinator, works with her students to define personal college and career goals, and to use STEP for managing progress toward those goals. Salasky creates partnerships with colleges, employers, and groups such as ACE Mentoring - who pairs students with mentors in architecture, engineering, and construction. Last year, more than 75% of Youthbuild's students enrolled in college or secured a job three to nine months after leaving the school. More than 90% of those alumni retained employment. |
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Creative Minds International PCS Supports Students Becoming Successful Citizens in Global Society
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Photo Credit: [Creative Minds International PCS]
At Creative Minds International PCS, lower school students learn through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) framework. IPC was chosen to give students the knowledge and skills required for successful participation in a global society through a project and arts-based international curriculum. Students can celebrate their learning through culminated experiences like the "What's on the Menu?" unit. This unit concluded with families joining second grade students in an international potluck. At the potluck, families prepared a variety of dishes to serve and students shared their knowledge and global understanding gained throughout the unit.
Aella, a second grader, says this unit helped her “learn about other people and what they eat in their cultures.”
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The Intermission Program at Inspired Teaching Demonstration PCS Introduces Students to New Interests
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Photo Credit: [Inspired Teaching Demonstration PCS]
Educators at Inspired Teaching Demonstration PCS give students two opportunities a year to do a deep dive into an area of interest that falls outside of the usual curriculum called Intermission. Intermission gets students energized about exploring a new topic that intrigues them. Students choose their Intermission course based on a set of options designated for each class. For example, PK students' choose from topics ranging from slimes, food science, animation, mud, and more. During the animation intersession, students studied different types of animation and watch one of the first cartoons created, Steamboat Willie. These students enjoyed seeing the black and white animation and believe that the intersession 'helps them find inspiration to draw their own cartoons.'
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February 24 - Board Meeting
The Board will hold its next monthly meeting on February 24 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at DC PCSB (3333 14th Street NW, Suite 210). A meeting agenda will be available here.
*Meeting location is subject to change.
Missed last month's meeting? Watch the meeting here.
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