Fast Facts
What is a Charter School?
The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools FAQ answers these questions.
What is a Master Teacher?
A master teacher knows, understands, and creates optimal learning for every student. Weilenmann School of Discovery empowers Master Teachers to create optimal learning experiences that are best defined as:
Student centered; project-based; hands-on; interactive; fully participatory; collaborative classroom environment; encouraging and embracing curiosity; questions leading to new knowledge and understanding; balancing challenge and skill; active learning; imagination; creation, integration of the arts; enjoyable.
The Utah Professional Teacher Standards define the master teacher through a scale of basic, emerging, proficient to master. Each standard contains specific elements of the teaching practice, but all of the standards are interrelated and work together to provide a complete picture of effective teaching practices to promote high quality student centered learning.
The five standards are:
- Creating and maintaining a positive classroom environment that promotes student learning.
- Planning curriculum and designing instruction to enhance student learning.
- Engaging and supporting all students in learning.
- Assessing and evaluating student learning.
- Demonstrating professionalism to support student learning.
“…the most important factor affecting student learning is the teacher….more can be done to improve education by improving the effectiveness of teachers than by any other single factor. Effective teachers appear to be effective with students of all achievement levels regardless of the level of heterogeneity in their classrooms (Wright et al., 1997).”
What does project-based learning (PBL) mean?
Project-based learning is a systematic teaching method that engages students in learning knowledge and skills through an extended inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions and carefully designed products and tasks. PBL engages students in rigorous academic work because they find relevance and meaning in the project and the learning.
Evidence shows that PBL enhances the quality of learning and leads to higher-level cognitive development through students' engagement with complex, novel problems. It is also clear that PBL teaches students complex processes and procedures such as planning and communicating. Accomplishing these goals, however, requires time for both teachers and students to master the behaviors and strategies necessary for successful PBL.
What are integrated technology and media arts?
The three elements of a successful learning environment are access, creation, and distribution. Technology and media arts will be a seamless natural part of access, creation, and distribution of knowledge, skills and understanding. Integrated technology and media arts will provide connection to the world, elements of relevance, and digital citizenship. Students will become the ultimate hunters and gatherers of information; and creators as well as consumers of technology. The walls will be live with presentations throughout the school. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has identified a number of standards for student education based on the increasing challenges of educating students in a media-saturated world with growing global competition for jobs and goods:
- Information and Communication Skills:
- Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills:
- Interpersonal and Self-Directional Skills
- Information and Communication Technology Literacy
- Global Awareness
- Civic Literacy
- Financial, Economic, and Business Literacy
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills argues that it is critical that we implement these standards in public schools and help students develop these skills if we are to encourage robust civic engagement and keep a competitive edge in global economy. Weilenmann School of Discovery will use video production in the classroom as one effective way for students to develop these 21st Century learning skills. A video production curriculum hits every one of these skills, from media literacy to collaborative skills. Weilenmann School of Discovery believes in opening the door instead of the books. Meaning teachers and students will go after the passion.
How will individualized instruction be accomplished?
Teachers will individualize instruction through assessment, small group instruction, re-teaching and enrichment groups, project-based learning, and other strategies that provide optimal learning for every student. Teacher assistants and parent volunteers will provide small group and individualized instruction under the supervision of the classroom teacher.
What are the standards for state testing?
A charter school is required to follow all law and legislation regarding public education. Weilenmann School of Discovery will participate in all testing, Adequate Yearly Progress reports (AYP), and Utah Performance Assessment System for Students (UPASS).
What services will be given to special education students and English language learners?
Special Education
Weilenmann School of Discovery understands that in accordance with Utah law, any student with a disability who is eligible under Part B of the IDEA is entitled to Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). This education includes receiving special education and related services (as specified in the Individual Education Plan - IEP) designed to meet the students’ unique needs.
WSD will:
- Provide direct, consultative, and related services as specified in the IEP
- Provide a continuum of special education services to serve all students with disabilities, regardless of severity.
- Ensure adequate qualified staff or contract providers are available to conduct evaluations and provide services as required by IDEA 2004 and Utah Special Education Rules.
- Serve all qualified students with disabilities, regardless of severity.
- Comply with all federal special education laws – IDEA 2004 and Special Education Rules.
WSD will employ full-time and part-time special education teachers to meet the needs of every child who qualifies for special education including children with severe disabilities. Speech Therapist, Psychologist, and any other related service that is required to assess and deliver Special Education services will be provided by contracted professionals. The Special Education Team, including the Principal, Special Education Teacher(s), Related Servers and the Regular Ed Teacher as needed, will coordinate and implement the Special Education program.
English Language Learners
WSD educators will know and understand factors influencing second language acquisition. Teachers of ELL students will adapt the content, design a program, and set targets with annual measurable achievement objectives.
Traffic
WSD will have a road off of Kilby that loops to a lower parking lot where our staff will assist with a staggered drop off and pick up schedule, allowing for maximum ease and the least amount of traffic on Kilby Road.
Transportation
In the first school year, most children will arrive at WSD by car - WSD committees are researching busing and other transportation options for the future. Plans are underway to coordinate car pooling for interested families.
Outdoor activity
Our 11.4 acres will be utilized as outdoor classroom space and recreation. Kindergarten has its own separate outdoor playground connected to the kindergarten classroom area. For older students, there are two courtyard spaces with concrete geometric forms on both paved and planted surfaces for creative play and gathering. WSD also has a designated meadow space for play and study.
