A+Learner+Centered+School

=Learner Centered Approach to Learning and ICHS=

The [|Learner Centered Approach to Learning] is really the overarching design that guides all curriculum implementation at ICHS. The Learner Centered Approach, as a way to conceptualize the task of establishing important curriculum in our school, brings staff and administration together in establishing and revising our approach to what is to be taught at ICHS. As we have written in our school philosophy, we truly believe that it is of utmost importance that the student feels comfortable, cared for and challenged both academically and personally. With Learner Centered Curriculum planning we never lose our focus on what is truly important about education: the student. At ICHS we do our best to focus in on the student body's needs, interests and learning styles while not losing our focus on what skills are truly important to the 21st century pupil. Two obvious ways we are meeting our Learner Centered goals is through the implementation of "backwards by design" and "constructivist" teaching methodologies.

ICHS believes that is very important to have high level support services at our school. Whether it be guidance counselors, student advisers, academic support or simply homeroom teachers with the time to talk, it is truly a valuable component of our learner centered school to be available for all students outside of the everyday core classroom. This said, in the core classrooms students centered learning is taking shape in a variety of forms. Assessment is one of the main areas in which we shift the focus from teacher-control to student centered focus. [|Learner centered assessment], allows students to take control of creating rubrics and deciding how they should be evaluated for demonstrating their learning. Another way student centered learning is taking place in our school is through [|project based learning]. Students are given long term projects that are often interdisciplinary in which they can take control of the pace and process of their learning.

We believe that by focusing learning on the students' needs and interests we are fostering citizens for the 21st century. In the contemporary world it is very important for students to be able to take control of projects. They must not only respond to directions but also analyze, create, and synthesize information. Student focused learning establishes a school environment from the administration down to the student that realizes that it is the learner's need that must come first!


 * __Additional Resources__

The Seven Components of Learner Centered Approach to Learning:**

"(1) the deep understanding of the populations to be served; (2) knowledge of the objectives they seek; (3) an evaluation of learning provider models available to them; (4) a comprehensive integration of learning theory, methods and principles appropriate to successful learning; (5) a strategic reconceptualization of the overall curriculum architecture providing a full scope of programs and approaches; (6) a synthesis of specific curriculum configurations designed to meet specific learner’s needs; and finally (7) the design, development and deployment of the array of services required by learners to meet their objectives" (http://www.mgdolence.com/resources/ccspm/lcca.aspx).

Simple Round Diagram** Additional Websites: >
 * The Learner-Centered Curriculum Approach
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