The A+ program used at Linwood A+ school grew out of research conducted
in North Carolina on the outstanding academic accomplishments of
students attending a school with an intense arts focus. The A+ Schools
program creates schools where students are taught in ways that enable
them to learn by making the most of their talents. The A+ program is
now established over six states, and is used in more than 45 schools
across the country. Early research results indicate that the A+ program
is successful in enhancing children’s academic performance. The program
at Linwood’s A+ includes the following components:
Interdisciplinary Curriculum
At
Linwood A+, concepts are taught across subject areas and academic
concepts are connected to the arts. Linwood students master a rigorous
curriculum that teaches
- Higher level knowledge and skills in language arts, mathematics, science and other core academic areas
- Creative expression
- Critical thinking
- Self-confidence
- Communication skills
- Appreciation of the arts
Daily Instruction in the Arts
Each
student receives daily instruction in one or more of the following
artistic disciplines: drama, dance, music, literary and visual arts.
Our classroom teachers and arts specialists collaborate frequently in
order to connect the academic concepts being studied in the classroom
to the arts. Each week students share their work at our weekly
gatherings of students, staff, family and community members. A
highlight of the year for our students are the artistic residencies –
short courses of intense study of an artistic discipline -- with an
outside expert.
Recognition of Each Child’s Potential
Multiple Intelligences
The
Linwood A+ program incorporates Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner's
theory of multiple intelligences where teachers help students learn
using language, numbers, physical surroundings, the body and more.
Students are encouraged to recognize and to use all of their
intelligences:
- linguistic, (words/language)
- logical-mathematical, (numbers)
- musical, (music)
- naturalist (nature) ,
- visual-spatial, (pictures)
- bodily kinesthetic(body, movement-sports, dance),
- interpersonal (other people), and
- intrapersonal (self).
Combining
Gardner's theory with interdisciplinary teaching and daily arts
instruction helps students master the requirements of their course of
study in a school environment that provides many different ways to
reinforce learning.
Parent and Community Partnerships
Linwood
A+ has strong partnerships with many arts organizations, including the
Minnesota Opera, the Ordway and the Perpich Center. These partnerships
enrich our students’ learning and provide outstanding cultural
experiences. Parents, community members and staff participate directly
in setting the school’s strategic direction and budget through the site
council. Linwood also has a very active PTA that coordinates volunteer
efforts and fundraising.
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