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| Curriculum |
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The Brideun Learning Communties' experiential curriculum combines nonlinear thematic play-based curriculum with child-centered, interactive, therapeutic interventions In
Brideun Learning Communties, we know that everyone learns best when they
are engaged cognitively, physically, emotionally and socially. Yet, current
methods in traditional education teach through rote memorization of seemingly
unrelated bits and facts. As
a society we are no longer reliant on the human mind for information.
Kids don't need to know that Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492. We
can look that up online. Yet we continue to teach our children as if information
is a valuable commodity passed from teacher to student. Brideun
teaches how to find information, sort out what is meaningful and what
is not, then use information to think, reason, solve problems and interact
with others. Through standard and non-standard ways, Brideun believes
that all children should be taught to apply their learning to real life
tasks and problems instead of simply regurgitating rote facts. Through
unit studies, theme-based teaching, and applied problem solving we integrate
traditional and play-based learning to prepare our students for transition
into real life. Brideun documents students' academic growth with annual standardized achievement testing. As many of our students cannot perform well in timed
or group administered tests, we administer the Woodcock-Johnson Tests
of Academic Achievement (4th Edition). This test allows us to assess
skills below, at, or well-above grade level and offers standards that
can help us determine a child's functioning grade level in all subjects,
as compared to their peers across the country. We then use these scores
to help us develop an individual level and pace for each child.
Our achievement testing has shown that covering the basics through fun, yet comprehensive methods of education prepares students not only to learn what they need to be successful in other schools but also for the hands-on, applied skills that will be necessary for success in our modern world. More than anything else, we believe in teaching our students to think. |
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