The Open School Institute

The Open Charter School program attracts many educators interested in learning more about Constructivism and the components that make the school successful - the integration of technology with the curriculum, thematic teaching, open-structured and child-centered education, team teaching, multi-age groupings and collaborative governance. As a laboratory school, we are always seeking ways to refine our own teaching and disseminate effective practices. To this end, we offer an annual professional development program - The Open School Institute. Please contact the school or check for updated news on the school website early February for registration information. 

• Come visit a school on the cutting edge of educational reform.
• Watch constructivism in action.
• Observe thematic teaching refined over 30 years of team teaching
• See computer technology networked and fully integrated into the classroom curriculum.
• Discuss curriculum design with experienced teachers.
• Discuss charter school issues with experienced administrators, teachers and parents.
• Find out how you can transform your school into a “learning organization.”

The Open School Institute is a two-day event from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, which starts with an introduction to the school and its philosophy, followed by a guided tour.  You will then have an opportunity to select from a variety of workshop sessions that are very interactive. They include a classroom observation component, teacher presentations and discussion, and individual consultation.

The Open School Institute--Sample Schedule

Day One

    8:00 - 8:30: Registration and Breakfast
    8:30 - 9:30: Orientation, Overview & Tour
    9:30 - 10:25: Informal Observations
    10:25 - 10:45: Break
    10:45 - 12:15: Workshops and Focused Observations - Session I
    12:15 - 1:15: Lunch On Your Own
    1:00 - 2:30: Workshops and Focused Observations - Session II
    2:30 - 3:30: Panel Discussions

Day Two

    8:00 - 8:30: Registration and Breakfast
    8:30 - 9:00: Guest Speaker
    9:00 - 10:25: Workshops and Focused Observations - Session III
    10:25 - 10:45: Break
    10:45 - 12:15: Workshops and Focused Observations - Session IV
    12:15 - 1:15: Lunch On Your Own
    1:00 - 2:30: Workshops and Focused Observations - Session V
    2:30 - 3:30: Wrap-up, Follow-up Evaluation

Examples of Workshop Topics

• A Constructivist Approach to Teaching Math
• Developing a Thinking Curriculum in Social Studies & Science
• Book Talks: Student-led Literature Circles
• Poetry in the Primary Grades
• Conferencing with Students to Meet Individual Needs
• Calendar Math
• Integrating Library Projects into the Curriculum
• An Overview of Integrated Technology at Open School
• Imbedding Intervention into the School Day
• Making Management Meaningful
• Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop