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
7:30 - 8:00: Registration and Beverages
8:30 - 9:00: Welcome, Overview & Tour
9:00 - 10:25: Workshops and Focused Observations - Session I
10:25 - 10:45: Break
10:45 - 12:15: Workshops and Focused Observations - Session II
12:15 - 1:10: Lunch On Your Own
1:15 - 2:30: Workshops and Focused Observations - Session III
2:30 - 3:30: Q&A, Panel Discussion, & Evaluation
Examples of Workshop Topics
- A Constructivist Approach to Teaching
- Developing a Thinking Curriculum in Social Studies & Science
- Conferencing with Students to Meet Individual Needs
- Common Core Projects in a Constructivist Environment
- Calendar Math
- Project-based Learning in Action
- An Overview of Integrated Technology at Open School
- Making Management Meaningful
- Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop