The Science Leadership Academy

Learn – Create – LeadLearn – Create – Lead

The School District of PhiladelphiaSchool Reform Commission

James E. Nevels, ChairMartin G. Bednarek

Sandra Dungee GlennJames Gallagher, Ph. D.

Daniel Whelan 

Paul G. Vallas, Chief Executive OfficerGregory Thornton, Ed. D., Chief Academic Officer

Albert Bichner, Interim Deputy Chief Academic Officer

Why SLA?

Innovative, inquiry-based curriculumInnovative, inquiry-based curriculum Small learning communitySmall learning community Nationally Recruited FacultyNationally Recruited Faculty Partnership with the Franklin InstitutePartnership with the Franklin Institute InternshipsInternships Dual enrollment programsDual enrollment programs Longer classes to enable depth of studyLonger classes to enable depth of study

Three Essential Questions How do we How do we

learn?learn?

What can we What can we create?create?

What does it What does it mean to lead?mean to lead?

Five Core Values

InquiryInquiry

ResearchResearch

CollaborationCollaboration

PresentationPresentation

ReflectionReflection

The Capstone Projects Graduation ExhibitionsGraduation Exhibitions

Student-developed projectsStudent-developed projects

Skills-based standardsSkills-based standards

Authentic assessmentAuthentic assessment

The School Site

Summer Institute

Two week summer programTwo week summer program Bridge the gap between elementary and Bridge the gap between elementary and

high schoolhigh school Opportunity to meet teachers and Opportunity to meet teachers and

classmates in a less formal settingclassmates in a less formal setting Use of Franklin Institute and Centennial Use of Franklin Institute and Centennial

Lake in Fairmount ParkLake in Fairmount Park

Science

Hands-on, laboratory based courseworkHands-on, laboratory based coursework Science MethodologyScience Methodology Begin with Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsBegin with Biology, Chemistry, Physics AP courses in later yearsAP courses in later years Advanced courses on and off campusAdvanced courses on and off campus Outdoor science facilitiesOutdoor science facilities

Technology Wireless connectivityWireless connectivity Full digital production labFull digital production lab Three ways to look at tech:Three ways to look at tech:

Communication with Communication with parentsparents

Technology elective Technology elective course offeringscourse offerings

Integration into Integration into “traditional” classes“traditional” classes

Leadership / Entrepreneurship

InternshipsInternships

Student involvement on school committees Student involvement on school committees

Real world application of class studyReal world application of class study

Student involvement in admissions processStudent involvement in admissions process

Presentation as fundamental to learningPresentation as fundamental to learning

The Advisory System Small Advisory size – Small Advisory size –

15-20 Students15-20 Students

Four year sequenceFour year sequence

School – Family linkSchool – Family link

Parent-Advisor-Student Parent-Advisor-Student conferencesconferences

After-School Life

Commitment to extra-curricular activitiesCommitment to extra-curricular activities AthleticsAthletics ArtsArts Student LeadershipStudent Leadership And more…And more…

College Process

Individualized attention Individualized attention College counselor College counselor Advisory systemAdvisory system

College “sit-ins” starting next yearCollege “sit-ins” starting next year Aggressive marketing to universitiesAggressive marketing to universities Partnerships with local schoolsPartnerships with local schools

Admissions

Redefining “Magnet” schoolRedefining “Magnet” school GradesGrades Counselor recommendationsCounselor recommendations Terra-NovasTerra-Novas

100 – 120 special kids100 – 120 special kids

For More Information:

On the web: On the web: http://sla.fi.http://sla.fi.eduedu

Contact: Chris Lehmann, PrincipalContact: Chris Lehmann, Principal Phone: 215-448-1379Phone: 215-448-1379 Email: clehmann@fi.eduEmail: clehmann@fi.edu