Southwest Center for Accelerated SchoolsDepartment of Educational Administration

The University of Texas at Austin

Accelerated Schools Philosophy

To create the dream school we want for our own children.

• Unity of Purpose

• Empowerment Coupled with Responsibility

• Building on Strengths

Accelerated Schools Principles

Accelerated Schools VALUES

Equity

Trust

School as center

of expertise

Reflection

Participation

Risk TakingCommunication

& collaboration

Community

Spirit

Experimentation

& Discovery

What makes a school accelerated?

• No single feature makes a school accelerated.

• Each school community uses the Accelerated Schools’ philosophy and process to understand challenges and collaboratively achieve goals.

We are

here

Powerful Learning

• Based on the premise that the education we use with “gifted” children works well for all children.

• Constructivist theory of learning• Three Dimensions:

WHAT

(Cur

ricu

lum

)

HOW

(Methods)

CONTEXT (Organization, Resources, Time)

Powerful Learning Framework

What we want for our own children…

Authentic

Unity of Purpose

Building on Strengths

Empowerment Coupled

with ResponsibilityInclusiveInteractive

Continuous

Learner-Centered

WHAT

(Cur

ricu

lum

) HOW

(Methods)

CONTEXT (Organization, Resources, Time)

Powerful Curriculum

Critical Thinking Skills

Rote Learning

Relevant to Students

Not Relevant to Students

Student Created Investigation (Inquiry)

Teacher Lecture

Powerful InstructionLearning by Doing Direct InstructionStudents Engaged and Purposeful

Bored or Blank Expression/Body Language

Focus on Learning/Learner

Focus on Teacher

Authentic Student Work Displayed

Commercial/Teacher-Generated

Variety of Instructional Approaches

Few Instructional Approaches

Effective Instructional Approaches

Ineffective Instructional Approaches

Integrating Technology as a Resource

Students Working on Remedial Computer Program

Powerful Context

Welcoming Environment

Uninviting Environment

Creative Organization and Use of Time

Regimented Organization and Use of Time

High and Clear Expectations for All

High Expectations for Only a Few

Flexible grouping Tracking

Supporting the Design of Powerful Learning and Teaching

How can your school best support YOU

as you strive to build a Powerful Learning environment for your students?

I hear and I forget.I see and I believe.I do and I understand. Confucius