by KYW's Dr. Marciene Mattleman
The May issue of Scholastic Administrator magazine, highlights an inquiry based/project driven approach at Science Leadership Academy, SLA, one of Philadelphia’s newer high schools in partnership with the Franklin Institute. The approach is both old and new.
The old is a well proven projects approach-- where kids focus on a project and their research and inquiry combine many skills. For example, building bio-diesel generators (which a few kids have tackled and on which patents are pending) combines both science and math skills.
The new tool for instruction is a laptop for each student to facilitate his/ her learning. The school has been singled out from a group of 33 schools nationally, as one of six Apple Distinguished Schools.
Recently, SLA hosted a conference attended by 400 people looking at school reform through the intersection of progressive pedagogy and 21st century tools. Students were involved in the meetings, led by nationally recognized scientists and educators.
SLA’s student population reflects the city. Interested students should call for an interview in the fall. Learn about this exciting public school at www.sla.fi.edu.
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