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EDUCATION

September 2015 | IM 105

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Project-based learning gives students flexibility and creativity to find solutions to real-world problems. Here’s how local schools are implementing the practice.

THE FUTURE

In order to compete in a 21st-century world, students can no longer get by on teacher-led lectures, essay questions, and rote memorization. They need classroom experiences that are student-centered, collaborative, and interdisciplinary. They must be able to make a personal connection to the material and use their foundational skills to explore ideas more fully and to apply their understanding to practical problems and situations.

by Julie Young

That’s project-based learning.

Dave Worland, principal at Cathedral High School, says PBL engages students in education through real-life problemsolving.

“This process lets students do their own research, develop their own solutions, and then learn to communicate those ideas effectively,” he says.

Students enjoy PBL because it allows them to take ownership of the

subjects they study, and parents praise PBL for keeping kids excited and interested. Teachers like it because it’s the future of education.

same kind of rigor Project-based learning is different from the old model in which teachers were more or less an informationdelivery system.

Park Tudor Innovators Institute participants plant milkweed to try to stem the population decline of migratory monarch butterflies.

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Photo courtesy Park Tudor School

I

OF EDUCATION

anywhere

STARTS HERE. The jobs of tomorrow haven’t even been invented yet.

So how do you prepare for a future that’s yet unknown?

Cathedral’s emphasis on next-generation learning and commitment to developing the individual mean Cathedral grads can go anywhere, achieve anything, and be ready for whatever life throws at them. It all starts at Cathedral.

Come see for yourself.

Visit us at Open House, Thursday, November 12.

More at cathedralopenhouse.com

To find out more about how Cathedral transforms students, read Portrait of a Graduate here: gocathedral.com/portrait.

100%

graduate rate class of 2015

100% college acceptance

gocathedral.com | 317.968.7370

83

colleges and universities attended

$34.6 million in scholarships and awards

87%

participation in activities, and athletics

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Guerin Catholic High School

Lead with Humility = Serve with Love = Trust in Providence

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, November 1, 2015 1 pm – 3:30 pm

Guerin Catholic High School – A diocesan high school serving the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana

15300 Gray Road l Noblesville, IN 46062 l (317) 582-0120 l GuerinCatholic.org

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“In project-based learning, access to information comes from technology, not teachers,” Worland says. “Teachers are then able to guide and instruct.”

It may be a new role for many teachers, but it’s one that requires them to make sure the fundamentals are there to give the students the best chance to succeed. Once in place, PBL does not allow teachers to rest on their laurels. There is more one-on-one and small-group consultation, conflict resolution, and providing additional resources to students (like databases, court documents, or tracking down expert sources) so they can produce their best work.

“Focusing on finding real-world applications, as well as having to present those ideas to professionals in the field, helps students understand the importance of what they’re learning,” Worland says.

Peter Kraft, associate head of school for academic affairs at Park Tudor School, says when people hear about projectbased or performance-based learning, they often wonder if it’s a valid teaching methodology. But he’s quick to point out that it uses core skills and content— they’re just taken to the next level.

“Students take key concepts, such as reading, writing and critical thinking, and apply them to a problem,” he says.

“This gives them an authentic learning experience, as opposed to something purely theoretical.”

Both Cathedral and Park Tudor students have completed several projectbased learning units that moved beyond the page and made a lasting impact on the community at large.

Cathedral students recently worked with the school’s media specialist to design a 21st-century learning space within the information center. That area fosters both individual and collaborative learning and features write-on walls so students can “visualize” their thinking.

Participants of Park Tudor’s Innovators Institute built upon work done at the school last year—planting milkweed around campus to help stem the population decline of the monarch butterfly.

They aimed to reassure people that milkweed, on which butterflies lay eggs, is safe, responsible, and worthwhile.

“This was something that was accomplished during a three-week summer

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program and caused students to interview environmentalists, scientists, and others to determine the feasibility of their plan and see if other area schools may want to partner with us and plant milkweed gardens of their own,” Kraft says. “When they are excited about a project, students become motivated to see it through to completion and to learn how failure is an important part of the learning process.”

Of course, no one likes to fail, but it’s a part of life. Educators see PBL units as a way to help students use the trial-anderror process as part of the overall challenge and something that drives them toward a conclusion. When students hit a stumbling block, rather than hang their heads in defeat, they’re able to put failure into perspective, learn what they can from it, and move forward, says University High School science teacher Stacey Summitt-Mann.

“When I begin a PBL unit, I tell the students, ‘You will fail,’” she says. “That makes everyone a little nervous. But by

University High School students in Stacey Summitt-Mann’s Environmental & Spatial Sciences class

COLLEGE. PREPPED. “I think there is something unique about the education anyone receives from Brebeuf. The emphasis there is put not only on the grades you get, but also on the people you meet along the way: faculty, staff, and friends of all ages.”

- Otto ’13

University of Southern California

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, November 1, 12:00 – 3:00 pm Register at brebeuf.org/openhouse 110 IM | SEPTEMBER 2015

PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

IN ORDER TO SUCCEED

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not allowing them to fail, we take away part of that authentic learning experience and set them up for an unrealistic view of the world.”

One of the most successful projects her students completed involved a study of the school’s teaching gardens. After observing the plots, students noticed the school’s plants were not as big and lush as the ones they had at home, and they were determined to find out why. The kids suspected the culprit might be soil content, and they began researching ways to improve it. They created a small batch of compost to mix into the bed, but their budget didn’t allow for the purchase of fish emulsion or other commercial products to add even more nutrients to the soil. It looked as though the project might be dead in the water, but the kids came up with another solution that their teacher was compelled to approve.

“When they proposed a DIY emulsion process, I was stuck,” Summitt-Mann says. “They worked so hard, and I knew if I didn’t do my part, then the project wouldn’t work.”

So the class made its own fish emulsion

using the science department’s blender.

“Not only was it one of our most successful projects, but the kids learned there was a lot more to this thing we call dirt,” she says.

Classes this fall will continue to observe the plants’ health.

AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH PBL is only one resource teachers keep in their toolboxes as alternative learning strategies for their classrooms.

Brenda Klingerman, principal at Heritage Christian Elementary and Intermediate School, says their projects allow curricula to be more interdisciplinary.

They encourage kids to think outside the box, can be enhanced by technology, and allow teachers to be more creative.

“Our classrooms are structured, but they’re fun and activity-based as well,” Klingerman says.

Although PBL is traditionally thought of as a science-based approach, Klingerman says her staff is always on the lookout for ways to combine academic areas.

Whether music, art, or physical education, they try to incorporate those into other subjects like math, reading, writing, and social sciences.

For example, when fourth-graders tackled Indiana history, they researched and put together PowerPoints about famous Hoosiers, which they presented to parents while dressed as their figure.

They also created art projects used to decorate the series’ culminating hoedown event. While studying pioneers, the school’s second-graders built log cabins and cooked “stone soup.”

“Projects enhance the classroom in so many ways and at every grade level,” Klingerman says. “They connect the concept to an activity, which helps bring out gifts and talents in students they didn’t know they had. We want to give them that opportunity to discover more about themselves and the world around them.”

For Bishop Chatard High School students, those new opportunities may involve international travel to learn about new cultures while earning credit for their trip.

Next spring, students will journey

WOODED ACRES

AWARDED IN

SCHOLARSHIPS

IMMERSION LANGUAGE PROGRAMS: FRENCH, SPANISH, MANDARIN

2015 Open Houses Age 3 - Grade 3 Thursday, October 15 Tuesday, November 17 Grade 4 - Grade 12 Sunday, November 1

FROM COLLEGES

We believe your child is ready to take on the world.

Come see the International Baccalaureate education in action.

Take a tour to see the world.

200 W 49th Street | 4330 N Michigan Road | Indianapolis, IN 46208 | (317) 923-1951 | www.ISIND.org ISI_IM_Ad_JUL15.indd 1 112 IM | SEPTEMBER 2015

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CHOOSE EXCELLENCE

Roncalli High School is a Catholic high school that embraces our student’s God-given gifts to help them develop faith-based goals and morals so that they may fulfill their intended vocation in life. Through challenging our students in academics, the arts, athletics and service, they develop the habits and discipline necessary to make a lasting contribution to the world.

Take a closer look. Open House - November 5, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. RONCALLI.ORG

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Educating Leaders from the Inside Out. Before our students take the world stage, their lives take shape right here. At Park Tudor, they bring strong character, bright minds, big hearts, and the drive to succeed, and they leave armed with the knowledge and courage to exceed their ambitions.

Here, opportunity is endless.

Inside these walls, they find out what they’re capable of doing, so that on the outside they can discover where they’re capable of going. Because a Park Tudor education begins in Indianapolis, but it never ends. It moves us forward and it moves our world — from the inside out.

Open House for grades 9-12: October 29, 2015, 6:00 p.m.

Visit parktudor.org or call 317-415-2777 to learn more.

7200 North College Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46240

Exceptional Educators. Extraordinary Opportunities.

Wish For Our Heroes understands the strain of military life. Through an all-volunteer effort that began in Indianapolis, Wish For Our Heroes assists military members during difficult times. See how you can help by visiting www.wishforourheroes.org or text “AMERICA” to 20222 to make a $10 donation.

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to Eastern Europe to explore the region’s history and artistic culture.

This type of PBL experience requires pretrip reading, a travel journal, reflective essays, and post-tour work.

“From a history perspective, it will be a powerful, emotional, and religious experience to travel to Eastern Europe and see the sites in which the Holocaust took place,” says Stacy Wright, AP history instructor and social studies department facilitator at Chatard. Prior to the April excursion, students will have already read basic information and a timeline of events.

“It’s rewarding to visit the places you have studied and make real-world connections and memories that they can share with their family and friends back home,” Wright says.

Jaydene O’Donoghue, AP arthistory teacher and visual-art educator at Chatard, says international travel is one of the most powerful ways to learn and provides an enriching experience.

Studying a small photo of a sculpture in an art-history book is one thing. But visiting the masterpiece—such as the Pieta in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City—and seeing the work in its actual size, walking around it, looking up at it, smelling the air around it, and tasting the foods and hearing the language native to the artist, is another.

“We walk the streets, and for a brief moment in time, we experience the essence of what was once simply a picture in a book,” O’Donoghue says.

“It’s a complete experience.”

what colleges look for Project-based learning takes the theoretical and makes it experiential. But it also gives teachers the chance to work with their students on a more personal level. Students can meet academic standards in new and challenging ways. PBL also provides the skillset that college admissions departments like to see.

“Project-based learning adds tremendous value to a student’s classroom experience,” says Worland of Cathedral.

“Students learn to think creatively, to have empathy for others, understand how problems are solved, and discover they can have a lasting impact on the world with their ideas.”

PRIVATE EDUCATION SPECIAL ADVER TISING SECTION

A bustling art and design classroom at the International School of Indiana.

House Rules

A Photo courtesy International School of Indiana

A few pointers for making the most of your time at a prospective school.

Attending a school open house is like visiting a prospective college or university.

Sure, you could browse the institution’s website to find out the information you need. But nothing’s better than an inperson tour so you not only get the facts, but you also come away with a true feel for the place.

Although notebooks and pencils have barely been broken in, most schools already have 2016 in their sights. And if you’re considering private education for your son or daughter, so should you.

Begin your search with an open house.

These sessions offer a wealth of information about a school’s academics, extracurricular offerings, spiritual life, tuition, and other essentials that factor into your decision.

Kate Lock, Lower School director of admissions for the International School of Indiana, offers the following suggestions

for taking full advantage of an open house: Prior to visiting a school, spend some time on its website to learn the basics.

If you know a family that attends the school, talk to them about what their experience has been like.

Don’t be late! Arrive on time, and ignore outside distractions (like cellphones) so you can take in the information given and the atmosphere of the school.

Should you bring your kids? It might depend on their ages.

“A lot of valuable information is shared during an open house, and as interesting as I think I am, small children usually get a bit bored with me shortly into the visit,” Lock says. It will vary from child to child, but those in first grade and up will probably be okay going on the tour and learning about the school alongside you.

Don’t fret if you didn’t see everything you wanted or couldn’t ask all of your questions. Know whom to contact for further details or a more in-depth visit.

“I am always more than happy to schedule a follow-up personal tour with a family if they wish to see the school again,” Lock says.

Because open houses usually take place on a Sunday or a weeknight, you likely won’t get to see an authentic classroom setting. But sitting in on a class can be one of the best ways to learn about how a school works.

“Parents who observe classes in action see firsthand why the International Baccalaureate and global-immersion program is getting so much attention and why ISI’s program is the way to differentiate their child’s future,” Lock says. “I always encourage parents to spend time in the classrooms.”

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Open Houses Dates and details for 14 Central Indiana schools.

Bishop Chatard High School

Cardinal Ritter High School

Covenant Christian High School

5885 Crittenden Ave. 251-1451, bishopchatard.org

3360 W. 30th St. 924-4333, cardinalritter.org

7525 W. 21st St. 390-0202, covenantchristian.org

time and date: 5:30–8 p.m. Thursday, November 5; no RSVP or registration is required.

time and date: 6–8 p.m. Thursday, November 5

times and dates: 7–8:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 3; Tuesday, January 26, 2016; Tuesday, February 23, 2016; and Tuesday, March 15, 2016. No registration is necessary.

details: The annual Bishop Chatard High School open house provides interested families the opportunity to take a student-led tour; discuss the diverse course offerings with Bishop Chatard teachers; learn about the wide variety of extracurricular activities, athletics, and fine-arts programs from students, moderators, and coaches; and gain a deeper understanding of the value of learning in a high school focused on faith. for more information: Tyler Mayer, 251-1451, ext. 2228, tmayer@bishopchatard.org

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

2801 W. 86th St. 524-7050, brebeuf.org times and dates: Noon–3 p.m. Sunday, November 1; Mass at 11 a.m.

5–7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2016. RSVPs are encouraged. details: Join members of the Brebeuf Jesuit faculty and staff, along with hundreds of current students who will be on campus to welcome you at its open house. Families can enjoy a student-guided tour through the school, get expert answers to their questions about Brebeuf’s rigorous academic programming, learn more about clubs and co-curriculars, and meet with coaches about athletic opportunities. To register, please call 524-7190 or visit the Admissions tab at brebeuf.org. for more information: Liz Otteson, 5247090, lotteson@brebeuf.org 116 IM | September 2015

details: Prospective families can tour Cardinal Ritter High School and meet teachers, students, staff, coaches, and other parents.

Families learn what the Cardinal Ritter community offers academically, athletically, and spiritually. for more information: Katy Myers, 4189295, kmyers@cardinalritter.org

Cathedral High School

5225 E. 56th St. 968-7352, gocathedral.com

details: Meet faculty, tour the campus, and discover what a challenging and engaging Christ-centered school has in store for students. Guests may also spend time at Covenant on one of its Shadow Days. Call the school to schedule your visit on one of the following dates: September 22; October 6; November 5 & 17; December 4 & 10; January 28, 2016; February 9 & 25, 2016; March 10, 2016; April 8 & 26, 2016; and May 3, 2016. for more information: Cindy Cleary, 3900202, cindycleary@covenantchristian.org

time and date: 5:30–8 p.m., Thursday, November 1; registration is not required.

Guerin Catholic High School

details: Students and families can see firsthand multiple aspects of life at Cathedral that create its tradition of excellence. At the open house, you can have a student-led tour of the 40-acre campus; meet students, parents, and alumni; interact with teachers and students in every academic department; learn about clubs, activities, and athletics; celebrate Mass (optional at 5 p.m.); enjoy dinner while on campus; and hear the choir, marching band, and student speakers at the “Irish Welcome” program.

15300 Gray Rd., Noblesville 582-0120, guerincatholic.org

for more information: Duane Emery, 9687360, demery@gocathedral.com

for more information: Kelli Wilson, 5820120, ext. 279, kwilson@guerincatholic.org

time and date: 1–3:30 p.m. Sunday, November 1 details: After a brief presentation at 1:15 p.m., guests are welcome to take guided tours of the school, campus, and classrooms. In addition, families will have the opportunity to meet the teachers, staff, and coaches, and attend breakout sessions on academics and campus ministry.

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HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

6401 E. 75th St. 849-3441, heritagechristian.net times and dates: Open houses for preschool through grade 12: 6 p.m. Thursday, October 29 6 p.m. Thursday, February 25, 2016 Parent coffee for preschool through grade 12: 9 a.m.–noon Thursday, January 21, 2016 Register at heritagechristian.net details: Families can tour the campus; meet teachers, administrators, students, and families; learn about college-prep academics; see how the school integrates the Bible and Christian living into every aspect of education; and explore Heritage Christian’s athletic and fine-arts programs and extracurricular offerings. for more information: Amy Byrne, 8493441, admissions@heritagechristian.net

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF INDIANA

Michigan Road campus: 4330 N. Michigan Rd.; 49th Street campus: 200 W. 49th St. 923-1951, isind.org times and dates: “Classes in Action” Lower School open houses at the 49th Street campus for 3 years old through grade 3: 8:30–11:30 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. Thursday, October 15 and Tuesday, November 17, and 8:30– 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 4, 2016 Upper School open house at the Michigan Road campus for grades 4 through 12: 2–5 p.m. Sunday, November 1 details: What can parents do to give their child a competitive advantage in college and beyond? Join the International School of Indiana on campus and learn about the exemplary educational opportunities that await your child. See firsthand why the International Baccalaureate curriculum and globalimmersion program are getting so much attention. International School has the tools children need to grow and succeed, including athletics, arts, language immersion, small class sizes, and a personalized curriculum. for more information or to rsvp: 9231951, admissions@isind.org

The Orchard School

If you inspire me,

will Iamaze you Could I be an engineer?

Could I be an accountant?

Could I be a scientist?

Could I be an author?

Could I be a pharmacist?

Could I be a surgeon?

Could I be an interpreter?

Could I be an organic farmer?

Visit one of our Open Houses!

November 8 • 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Could I be a historian?

December 8 • 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

January 26 • 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Could I be a choreographer?

Could I be a sculptor?

Preschool Through Grade 8

Apply Online All Inclusive Tuition Financial Assistance Available Middle School Merit Scholarship Full and Partial Day Preschool 43 Acre Wooded Campus Extended Day Options

317.251.9253 • www.orchard.org 615 W. 64th St. • Indianapolis, IN • 46260 SEPTEMBER 2015 | IM 117

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THE ORCHARD SCHOOL

615 W. 64th St. 251-9253, orchard.org

NOW ENROLLING! PRESCHOOL-12TH GRADE

SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! 317.849.3441 ext. 338 or admissions@heritagechristian.net Celebrating 50 years of academic excellence and biblical wisdom that equips students to succeed and impact the world.

GLORIFY GOD. DISCIPLE STUDENTS. PURSUE EXCELLENCE. 6401 E. 75th Street | Indianapolis, IN 46250 www.heritagechristian.net

times and dates: 1–3 p.m. Sunday, November 8 8:30–10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 8 and Tuesday, January 26, 2016 No registration or RSVP is required. details: Orchard’s student ambassadors will lead prospective families on a tour of the building. There is also a brief question-andanswer session. Prospective families get a chance to meet teachers, current parents, and administrators. If a family is interested in The Orchard School but cannot make it to an open house, they may request a personalized tour by calling 251-9253 to make an appointment. for more information: Kristen Hein, 7135705, khein@orchard.org

PARK TUDOR SCHOOL

7200 N. College Ave. 415-2700, parktudor.org times and dates: Upper school for grades 9 through 12: 6–8:30 p.m. Thursday, October 29 See Us in Action events for all grades: Various dates and times; visit parktudor.org/ admissions for more information. Registration is required (register via the website). details: Park Tudor’s open house allows prospective parents and students to meet faculty and administrators, visit classrooms, hear from current students, and learn more about the extraordinary opportunities available at the school. for more information: Barb Skinner, 4152776, bskinner@parktudor.org

RONCALLI HIGH SCHOOL

3300 Prague Rd. 787-8277, roncalli.org time and date: 6–8 p.m. Thursday, November 5 details: Roncalli High School welcomes prospective students and their parents to its open house on November 5 to see what it’s like to be a Roncalli Rebel. The school will introduce you to its facility and faculty, staff, and students, while showcasing academics, the arts, athletics, and service and extracurricular activities. for more information: Allie Ross, 787-8277, ext. 243, aross@roncalli.org 118 IM | SEPTEMBER 2015

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ST. RICHARD’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

33 E. 33rd St. 926-0425, strichardsschool.org time and date: Please contact the school to arrange a private tour at your convenience. details: Schedule a time to take a personalized tour based on your family’s needs and desires. Time will include observing classrooms, meeting teachers, speaking with administrators and students, and much more. for more information: Abby Williams, 9260425, admissions@strichardsschool.org

SYCAMORE SCHOOL

1750 W. 64th St. 202-2500, sycamoreschool.org time and date: 1–3 p.m. Sunday, November 1. Tours and Q&A sessions also take place most Wednesday mornings during the fall semester. See sycamoreschool.org for dates and to RSVP.

UNIQUELY Q LY L UNIVERSITTYY Four years of one-to-one mentoring Four years of truly individualized college counseling Annual three-week January Term Innovative Year of Service program Daily community meeting A welcoming, supportive Two annual Community Days community of students and faculty

“Run as fast as you can to see Chuck and Nancy Webster about your kid.”

- DAV DAVID, A ID, FATHER AV FAT FA ATHER OF NAOMI (’15)

FALL OPEN HOUSES Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015 • 2-4pm Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015 • 2-4pm Contact Nancy Webster, director of admission, at 317.733.4475, ext. 102 for more information or to schedule a tour. We welcome visitors at any grade level. www.universityhighschool.org

details: Join Sycamore, celebrating its 30th anniversary, for student-led tours of the school. Parent ambassadors will be on hand to answer questions, and teachers will be in their classrooms, discussing the curriculum and daily goals and answering questions. for more information: Dr. Susan Karpicke, 202-2510, skarpicke@sycamoreschool.org

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

2825 W. 116th St., Carmel 733-4475, universityhighschool.org times and dates: 2–4 p.m. Sunday, September 27; Sunday, November 1; and Sunday, March 6, 2016. No registration is required. details: At a University High School open house, visitors will get a personalized tour of the school from a UHS student or parent. They also have the opportunity to meet UHS faculty members and coaches and learn about the school’s one-of-a-kind mentoring program, college counseling, January Term, one-to-one laptop program, and culture, mission, and educational philosophy. Visitors are encouraged to come with any and all questions they have about University High School. for more information: Nancy Webster, 733-4475, ext. 102, nwebster@universityhigh school.org SEPTEMBER 2015 | IM 119