Learning. A Way of Life at Esprit.

When we talk about "curriculum", we are talking about the subject material that is learned by the students, and the way in which it is taught by the teachers. Much of this process of teaching and learning depends upon the environment in which the student interacts with teachers and fellow students - what we might call the academic environment. Furthermore, our rapidly changing, technology-driven society needs individuals who possess the skills necessary to transition easily, to work cooperatively with others, to seek answers, and to solve problems. Curriculum that meets the needs of learners in the current "Technology Revolution" will provide learners with the skills needed to do all of these things.

Esprit's program is designed to meet these needs through a balanced curriculum.

To this end, academic environments that provide alternative opportunities for learning and applying knowledge facilitate skills acquisition in this multi-faceted approach to curriculum development. At Esprit, we utilize a series of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary thematic units as a method for the development of opportunities where students can extend their learning across the curriculum.

Esprit's curriculum is objective based and criterion-referenced while integrating standards within transdisciplinary units of study.

Working from a solid academic foundation, Esprit sets out clear objectives wherein students develop the skill sets necessary to succeed in a constantly changing work setting and society. These objectives include:

• The ability to use language in effective written and verbal communication
• To use mathematics in real world applications to solve problems
• Understanding and applying scientific concepts to gain an appreciation of the world

Assessment prior to instruction is a key element in curriculum planning to determine student needs followed by the development of a set of learning outcomes and objectives based upon these results. Therefore, curriculum planning, at its best, is based on meeting individual student needs to achieve learning outcomes. "Accountability" is an additional factor that affects planning the curriculum. At Esprit, we are attuned with the School's community, the individual student, and others who have an interest in student outcomes.

Teachers must share a common vision to meet student needs while developing and implementing the curriculum. Indeed, to be an effective learning environment, all teachers within the school must work together to reach this common goal.

At Esprit, all teachers are committed to the School philosophy and helping students reach their highest potential.