tioning systems, a comparison of
Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Barack
Obama, a celebration of Lincoln’s birth,
and an article on Bolivia’s domination of
the lithium market and the implications
for future battery development.
Exploring New Directions
On a recent staff development day, 20
students in the 21st Century Scholars’
Program became teachers for part of the
day. Using what they had learned
through program activities, they taught
classes on DNA extraction, dance,
pilates, podcasting, digital music
composition, digital photography, and
The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Teens.
The interaction of the students and
teachers on that day was priceless.
Students were able to create lessons and
teach the topics and skills with great
authority. The teachers enjoyed the
experience and were proud of their
students.
Students have taken charge in
another way—in some cases, they have
become the catalysts for program activities. For instance, one student found
and interviewed a former Tuskegee
airman and set up a day for him to
come and discuss with students his
experiences as a black pilot during
World War II.
Parents kept asking us to expand the
program to our 770-student middle
school, and we did so in March 2009.
Activities have included guest speakers
(nutrition, leadership); mountain
biking; fitness activities; home repair;
literature circles; an etiquette class; a
trip during a vacation to Ellis Island;
classes in Scrabble and Equate (a math
version of Scrabble); cooking classes;
and a demonstration on alternative
energy. The middle school students use
the same electronic portfolio program to
apply for activities and to track their
progress. More than half are already
participating.
At a recent board of education
meeting, students thanked the board
and the community for committing
resources to this cultural renaissance in
Bethpage. After just one year of operation, it is clear that we have embarked
on something meaningful for students.
The 21st Century Scholars’ Program has
expanded students’ school day, engaged
them in interesting projects, and given
them opportunities to explore new
fields. We are striving to create a balance
of activities that are engaging and yet
require critical thinking, creativity, and
independence. We’re looking forward to
year two! EL
Author’s note: For more information on the
Bethpage 21st Century Scholars Program,
visit www.bethpagecommunity.com
/Schools/21stcentury/ index.htm.
Terrence Clark is Superintendent for
Bethpage Union Free School District,
Bethpage, New York; tclark@bethpage.ws.
“With FOSS, students are engaged in learning about science.”
“Since we’ve adopted FOSS,
our teachers are excited
and interested in teaching
science. All students,
especially our diverse
learners, are engaged in
learning about science.”
— Marlene Felix, Director
Elementary History/Social Science and Science
Los Angeles Unified School District
FOSS is research-based and extensively field-tested in diverse schools across
the country. FOSS works because students learn science best by doing science.
To learn more, schedule a presentation, or participate in a pilot,
call 800-258-1302 or visit www.deltaeducation.com/FOSS.
Developed at:
