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The
Renaissance School Within a School (SWS) emphasizes humanistic,
student-centered learning in a creative, supportive atmosphere.
SWS focuses on accommodating individual learning styles,
within a heterogeneous non-tracked grouping. Most courses
extend classroom learning to the surrounding community and
beyond. A high level of student commitment and initiative
is essential for success.
How
and why did SWS begin?
SWS
began a quarter of a century ago through its historical
parent, the Alternative Learning Group (ALG). It was the
result of efforts by Nauset students, parents, staff members,
community members, school committee members and town officials,
who were seeking a more relevant, community-based education.
The following is an excerpt from the original 1973 program
proposal.
"The
young people who have come into the freedom and flexibility
of the innovative
ALG program represent, we feel, a cross section of the region's
school age population of grades 10-12. Their academic talents
and social awareness vary considerably, but each of them
wants to become responsible in the WHAT, WHEN, HOW, and
WHY questions relating to his education. The ALG today,
then, is really a school within a school."
This
marked the beginning of a true alternative to traditional
programming whose educational priorities issue from a different
academic paradigm.
How
is SWS different from a traditional program?
SWS emphasizes a smaller educational community which fosters
camaraderie and respect among students and staff.
SWS students participate in administrative decisions, including
recommendations for the selection of staff. The SWS Executive
Committee, an elected student body, performs administrative
responsibilities in weekly meetings.
SWS students provide input in academic planning and application.
SWS brings community resources to the campus and includes
a rigorous field study component.
SWS
fully integrates the English and Social Studies curriculum,
using team teaching techniques for more meaningful student
learning through emphasis on problem-solving and critical
thinking.
SWS
students in the integrated classes are required to fully
participate in an evening Enrichment Seminar whose academic
component is integrated into the English and Social Studies
curriculum.
SWS
enrichment includes an Adventure Curriculum which promotes
cooperation, personal confidence, and team-building skills.
The emphasis on social skills promotes a very positive environment
in the academic setting.
The
Renaissance School Within a School, while maintaining a
small community environment, encourages it's students to
take advantage of any of the resources available in the
traditional program in order to help them meet individual
needs. SWS will continue to evolve in response to changing
needs of our population.
SWS
ENRICHMENT SEMINAR
Student
participation in the evening Enrichment Seminar is a critical
component of SWS. The seminar provides further academic
integration of the English and Social Studies curriculum,
and promotes cooperation, self-confidence, and team-building
skills.
The
intensive portion of the Enrichment Seminar reflects:
The extended number of hours students commit to the program,
beyond the required enrichment hours.
Participation in and completion of student exhibitions at
the conclusion of each marking period.
Student
Exhibitions
Group projects with staff assistance will be selected, designed,
and executed by students. Projects will reflect the study
topics of the interdisciplinary courses themselves.
With additional guidance from the SWS staff, the student
Executive Committee will be responsible for determining
the design forum and evaluation criteria for projects.
Some evening classes will be devoted to project work, and
the rotating block when necessary may also be utilized to
facilitate project completion.
Student exhibitions will not be limited to the Nauset Regional
High School campus. Community involvement will be an additional
component.
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