The Middle School Innovation Lab took the school by storm this past year. Students took classes in coding, robotics, and “makers.” They learned basic programming concepts, how to build a web page, and how to build a robot, but more importantly, they learned how to think critically and creatively, in collaborative groups, to solve problems. And even more impressively, this went beyond those few classes, as teachers and students throughout the school used the space and the technology available within for cross-curricular projects.
“Apple carts,” loaded with MacBooks, were available in each academic building at the Middle School and the Upper School this past year. This coming fall, that will be taken one step further, as every student will be issued an Apple device. As a result, personal devices will not be needed or allowed in the classroom. This move will provide the students with the technology they need in the classroom, put everyone on an even playing field, and, even better, ensure that the teachers know what each student is doing on his or her device.
All of that is just the start for what Dr. Tess Hegedus, R-MA’s Dean of Instructional Leadership & Innovation, has planned for R-MA in the coming years.
Over the summer, the northern side of the second floor in Stan Fulton Hall is being transformed into an Innovation Wing. This wing previously held the art room, various computers for the yearbook class, and a Spanish classroom. By the time classes open this fall, it will be home to courses in flight/aeronautics, computer science, robotics, engineering, graphic design, and studio art, with simulation spaces and space for collaborative, experiential learning.
The most eye-catching addition in the Innovation Lab will undoubtedly be a flight simulator that is so sophisticated, student pilots can use it to log flight hours toward the private pilot certification and instrument training. The drone program will also be expanded; students will explore engineering, analyze meteorology, work with integrated levels of computer science and robotics, build models, and more. Of course, those are just the classes assigned to that space. As with the Middle School Innovation Lab, Hegedus expects that other teachers will bring their classes in to use the space.
The advancements in technology and the dedication of an entire wing towards a collaborative, creative approach to learning are a strong step towards where Hegedus wants R-MA to be. Over the next few years, the Academic Office will be putting into place “Pre-Professional Pathways” (PPP). These are carefully planned programs for students who have an interest in or affinity for a specific field. Students will select standard course offerings combined with specifically-aligned elective courses to develop a pathway toward deeper understanding. This purposeful course selection will allow students to tailor their high school degree in a specific direction, such as engineering or health sciences.
The start of the PPP will begin in ninth grade with a seminar-style career exploration course in which students explore their learning styles and take skills assessments and interest inventories. They will be exposed to a variety of guest speakers and possible career paths. From there, they would pursue internships aligned with their selected pathway as sophomores and juniors, to further explore areas of interest.
The culmination of the program will come in the students’ senior year, as they develop a Capstone Project in which they research an issue, gather evidence, come up with a solution, and present it to the R-MA community. The project will help students develop research and communication skills culminating in a final portfolio made of their own ideas, helping set them apart in the college application process.
The ultimate goal is to offer at least five PPPs, but for now, Hegedus plans to start with two that capitalize on R-MA’s signature programs: Government Advocacy & Civic Leadership, and Aeronautics. “Our school is known for its leadership program, the Air Force Junior ROTC program,” she said. “We also have a flight program. Not many schools have that. Those two programs distinguish us from other schools, and it is in our best interest to capitalize on what we’re already doing well.”
Read more at https://www.rma.edu/blog/innovation-invasion-new-innovation-wing-and-pre-professional-pathways
