Innovative + Creative = the FLCS Experience

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The BC Ministry of Education began to encourage schools last spring to incorporate personalized learning strategies into their curricula – something the teachers of First Lutheran Christian School already possess in their repertoire of best teaching practices.

Our teachers strive to create an exceptional learning experience by assessing individual needs and seeking creative solutions to further and enhance the development of the social, emotional, spiritual and academic facets of their students. At FLCS we recognize that all children are unique with varying degrees of experience and levels of ability that meld together to create an individual learning profile. Classrooms commonly present instructional challenges due to these differences. Through collaboration among team teachers, parents and students, as well as professional development opportunities, and personal research, these challenges are brought to the forefront and the students gain strategies to help achieve their potential.

In September 2011, the teaching staff formally adopted goal #5 as an integral part of our Annual Innovation Plan (AIP) for the 2011/2012 school year which reads as follows:

Launch an innovative Individualized Learning Plan for each student school-wide that includes parents, empowers students, and maximizes teachers with standardized templates.

Most simply this goal is structured to boost student engagement and improve achievement by infusing meaningful goals into the standard curriculum which both personalize learning and provide each student with the opportunity to own their learning. Back-to-School Night introduced AIP goal #5, at this event you set goals with your child in the classroom. We are incorporating the SMART Goal Setting Method as the foundation of this initiative. The criteria is outlined within the acronym. The goal must be specific, measureable, attainable, realistic and timely. This formula is known as the “surefire” way to goal achievement. The intent is to form an alliance between home and school which nurtures growth and instills a love of learning in and outside of the classroom. During parent teacher interviews in December you will receive an opportunity to discuss progress and/or refine the goals set in September.

The distinctive relationship between teacher, parent and student functions best when based on a solid foundation of open communication and genuine care and consideration for the best interests of the student.

This intricate relationship is a three-sided partnership fused with creative innovations to guide and support the learning of all students. Personalizing education through Individualized Learning Plans for each student is paramount in our endeavor to become a school of  choice.

 by Sherry Parker, Interim Chief Learning Officer