[Editor’s Note: The author, an educator, and her professional partner Florina Rodov are planning to open an innovative charter school.]
What does the film “Chasing Mavericks” have to do with a proposed Culver City charter school?
[img]1409|left|Ms. Jacobs, left, and Ms. Rodov||no_popup[/img]
Jay Moriarity, a legendary teen surfer, portrayed in Chasing Mavericks (in theatres now), would have thrived at the Innovatory School for Professional Youth, a charter school whose petition is being considered by the Culver City Unified School District this month.
Jay was from a broken home. He had much more on his mind than algebra. He was up early to make breakfast for his mom, to do laundry, and to prepare for his day of school and work. While he easily could have turned to drugs or crime, Jay discovered his passion . . . the ocean.
The Innovatory School for Professional Youth (ISPY) addresses the needs of students like Jay. An ISPY student spends the entire school day studying his passion, whether it be surfing, art, automobiles, medicine, animals. Credentialed teacher advisors infuse the curriculum standards into student interest projects.
In the film, Jay’s mentor had him studying geology, weather and oceanography. Besides daily PE, Jay was required to write and revise persuasive, expository essays. In addition to the mathematics of the ocean, Jay also created a budget to save money.
A recent prospective ISPY student learned of the plastic pollution problem and decided to do something about it. She is working on creating an international campaign to end consumers’ single-use plastic straw habit. Her advisors ensure that she is meeting California 9th grade standards while she works on her project. She will study the science and history of the plastic industry and create a mathematical model of straw use. Her writing practice will be fulfilled via press releases and published articles to spread her message.
Many students in Los Angeles require a more flexible school schedule. Perhaps, like Jay, they work to support their family. Or they spend multiple hours a day practicing music or a sport. ISPY students, with the help of a learning team (educators, parents, peers and a professional mentor), create their own schedules to make time for these activities and also to include required internships. Many also attend college courses during high school when an interest-specific course is offered at a local community college or university.
ISPY’s non-profit organization is Big Picture Schools California, an affiliate of Big Picture Learning. Their learning model has garnered much attention in both the corporate and education worlds, and their success is unparalleled. The CCUSD School Board previously rejected ISPY’s charter petition, stating they required more information for a yes vote. However, under new leadership (Dave LaRose, whom ISPY founders found to be simultaneously professional and innovative himself), the Innovatory School for Professional Youth directors are hopeful to find a home within the District.
The CCUSD Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday evening at 7 in the Board Room to gauge community support for ISPY’s petition. Check out ISPY’s video: http://youtu.be/EbFrhCDtjp4
Email ispycharter@gmail.com for information.
Ms. London Jacobs may be contacted at ispycharter@gmail.com
