SLA

=Learn ~ Create ~ Lead= The [|Science Leadership Academy (SLA)] is a new Philadelphia public high school that opened its doors on September 7, 2006. "What can we create?" "What does it mean to lead?" ||
 * [|SLA Mission and Vision] || "How do we learn?"

"Developed in partnership with The Franklin Institute and its commitment to inquiry-based science, the SLA will provide a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on science, technology, mathematics and entrepreneurship. Students at the SLA will learn in a project-based environment where the core values of //**inquiry, research, collaboration, presentation and reflection**// are emphasized in all classes." from SLA's web site.

I visited SLA on Friday for the first Educon 2.0 conference in Philadelphia, PA, USA, and three students gave me a tour of the school, which, from the perspective of most adults, would seem not much more than a typical high school, despite the ubiquitous Apple laptops that all the students were using. Laura, Chris, Mickey and the students and teachers I met along the way revealed much more than commentary about the physical arrangement and assignment of spaces; this is a home for learning. They talked frankly about this school that each of them selected by choice. However you define learning, these students embrace what these teachers are offering them. And from them I learned "respect" was a featured element in the chemistry that allowed this learning system to work so well. Here are the students own words, a glimpse into the soul of this caring enterprise.



media type="file" key="Interview with Dennis Richards.m4a"