Our Approach
Arts Integration
At Plessy, we teach the core content areas through the use of an artistic medium that utilizes state standards, tracks student learning with visible indicators, and has measurable outcomes.
By connecting with a student’s imagination, the learning is richer, deeper, and more likely to remain after they leave the classroom. “If I want to make yummy cookies myself, I better remember what I learned in math class about 2/3rds of a cup of sugar!”
Through arts integration, students not only develop fundamental skills and understandings in core subject areas, but they develop creativity, confidence, critical thinking and inference skills.
Plessy is a part of the Louisiana A+ Schools network. Louisiana A+ Schools is a research-based whole school network with a mission of nurturing creativity in every learner through an arts-integrated school network. Learn more by visiting their website at http://www.aplusla.org
Project Based Learning
Project Based Learning or PBL is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge. Projects focus on student learning goals, including standards-based content and skills deriving from critical thinking/problem solving, collaboration, and self management.
When students are encouraged to engage in active learning, PBL engages hearts and minds, and provides real world relevance to learning. After completing a project, students understand content more deeply, remembering what they learned and retain it longer than is often the case with traditional instruction. This allows students to not only think critically about the knowledge they've learned, but also think creatively in how they apply it to real world concepts and situations in the future.
The Common Core and other present day standards emphasize real application of knowledge, skill, and thought processes in addition to the development of success skills. PBL is an effective and fun way to address State Standards. At Plessy, PBL utilizes a wide variety of mixed media, from culinary to computer presentations, spoken word to marching bands, digital film making to finger painting. If it engages students, it works.
As you can imagine, PBL encourages teacher and student creativity. Projects allow teachers to work more closely with active, engaged students, producing high quality and meaningful work. It allows staff to discover, and re-discover the joys of learning and working with children!
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Challenging Problem or Question
The project is framed by a meaningful problem to solve or a question to answer, at the appropriate level of challenge.
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Sustained Inquiry
Students engage in a rigorous, extended process of asking questions, finding resources, and applying information.
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Authenticity
The project features real-world context, tasks and tools, quality standards, or impact – or speaks to students’ personal concerns, interests, and issues in their lives.
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Student Voice & Choice
Students make some decisions about the project, including how they work and what they create.
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Reflection
Students and teachers reflect on learning, the effectiveness of their inquiry and project activities, the quality of student work, obstacles and how to overcome them
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Critique & Revision
Students give, receive, and use feedback to improve their process and products
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Public Product
Students make their project work public by explaining, displaying and/or presenting it to people beyond the classroom.