"New Directions Learning Community will be a unique charter school in the state--with what I believe will be an incredibly effective and innovative approach to teaching--certainly exactly the right approach for a 21st century school."
-John Gee, Executive Director - Wisconsin Charter School Association"
NDLC is New Directions Learning Community Charter School – a public charter school in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. NDLC will provide a unique learning opportunity for elementary school students and their families in Kaukauna and surrounding communities. In our supportive community, students will receive individualized instruction to help them grow as readers, writers, and problem solvers... they will become citizens for our global world.
Our Vision
The vision of the New Directions team is to develop a 4K through 4th grade charter school anchored in research-based best educational practices in all curricular areas. NDLC will utilize the Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop curriculum/methodology developed by Columbia University.
Our Mission Statement
The mission of New Directions is to develop student and teacher leaders. Students will be flexible, analytic, collaborative leaders ready for the demands of the 21st century. Staff will implement the Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop with fidelity across the elementary curricula in order to strengthen and improve the academic performance of the students. The mission also includes sharing the skills and techniques of the Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop with other interested educators inside and outside of the district. NDLC will be a labsite where teachers will model and educate others (teachers within the district, teachers from other districts, and students from surrounding universities in the education program) on the structure and benefits of the workshop. Staff will actively participate in professional development, peer coaching, and collegial study, while collaborating with one another in order to inform future practice and lift the level of student performance. The principal will work in collaboration with teachers to ensure the success of all students.
New Directions Instructional Program
Key Features:
- Development of lifelong readers and thinkers
- Teacher authored curriculum based on current research about teaching and learning from Columbia University, NYC
- Differentiated instruction
- Cooperative, inquiry-based learning
- Literature-rich classroom libraries, daily teacher read-aloud, literature discussions, and writer's workshop at all grade levels
- On-going, rigorous professional development
- Systematic, authentic intervention for readers who struggle
- Integration of technology for student inquiry, publication, and communication
- Hands-on mathematics and science
- The use of the Responsive Classroom Approach to teach social, emotional, and academic growth
- Art, Library Skills, Physical Education, and Music Classes
- Monthly Family Nights
- Seasonal Weekend Family Events
- Parent volunteer support in and outside of the classroom
Classroom Environment
NDLC's vision is reflected in the physical layout of our classrooms, which are warm, inviting, exciting places to learn. Desks have been exchanged for tables that foster student collaboration and discussion. Every room has its own carefully-selected classroom library to ensure that high quality books are available to students at all times. The walls are alive with student work and class-created charts that support learning. Classroom environments are designed to connect with students and empower them while fostering creativity, inquiry, discussion, and teamwork.
What will I see in an NDLC classroom?
- Students discussing, reading, writing, thinking, exploring, questioning, experimenting, creating, and collaborating
- Teachers facilitating, guiding, challenging, and supporting students in their learning
- Student artwork, poetry, essays, fiction, diagrams, graphs, and projects on the walls
- Engaging classroom libraries stocked with books for all readers
- Comfortable reading nooks with rugs, comfortable seating
- Integration of technology for student learning, inquiry, research, publication, and communication
- Work spaces that foster collaboration
- Supplies for reading, writing, math, science, and social studies clearly organized to support student independence
- Imagination, curiosity, determination, and spirit
- Respect, leadership, friendship, and teamwork
Learn more about our approach to create a safe, challenging, and joyful school: Visit the Responsive Classroom website
Our hands-on Science approach: Visit The Einstein Project website
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What is New Directions Learning Community (NDLC)?
New Directions Learning Community is a public charter school in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. NDLC is a free, public school that is a part of the Kaukauna Area School District. At New Directions your child will:
- Develop a love for learning in a collaborative environment
- Receive personalized attention and a customized learning approach
- Become a problem solver for the real world
- Develop strong reading, writing and math skills, integrated with other key subject areas
- Thrive in an innovative public school setting.
Who can attend NDLC?
Any student in or outside of the Kaukauna Area School District is eligible to apply.
What if there are more applicants than spaces available?
A lottery process would take place in grade levels that have more applicants than space available. The lottery is a random selection process to ensure an equitable opportunity for all students. In order to be eligible for the lottery, applications must be received by the deadline on the enrollment form. Any applications received after this deadline could be placed on a waiting list.
What are the class sizes?
Our class sizes are based on the district average.
What type of curriculum will NDLC follow?
NDLC provides a workshop-based curriculum aligned to the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards and Common CORE Standards. The workshop approach is built on individualized instruction aimed at growing readers, writers, mathematicians, and problem solvers for the real world. Key components of the workshop include skill focused instruction as well as teacher directed choice in independent reading, writing, and mathematics. This structure will also provide purposeful periods of time to engage in authentic reading, writing and mathematics. Inquiry Circles will be used to implement science and social studies standards.
How does NDLC stay current with best practices?
NDLC is connected to Columbia University (NY) Teachers College to stay up-to-date with curriculum and staff development. NDLC staff receives ongoing training from Teachers College staff developers. NDLC is committed to using research-based teaching methods that have proven results to guide instruction and improve student learning in all core academic areas. Teachers will grow professionally through frequent labsites in all subject areas, book studies, off-site training provided by outside consultants, and ongoing collaboration with each other.
How will I know if this is a good learning environment for my child?
Teachers at NDLC will look at the strengths and needs of each learner. In addition to whole group lessons, students will receive one-on-one and small group instruction in all subject areas.
How is NDLC held accountable?
NDLC will be held accountable to the district and to the state through assessments that measure student growth and achievement.
How are parents involved at NDLC?
Partnerships with parents will be an important component of NDLC. We believe that family engagement and leadership are integral to student learning. NDLC will be a place where parents feel welcomed and honored for their unique contribution and for their perspectives on their child’s learning style and well being. Parents will have the opportunity to collaborate with staff and one another. An inventory of parent skills and talents will be used to help them feel a part of the school community. Parents will also be invited to school events and activities, on a monthly basis, that will promote and develop a positive home school connection.
How is NDLC unique to Wisconsin?
NDLC is the first charter school in Wisconsin to feature a complete workshop model across the curriculum. The school is a state-of-the-art professional development laboratory for current and future teachers and administration in the Fox Valley area and beyond.
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