Parent & Student Handbook - Independence Charter School
Parent & Student Handbook - Independence Charter School
Parent & Student Handbook - Independence Charter School
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Learning Journey<br />
Learning Journey<br />
<strong>Independence</strong> <strong>Charter</strong> <strong>School</strong> (ICS) has developed a world-class curriculum that reflects the high<br />
expectations and goals we have for each and every student. The Board of Trustees and staff have<br />
selected rigorous educational standards that complement those provided by the Pennsylvania<br />
Department of Education while supporting the global studies Mission and Vision of <strong>Independence</strong><br />
<strong>Charter</strong><br />
<strong>Charter</strong> <strong>School</strong>s, by law and by intent, are called to innovate and reform education and as such have the<br />
independence to determine the philosophical and curricular framework that will guide teaching and<br />
learning at their school. <strong>Charter</strong> <strong>School</strong> Boards of Trustees are responsible for making decisions<br />
regarding this framework, selecting curriculum which compliments the Mission and Vision of the<br />
<strong>School</strong> as written in the respective charter school application.<br />
<strong>Independence</strong> <strong>Charter</strong> <strong>School</strong> recognizes that students come to school with varying levels of experience<br />
and readiness. Furthermore, ICS understands that students need a rich and varied learning environment<br />
that recognizes the multiple learning modalities of students. The curriculum and curricular approaches<br />
adopted by ICS address learners diversity while promoting a high level of excellence.<br />
Global Citizenship<br />
At ICS we have adopted the Oxfam Curriculum for Global Citizenship. This curriculum is a<br />
philosophy that can be incorporated into all units of study and student experiences at ICS. As<br />
teachers and students learn together, they work with a conscious effort to learn about their<br />
globally connected world. <strong>Student</strong>s are not only learning languages and about other cultures, but<br />
working to explore events and issues from multiple perspectives. They are investigating their own<br />
stereotypes and misconceptions in an effort to have a better understanding of the world in all its<br />
complexities. Teaching for global citizenship truly focuses on developing critical thinking and<br />
problem-solving skills. To learn more about the Oxfam principles, please log on to Oxfam.org or,<br />
for a specific explanation of the Oxfam principles, go directly to<br />
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/education/gc/files/eductation_for_global_citizenship_a_guide_for_schools.pdf.<br />
ICS defines global citizenship as the following:<br />
I am a global citizen when…<br />
Soy un ciudadano del mundo cuando…<br />
I explore and respect multiple points of view.<br />
Exploro y respeto los puntos de vista de otros.<br />
I have the courage to challenge stereotypes and misinformation.<br />
Tengo el valor para desafiar los estereotipos y la desinformación.<br />
I make responsible decisions knowing that we all depend on each other.<br />
Tomo decisiones responsables al saber que dependemos el uno del otro.<br />
I take action to make a positive change in our world.<br />
Actúo para hacer un cambio positivo en nuestro mundo.<br />
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