The Big Picture

Big Picture schools are popping up all around the world. Based on the teaching philosophy of Dennis Littky, charter schools are seeing students really taking initiative, become passionate about their academic goals, and graduate on time, often times early and with not only a high school diploma, but with an Associate degree, and acceptance in to a 4 year University of their choice.

The Real Goals of Education

Based on the real goals of education, rather than student standards, big picture learning focuses on assisting students in becoming life long learners, passionate academic risk takers, with high problem-solving, creative, and critical thinking skills. With Big Picture learning students grow in integrity and self respect, have a great desire to give back to their community, and obtain the ability to use the world around them as a global classroom, thus" Truly enjoying their life and their work."

Kids, Schools, and the Bigger Picture

Looking at the Big Picture and disheartening statistics of students in today's schools, we find drop out rates souring, teen pregnancies becoming the norm, depression, suicide, and even murder within students everyday lives.

Life does not stop when a student enters the classroom, and rather than passively ignore life outside, Big Picture learning utilizes societal issues as learning experiences and problems to be solved. Students learn that that are apart of the solution, rather then apart of the problem. School becomes a places where their voices are heard, and their opinions, and ideas matter the most.

Atmosphere and School Culture

Ready to accept the responsibility of their future, students arrive at school prepared to work. Literally. The world is changing, but schools have not. Big Picture schools are the change that students need, and are looking for. Interaction with teachers, as Advisors, opportunities for mentorship, apprentices, and Internships students take on the active role in creating their future, rather than passively allowing someone else to dictate it for them.

One Student at a Time

With Big Picture Learning, no two students have the same curriculum or class schedule. Success is met one student at a time. Students project based learning, internships, and courses are all based on the students interests and future academic goals, not the states mandated standards. Standards are met, but they are not the focus.

Learning Through Interests and Pursuing Passions

If a big Picture student is interested in Photography, his or her courses, projects, and internships are centered around that area of interests, at the end of each quarter, public exhibitions are given as assessments, feedback is given, and grades are formulated. If in the next quarter a student wants to pursue another area, they have that option to do so. While pursuing their personal interests, students are also showing how they are meeting state standards, but not i a traditional way dictate in your typical public school.

Real Work in the Real World

It is the real work completed in the real world that allows a student to succeed in their area of interests. The opportunity to take college courses, gain knowledge and experience in an internship is what motivates a student to succeed. They see that the work they do has purpose. They are passionate about their goals, and enjoy the journey of academic achievement. They are truly learning, understanding and growing, accomplishing all the true goals of what education is all about.

Giving Families Back Their Power

Students at Big Picture schools are not in it alone. They have the support of their Advisors, mentors, and families. All are working together in order to support the student, give feedback, and positive criticism. Allowing family to participate, expecting them to be apart of the students growth builds confidence, quality relationships, and a since of inner peace within students.

The Big Picture is a book, a philosophy, a community that has inspired me and reminded me about what education is all about. I recommend it to any educator.