Great Things Are Happening!

UPDATE ON SEVAI FROM BALAJEE

SEVAI Process document

The section-level SEVAI teams have designed a process for service learning projects at AISC (the same was presented at the faculty meeting.) The process document is based on the ‘prototype projects’ that were executed by each section last academic year and is intended to act as a guideline document for teachers and students interested in doing service learning projects. The detailed process document for each section will be up on Moodle shortly.

SERVICE LEARNING – CHEMUN FIELD TRIP

As part of the preparation for the upcoming CHEMUN conference, around 45 high school students from AISC went on a ‘toxic tour’ and an organic farm visit. The group that went on the 'toxic tour' in north Chennai witnessed the price that the community pays for generating thermal power. They witnessed the impact that power plants have on the environment and natural resources such as land, water, plant and animal life. Later, the students engaged in an intense discussion with the volunteers from the NGO (Samardhan Trust) on how every individual can make a difference to the environment by making responsible lifestyle choices. The group that went to the organic farm (TRE Farms) witnessed organic farming practices and understood the impact of Genetically Modified crops.

The tours were aimed at creating awareness among AISC students on global issues and preparing them to engage in intense, meaningful discussions during the CHEMUN conference.

Welcome, Jodi O'Meara!

We are fortunate to have RtI Consultant, Jodi O'Meara with us on Friday and Saturday this week. Jodi is primarily meeting with our administration and LRC teams to talk about our RtI model. Specifically, Jodi is working with our LRC team on Saturday on supporting students who need Tier 2 and 3 targeted interventions. We hope to see more of Jodi in the months ahead and if you are interested in her work, you can check out her website or her books.

As Andrew shared with you at the last all faculty meeting, a small group of us have been working on drafting a "Vision for an AISC Learner".  Throughout the course of this year, we would like to invite you to provide feedback on this vision.   Feel free to send your thoughts our way if you have suggestions or comments.

Purpose:

The purpose of designing a Learner Profile/Learner Vision is to bring coherence to our vision for the successful learner at AISC. With powerful meaningful descriptions of learners throughout our “system” -- Mission, Values, SLOs, SLOs rubrics, Statement on International-Mindedness, and the IB Learner Profile, we do not have a clear and coherent vision that ties those vital documents together.  With a profile/vision, we will empower ourselves with common language; we provide an alignment structure so that as we explore the positively disruptive strategies of  inquiry, personalization, design thinking, PBL models, we have a common vision.

Vision for an AISC Learner

At AISC, successful learners are…

Leaders

We show courage by taking action and inspiring others to serve and contribute positively to our interconnected world.  Leaders develop a vision, plan appropriately, and work collaboratively to achieve results.

Collaborators

We develop a deeper understanding by listening carefully to others’ perspectives and confidently articulating personal viewpoints in the pursuit of common goals.

Innovators

We approach uncertainty with confidence, designing novel solutions in the face of challenges or change. Innovators are creative, resourceful, open-minded and resilient, seeking new perspectives through inquiry, trial, error and feedback.

Explorers

We investigate new interests with curiosity, inquiring with purpose, and seeking deeper understanding and fulfillment through their independent pursuits.

Thinkers
We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical, data-informed decisions.

Ethical

We show responsibility for our choices and consider their effects on ourselves, others, and the environment. We act on our principles and ideals because we value the dignity of others.

Versatile

We adapt to changing circumstances, balancing our commitments and showing courage as we take on new challenges. We seek new opportunities for learning, growth, and renewal.

Empathetic

We appreciate our own cultures and personal histories while respecting the values and traditions of others, believing each person has equal intrinsic value. We are sensitive to the needs of others and show compassion by making positive contributions to our local and global communities and the environment.

Resilient

We demonstrate on-going commitment to our endeavors by learning from our successes and failures in the positive pursuit of our objectives, goals, aspirations, and dreams. We practice patience and persistence in all situations, especially when they are challenging or uncomfortable.  

Reflective

We pause to think about our goals, learning, and growth in order to develop and sustain our creativity and lifelong learning. We review and examine our own ideas and experiences in relation to the world and consider our interdependence and impact on others.