ProTeam Module 5 | Page 31

International Baccalaureate Schools: These are often “schools within schools,” providing structured course work and end-of-course assessments that hold students to international standards. Teachers are trained to instruct the “IB” courses, and students who successfully complete the series of courses receive an “IB certificate” or “IB diploma.” Magnet Schools: Magnet schools place special emphasis on academic achievement or on a particular field such as science or the arts. They are designed to attract students from throughout several schools’ zones (areas). The course of study is often accelerated and/or specialized. Middle Colleges: Also known as Early Colleges as well, these high school alternative programs are collaborative efforts between a high school district and a community/technical college to allow high school students who are struggling or need a different learning environment to thrive. Students take a combination of core high school courses and college courses to receive their diploma and graduate. Students are allowed to attribute the college credits earned in middle college toward their future college career after they graduate. The core classes are provided by teachers employed by the high school district, while all the college courses are taken with real college students at the community/technical college. Military Schools: Military schools can be either residential and/or day schools that often emphasize physical fitness, sustain a regimented learning environment, adhere to strict disciplinary codes, require uniforms to be worn, stress student leadership, and usually promote military careers. Montessori Schools: Montessori schools are run on the principle of allowing children freedom within a carefully designed environment. Each child is allowed to pursue independent tasks at his/her own speed. These schools focus on three types of experiences: practical, sensory, and formal studies. Maria Montessori (1870-1952), founder of the Montessori movement, developed many of the learning materials designed to develop sensory and motor coordination. Parochial Schools: Parochial schools are church-related, most commonly to the Roman Catholic Church, but also to other Protestant denominations. Hebrew day schools can also be termed “parochial.” In addition to regular courses of study, religion and worship are added to the schedules. Private Schools: Private schools are independent schools that are controlled by individuals or agencies other than the state or district. They are usually supported by private funds and are not controlled by publicly elected or appointed officials. (See “Independent School.”) Privatization of Schools: Privatization of schools involves the transfer of the management of public schools to private or for-profit education organizations. PROTEAM DREAMQUEST CURRICULUM   5-31