MATER ACADEMY CHARTER MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL

The interdisciplinary problem-based curriculum includes a focus on real world applications.

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Self-Assessment: 3

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At Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School, the curriculum is fully aligned and correlated to Florida Standards and Next Generation Sunshine State Standards.  Each teacher is asked to clearly state the standards covered in each lesson using the school-wide lesson plan template which also requests that teachers reflect on what particular STEM/STEAM components are being addressed or used in the lesson. Additionally, as a SpringBoard Demonstration School and with several SpringBoard National Teachers, the College Board’s SpringBoard Program is at the very heart of Mater Academy’s curriculum.  This curriculum embeds content in thematic units which address real-world problems or scenarios.  Because of the success of SpringBoard since its implementation in our Mathematics and Language Arts classes, we have transferred SpringBoard strategies into all subject areas and teachers utilize the best practices of SpringBoard in all disciplines.

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Real-world application problem-solving can be found in every course of study at Mater Academy:  Accounting and Business courses provide students the opportunity to earn industry certification in programs such as QuickBooks and Microsoft while also preparing students for the future by asking them to develop business plans. Students participating in 3D Design and Modeling learn to map, design, and prototype in 3D to create a custom-order 3D printed object.  Students in Genius Squad learn the basics of troubleshooting software and hardware issues so that they can provide support to both teachers and student. 

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As Mater continues to grow our Advanced Placement Capstone Seminar and Research courses, the goal is to have the students truly become owners of their learning through in-depth research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, academic writing, and formal presentations on a topic of their choice and interest.  Teachers at Mater Academy engage in Cross-Curriculum Professional Development.  These professional development events are unique opportunities that allow teachers to collaborate to create problem-based curricula and focus on real-world application of the course material.  Student Science Fair projects are a collaborative effort between science teachers who check the scientific methodology, mathematics teachers who check the data and results, and language arts teachers who proofread and check the student’s writing.

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Finally, Mater has several clubs and organizations that promote real-world application and creative problem-solving.  HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) members compete in several events at the state and national level that promote health and wellness of the human body.  FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) compete in events from Business Plan to Speech and Debate to Website Design and Parliamentary Procedures at the district, state, and national level.  FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) students earn their CDA Certification in order to become full-time Early Child Care Center employees right after graduation.  These are only a few of the many clubs that strive to prepare students for the real-world.