Scheduling and Groups

Connection to the Four Pillars of Equity-Centered, Trauma-Informed Education (Alex Venet)

Predictability: By showing our schedule, students are able to see when things occur and will know what to expect each day; if there are any changes, that day's schedule will be posted in the classroom and students will be made aware of the schedule change in the weekly newsletter. On top of this, it gives us the ability to plan our own days so that we have adequate time to reflect on interactions in class, change things as necessary, and collect our own thoughts.

Flexibility: The open time for our students allows them to decompress, take breaks, or work on something that interests them. Flexibility is key to having a trauma informed and equity centered classroom, as it allows for students to demonstrate their understanding of the material (as well as giving them time to check in with themselves throughout the day). On top of this, the 8:35 - 11:00 am time block allows for interdisciplinary time between the core subjects and gives us flexibility in planning our units.

Empowerment: Our schedule has ample time for student choice and free time; students will be given the opportunity to work on individual projects and drive their own learning within the essential subject times. As a result, students are not only given agency in their education and are able to develop skills of self-efficacy, but are also able to do so in a supportive environment.

Connection: Advisory is a central piece of connection in the classroom. During this time, students will be able to connect to their peers as well as at least one trusted adult. It's important that students are given ample opportunities to build relationships in safe and supportive spaces, and advisory is a good space to do this; students can build connections with their teacher groups and with the larger team.