Woods Learning Center

Woods Learning Center (WLC) is a K – 8 academic program for highly motivated students committed to active, independent learning. WLC is located in Casper, Wyoming and is a part of Natrona County School District #1. The school mascot is the eagle.

Instruction at Woods is developmentally appropriate to each grade level and embodies experiential, hands-on education with children as active participants in their learning. Emphasis is on integrated studies in language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, foreign language, art, music and physical education.

Woods Learning Center does not have a principal. Administrative responsibilities are divided among the staff. A classified administrative assistant helps team with paperwork and meeting work load.

History

In the fall of 1990, five district educators approached Dr. Chip Zullinger, Superintendent of Natrona County School District, with the idea of beginning a new, innovative school. Dr. Zullinger was intrigued with the idea and invited them to make a presentation to a group of community business leaders interested in supporting school change. These business leaders approached the Board of Trustees and requested permission to oversee a request for a proposal process encouraging the creation of innovative school projects. Thirty-nine proposals were submitted. Woods Learning Center was one of the three selected for implementation in the fall of 1991. WLC originally opened as a K – 6 school. Grade seven was added in the 1995 – 1996 school-year. Grade eight was added the following school-year. WLC has been fortunate to realize many of the original goals and celebrate the successes attained by our students, parents, and staff.

Academics

There are no traditional letter grades given. Proficiency is based on [http://www.k12.wy.us/SAA/standards.asp state standards] . Education is based on experiential learning. Textbooks are not used except for French. Problem-based learning materials are used for mathematics. Student self-reflection on learning is important. The curriculum is integrated and thematic, though less so in grades 6, 7, & 8 due to standardized testing impacts on scheduling. Inquiry learning is both teacher and student directed; students are expected to research and integrate learning across disciplines on both classroom and independent research projects. Spanish is offered in grades K – 5 and French is offered in grades 6 – 8. The student to teacher ration is 17:1.

Features of WLC are multiage classrooms, team teaching, foreign language instruction, arts instruction, nontraditional evaluation reports, Circle Groups, inclusion of special needs students in regular classroom environment, noncompetitive, experiential learning with no textbooks, and a student-teacher ration of 17:1. Parents are expected to donate at least two hours per month to the school. Parent volunteer opportunities range from driving students on field trips to cutting and laminating learning materials. Three parent conferences are held per year and are student led.

External links

Woods Learning Center: http://woodslearningcenter.org

Natrona County School District: http://www.natronaschools.org