Takoma named a DC Catalyst School
To make DCPS schools the best in the country and the schools of choice for District residents, the DCPS Catalyst Project was initiated in July, 2009. The goal of DC Catalyst Schools is to inspire and motivate kids through active learning through the foundation of innovative, theme-focused curricula.
In the first year the schools created plans to refocus their strategic school design and content delivery by adopting one of three themes: STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), Arts Integration and World Cultures. The Takoma Education Campus is one of thirteen DC Public Schools selected to transform into a theme-based Catalyst School.
This year, the schools are continuing to implement those plans for hands-on instruction and integrated theme-focused curricula. Beyond building compelling, academically rigorous schools, the Catalyst Project is designed to have a positive effect on educators and the community at large.
Takoma Education Campus utilizing Arts Integration
Every child is unique and learns in his or her own individual way -- by listening, watching, reading or doing. The Arts Integration model recognizes that students have different learning styles. By engaging kids through movement, music, and other forms of artistic expression, Arts Integration makes academic content more accessible -- and enjoyable -- for everyone. The arts - movement, dance, visual arts, music and other forms - are woven into instruction in all subjects. Arts-integrated instruction engages the students mentally, physically and socially in the act of learning, sparking their creativity and imagination.
Catalyst Schools - Vision
The overall vision for the DC Catalyst Project includes transforming whole schools through:
- Engaging Students
Whether it's by engaging students' imaginations through the arts, inspiring their curiosity through science or engaging them through exposure to new cultures, the heart of the curriculum at DC Catalyst Schools is to inspire and motivate students through active learning. - Developing Educators
Professional development for teachers, teacher collaboration, leadership training, and co-planning across grades and disciplines are inherent and core elements in the design of DC Catalyst Schools. Partnerships with local experts will provide summer professional development opportunities and year-long coaching while connections among DC Catalyst Schools will provide frequent opportunities for collaboration across the city. - Enhancing Communities
A DC Catalyst theme affords a school the chance to build community around its distinct core focus. Opportunities abound for unique after school activities, school-wide projects, or parent and community events that can be built from the new theme. This sense of community can also extend to other schools with the same DC Catalyst theme, and can become a resource for all schools in DC.
Common Questions About Catalyst Schools
Do Catalyst schools have a special admissions process? No, the admissions process is exactly the same as for any DC Public School
Does my child need any special background, talent or skill in the school's theme? No, any child can benefit fromt the school's theme-centered program.
Will my child be taught the same core subjects as students in other DCPS schools? Yes. Catalyst schools cover the same core subjects had have the same learning standards as all DCPS schools
