The Spectrum Philosophy on Teaching and Learning 

Spectrum believes learning is a life-long process. Spectrum School involves each of its students in an individualized, action-oriented curriculum throughout all development levels. Multi-age groupings provide appropriate and essential social interactions to ensure that each student progresses at his/her own developmental pace. The goals of the curriculum are to: 

• Allow children to develop, through active involvement, the skills of reasoning, planning and problem-solving within and beyond the school setting.
• Develop secure self-concepts based on belief in their own abilities and firm foundations in the fundamentals of learning.
• Guide the children to direct exploration of the arts, literature, the accomplishments of civilizations and the diversity of cultural heritage.
• To create mindful, self-directed learners for life.

Although Spectrum is progressive, it should not be considered permissive education. We do set high expectations and standards for our students. We are not interested in an accumulation of facts, but in learning for understanding and application. As stated in our mission, students participate in an integrated fine arts and academic program with a major emphasis on active learning - learning to think, solve problems and rationally assess their acts in school for today, and throughout life.

Parents are strongly urged to grow in their general knowledge of the philosophy of Spectrum School and how it applies to their children’s programs. Spectrum School, therefore, highly recommends that parents attend observation days, educational programs, conferences and other similar meetings.                                        

The goals set forth by the Spectrum philosophy are achieved through many techniques, including the following:

Multi-Age Groupings
This form of interaction encourages more connection and learning between levels, flexible groupings and increased movement between groups.

Active Learning
Interactive, participatory learning provides experiences in which children have opportunities to discover, create and invent. Children have the opportunity to refine their questioning skills and engage in practical problem solving

Self-Initiated Learning
Encouraging learning based on a child’s interests and abilities stimulates the learning process. It also exposes children to the interests and ideas of other students.

Social Interaction
This increases opportunities for learning by encouraging communication  between children, between child and teacher, between the school and home, and between the school and the community.

Nurturing Affective Environment
The environment at Spectrum promotes the acceptance of responsiblity for oneself as a individual, and in association with others. This helps to develop the appreciation for and acceptance of each person’s uniqueness. It expands problem solving to the social level.

Broad Range of Experiences
A well-rounded base of experience stimulates awareness and further investigation of all content areas. Exploration of and involvement in community activities provide a strong basis for authentic learning.

Integrated Curriculum
The Spectrum Curriculum weaves the building blocks for learning into every experience. It facilitates the learning process by planning common areas of content across many kinds of subjects.  

An Example of the Spectrum Teaching Method
Let’s examine how Spectrum might teach a child about the Civil War. A group of children might begin with a music lesson that revolves around Civil War music. Later, they may use mathematical skills to analyze and compare production statistics between the Civil War and other conflicts. Next, to practice language skills, students may try to imagine being a child during the Civil War and write a story from that perspective. Finally, they will meet as a group to discuss what they have learned. Unlike a traditional school, Spectrum relies on more than textbooks and slide shows.