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OBSERVATIONS ON THE OVAL
WHAT’S NEW At Madeira some initiatives remain “new” for many years. We still refer to “New” Dorm, the “new” schedules, and sometimes, even the “new” Head! Of the three, the schedules are the newest, and five years in, I look back on the discussions around the table as we were getting ready to launch this major change in how we structure teaching and learning.
RE-THINKING OUR ACADEMIC SCHEDULE As with any change, bringing about a totally new structure brought considerable challenge to our community, and I still remember the day before we made the announcement there was palpable trepidation at our administrative meeting. However, as educators, we were more than aware that schedules are but a structure, albeit essential, that determine how and when students learn. At the outset, changing how we organized the day or the entire school year was not our goal. As we researched best practices, discussed what faculty believed best supported learning, and rethought what we needed to teach in terms of skills and content, we realized that in order to bring teaching and learning more in tune with the needs of a changing world, we would have to rethink how we structured schedules.
Our newly articulated teaching philosophy—learning should be active, experiential, and joyful—neatly expresses what we want our girls to encounter. Upmost in our minds five years ago was the goal of preparing young women to be lifelong learners and successful in a world which requires global and cultural understanding, finely honed communications skills, teamwork, discernment, and problem solving. We were also concerned about the rising levels of stress and distress among adolescents, which affects girls most profoundly and stands in the way of learning. We were striving to create a setting that would nourish intellectual development as well as emotional health.
NEW SCHEDULE SUCCESSFUL Five years into the Mod schedule, we have achieved success beyond our expectations. The longer class periods allow for deeper and more interactive learning, and encourage girls to draw connections among different disciplines, both on their own and through newly created interdisciplinary studies. Breaks between periods allow both physical and mental respite. Five-week modules allow them to experience the world of work as well as to explore interests and passions. The distribution of time throughout the day requires girls to learn time management and is also more humane in providing them ample time to study,
HEAD OF SCHOOL
continue to be involved in sports and performing arts, and to have time to socialize with their friends.
For teachers, the Mod schedule provides time to work collaboratively on curriculum development, to create new and stimulating experiences for the students, and to pursue professional growth throughout the school year.
THRIVING WITH THE MOD SCHEDULE How are we measuring success? Our graduates continue to demonstrate that they are ready to thrive at a range of fine higher-educational institutions in this country and abroad. Scores in standardized tests (APs, SATs, ACTs) have remained consistently reflective of the academic rigor of our program. We are able to recruit and retain highly professional faculty who are excited to teach here. Senior exit interviews with each departing class consistently reveal that Madeira girls have a transformational experience and feel ready and well prepared to go onto the next stage of their lives. Miss Madeira’s school continues to thrive as an innovative leader in girls’ education.
KAR EN JOOSTEMA
Send comments to KJoostema@Madeira.org
FROM THE EDITOR
Campus was abuzz this summer with the renovation of South Dorm and Maynard Quad. We wanted to share photos and stories of Madeira’s newly renovated spaces with you. In addition to all the construction in the buildings, there were foundations of another type being laid on Madeira’s campus—namely the bonds of friendship that are formed by the girls that call Madeira “home.” The changes on campus brought about through the generosity of our donors will shape the lives of Madeira girls for generations to come.
Beyond the dorms, Madeira has no shortage of inspiring faculty and amazing students: Ethical hacking expert. International fencing champion. The Voice television show contestant. Model UN Outstanding Delegate. Keynote student presenter at the Department of Education’s National Private School Leadership Conference. Read about these and more in this issue.
From stories of today’s Mod schedule to the renovated spaces of tomorrow, please enjoy Madeira Today.
