- BY KAREN LEWIS TAYLOR -
The Overlapping Circles Of The Citizen Leader Framework — the embodiment of Ravenscroft’s groundbreaking Lead From Here initiative — illustrate essential competencies for students coming of age in our increasingly complex and interdependent world: self-awareness, communication, collaboration, vision, resourcefulness.
Students in the Upper School’s history and social studies classes have long explored how these spheres of leadership shape our world. Now, thanks to a significant grant from the John William Pope Foundation, they are digging more deeply into these pertinent issues — and enjoying more opportunities to explore the arena of politics and government in authentic ways.
Expanding Learning The impetus for the History and Social Studies Department’s grant application was their recognition that the semester-long Advanced Placement® Government and Politics course, known on campus as “AP GoPo,” didn’t allow enough time to explore the topics as deeply as teachers and students would like. During accreditation visits to other independent schools, department chair Mark Laskowski recalled, “we had seen other schools having success in immersive and experiential learning. While every class could benefit from more instructional time, we believed AP GoPo in particular could benefit from lengthening the time and deepening the curriculum.” Another goal was incorporating more opportunities for students to explore first-hand the defining elements of our democracy — the legislative process, the judicial system, and the role passionate citizens play in shaping a nation — and to understand more fully how our country has been influenced by American leaders of the past. As the blueprint for an expanded AP GoPo took shape, Laskowski said, “it turned out that what we needed was well-aligned with the kinds of work the Pope Foundation looks to support. It was a good match for both of us.”
Leadership in Context The grant, which funds $125,000 per year for five years, helps the department fulfill their vision in ways that benefit students in the Upper School and across campus. Right off the bat, the grant has had a significant impact with the addition of a full-time position to the department. This fall Ravenscroft welcomed Phil Kantaros, who is expanding AP GoPo and related programming, as well as World History teacher Melanie Spransy, which has allowed the department to reduce class sizes in some courses. What’s more, the department has purchased additional primary source texts, including foundational documents such as the Constitution and Bill of Rights that figure heavily in American history and government.
Phil Kantaros with his AP Government and Politics class Report on Giving 2017
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