School Design Proposals
Geyer Springs High-Ability Academy
Forest Heights K-8 STEM Academy


To promote student excellence in academics,
collaboration and communication while
developing 21st century leadership skills
To implement an accelerated curriculum and
rigorous educational experiences for highability students that promote creativity and
high levels of task commitments






As part of the planning process, committee researched
exemplary model sites
Sidener Gifted Academy, Indianapolis, identified as
model school site
Identified as a top scoring school in Indiana
Serves 266 students grades 2 – 7
Demographics include: 65% free and reduced lunch
eligibility
Ethnicity: Caucasian - 42%
African-American – 38%
Hispanic – 10%
Multiracial – 9%
Asian – 1%





Staged expansion between 2014 – 2017
Initial projected enrollment of 225 students
in grades 3 – 6
7th grade added in 2015 – 2016
8th grade added in 2016 - 2017
Total enrollment of 375 by 2016 – 2017
8:45 – 3:45
 Breakfast in the Classroom
 Transportation provided
 After school care









Research-based best practices which encourage
academic and creative productivity
Rigorous, accelerated curriculum-based learning
Differentiated instructional approach
Self-directed learning opportunities
Applied, interdisciplinary learning
Project-based, inquiry-based, problem-based
Enrichment opportunities: foreign language, the
arts, special interest-based projects
Integrated technology




Specialized curricular materials developed by
the William and Mary College Center for
Gifted Education for language arts,
mathematics, science, and social studies
Designed to respond to gifted learners’
learning characteristics
Includes three dimensions: advanced content;
higher level processes; product development
Video clip of the Renzulli Academy, another
model site informing the GSHA Academy








Quiz Bowl
Destination Imagination
National History Day
Science Fair
Shakespeare Scene Festival
Lego Competitions
Worldfest
Athletics for 7th and 8th graders





1:1 Technology
All students and staff equipped with laptops
Technology utilized across the curriculum
and embedded into the instruction and
assessment processes
Technology will support all aspects of student
learning
Technology will promote collaboration among
teachers and students




Twenty-seven staff members
Nineteen certified staff
Eight non-certified staff
Special services staff will be assigned based
on student need.





An array of community partners will provide
resources and support for the GSHA Academy
UALR
Arkansans for GT Education
LR Museum of Discovery
Duke University Talent ID Program

Dr. Ann Robinson, Director
UALR Mahoney Center for Gifted Education




To create student interest in education and careers,
specifically in STEM-related fields
To develop a school culture focused on active
learning, problem solving, and academic success
To involve students in rigorous and engaging
programs to promote excellence in literacy, math,
science and technology
To provide innovative, hands-on experiences that
include connections to the community and realworld challenges



A K-8 school focuses on STEM learning for
student success and academic excellence
STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics
STEM Academy = Hands-on learning, inquiry
learning, problem-solving/project-based
student work, college and career focus





Research shows improvements in academic
performance and behavior
Smaller grade size promotes inclusive
academic community
Longer school stay promotes closer
relationships with staff and other students
Softens the transition to middle
6-8th graders placed in role model position




A critical component in planning the FHSA was to
review successful STEM schools.
The Annie Fisher K-8 STEM school in Hartford,
Connecticut opened in August 2010 and was
recognized by the USDOE as a 2012 National Blue
Ribbon School.
Serves 350 K-8th grade students
Demographics:African-American-47%;Caucasian–25%
Hispanic–12%; Asian-12%; and 4% other





Grade levels: K – 8th grades
Total enrollment: 715 students
Kindergarten: Two classes with 20 students
each
1st through 5th grades: Three classes with 25
students each
6th through 8th grades: 100 students per
grade level






8:45 – 3:45
Breakfast in the Classroom for K – 5th graders
Transportation
Care program
Uniforms
Separate lunchtimes for K-5 and 6 – 8




Innovative well-rounded academic curriculum
Interactive Science curricula: a standardsbased, next generation K-8 program that
teaches science topics taught inquiry, digital
experiences, in-depth lab experiences, virtual
labs, and engineering concepts and practices.
Technology literacy through EasyTech online
curriculum for K- 8th graders
District’s math, literacy, social studies, art
and music curriculums




Project Lead the Way Launch for K – 5th grade
students
Students learn the foundational science
behind engineering concepts and designs
Activities and projects lead to asking
questions, exploring ideas and solving
problems
Examples of units include Structure and
Function; Light and Sound; Properties of
Matter




Project Lead the Way Gateway to Technology
Sequence of engineering courses for students
grades 6 – 8
Exposes students to hands-on learning
experiences and is designed to ignite student
interest in engineering fields
Courses include Design and Modeling,
Automation and Robotics, Magic of Electrons,
Medical Detectives and Green Architecture



Engineering is Elementary is a K-5th grade
integrated engineering curriculum developed
by the Museum of Boston.
Through the lessons, students engage in the
engineering design process, apply science
and math to engineering problems, use
creativity, troubleshoot, learn from failure
and understand the role of materials in
solution.
Video

Embedded Enrichment
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
Lego League
Future City
Design Squad
Maker Education
Chess
Competitions, showcases, events

Dr. Eric Sandgren, Dean
UALR College of Engineering and Information Technology
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
Speakers
Career Awareness
Mentors
Field trips
Teacher Training
Enrichment
Program and Event Support





Comprehensive campaign using a variety of
internal and external sources and media tools
Stakeholders to receive timely and accurate
information
Message disseminated in English and Spanish
Appropriate delivery system to communicate
to varied audiences
Electronic and print media combined with
face to face communications such as
community meetings