| Frequently
Asked Questions
What is the Schoolcraft Learning Community?
Schoolcraft Learning Community is a charter school sponsored
by the Minnesota Department of Education. This innovative public
school provides an experiential-based education for children
in grades K-8, based on understanding and appreciating natural
sciences, language, culture, values and creative arts.
What is a charter school? How much does it cost? What are the
admission standards?
A charter school is a publicly-funded school which operates
under the direction of its own board consisting of parents, teachers
and other community members. Although many local and state regulations
are waived for charters, the charter school is held accountable
to a greater degree than all other schools. It will be closed
down if it fails to demonstrate achievement of its goals. Charter
schools do not charge tuition and, unlike magnet schools, do
not have admission standards.
If the emphasis is on science, world languages and the arts,
will my child receive adequate instruction in other important
subjects such as math and reading? Will the teachers be licensed?
Reading and math will be taught every day in groups of similar
aged students. The school's focus on the sciences, language and
culture, and creative arts will enhance the instruction of all
the traditional skill areas. The school's success will be measured
by evaluating improvements in all subjects. Teachers are required
to be licensed based on the same standards as other Minnesota
public schools.
What languages will be taught at the school?
Although many different languages and cultures will be explored,
it was decided that all students will receive concentrated instruction
in the French language and culture. (Prior experience or knowledge
of the French language is not required.) This language was selected
because:
- French is spoken on every continent
- We are close to Canada, a French-speaking nation
- The Ojibwe language contains many French words and expressions
- The French Village is likely to be the site of the school.
- Studying the French language and culture fits well with the
area's history.
How will the classrooms be divided?
Students in grades 2-7 are in classrooms with two grade levels
combined. This allows peer mentoring to flourish. Kindergarten,
1st, and 8th grades are stand alone grade levels for developmental
benefits.
Will special education be available?
Students will receive the services stipulated in their Individual
Education Plan (IEP) from Schoolcraft's instructors and/or other
contracted teachers as needed. Services will be coordinated by
a licensed special education director.
Where will the school be located and will transportation be
provided?
We lease space from Concordia Language Villages and occupy the
Lac du Bois (French) Village located northeast of Bemidji. Schoolcraft
contracts with School District 31 for transportation services.
Will my child be able to participate in sports and other extracurricular
activities available in District 31?
Students may participate in community based sports and activities,
but are not allowed to participate in district level sports
at this time. Discussions promoting open participation
are ongoing with ISD #31.
Does a charter school skim off the highest achievers?
Is it a "dumping
ground" for those unable to succeed in the traditional school
setting?
Recent studies of charter schools indicate that these schools
don't attract just the "golden" students. They often
serve a disproportionate number of students traditionally considered
to be low-achieving or otherwise "at-risk." Many
recent studies demonstrate that charter schools can successfully
provide an atmosphere in which more than the average number
of students thrive and achieve.
Does a charter school weaken an existing school district?
Charters can create dynamics that begin to give district schools
a reason to change and improve - ultimately benefiting not just
the students that attend charters, but all students in a district,
region, or state. Schoolcraft believes that the goal of all schools,
no matter whether charter, private, or district, is to work together
to do the best that we can for the students that we serve.
How can I find out more about Schoolcraft Learning Community?
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