To the Editor-

I am so pleased to be able to share some truly exciting and positive news about our most recent addition to the Stevens Point Area School District – the Point of Discovery School.

The Point of Discovery School is a new charter school that teaches using “Expeditionary Learning”. This means that all the curriculum and education is tailored around expeditions (like a large project) that will include all subject areas, and take several weeks to complete.  Students will work together in teams to accomplish goals that will take them through Math, Science, Social Studies, and other core curriculum.

Instead of pouring over text books and working in a traditional classroom with desks in rows, a blackboard in front, and textbooks with regular tests – these children will work together in groups, talking, moving around, and accomplishing things…  they will be led by teachers specially trained in problem-solving and expeditionary learning.

Studies have shown that children that learn with this model are more engaged in the educational process, more connected to the outcome, and simply more involved in the business of learning.

The final result is children who know how to ask questions, how to conduct research, how to collaborate and work in groups.  These children will be able to figure things out by touching, by doing, and by discussing the subject matter at hand.  They will learn, but in a new and different way – and perhaps a better way for your child.

If you know of an inquisitive child, a child who learns better by doing then by studying a textbook, a child who likes to touch things, and handle things, perhaps a child who likes to take things apart, or a child who just can’t stop asking questions – this may be a better way for this child to learn.

The best way to find out if this type of education is the perfect fit for your child is to go to the Point of Discovery website – www.PointofDiscoverySchool.com, or their Facebook page; attend one of their informational sessions, listed on the website under “Upcoming Events” or better yet look into participating in a “Slice Day”.  The “Slice Day” is a one day version of the Expeditionary Learning school and will be the very best to find out if this is the best way for your child to learn.

I am so happy that we, as a School District, are able to offer this new way of education and of learning.  I wish that this had been available in our community when my children attended Stevens Point Schools, as I think this is better way of education for many, many children – mine might have been one of those children.

Take advantage of this new type of school and attend one of the informational sessions or better yet, do like I did, and attend a “Slice Day”.  It might just change your child’s life for ever!

Trish Baker
Stevens Point Area Public School District
Board of Education Member