Parents and Students FAQ’s
What is your mission?
The mission of Southern School of Engineering is to provide each student the physical, intellectual, emotional and social skills needed to compete in a 21st Century global market.
What is the Framework for Learning at Southern School of Engineering?
The framework for learning in the 21st century is based on the essential skills that our students need to succeed as citizens and workers in the 21st century. We have identified six key elements of a 21st century education, which are described below.
1. Core Subjects. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, identifies the core subjects as English, reading or language arts; mathematics; science; foreign languages; civics; government; economics; arts; history; and geography.
2. 21st Century Content. Several significant, emerging content areas are critical to success in communities and workplaces. These content areas typically are not emphasized in schools today:
· Global awareness
· Financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy
· Civic literacy
· Health and wellness awareness
3. Learning and Thinking Skills. As much as students need to learn academic content, they also need to know how to keep learning — and make effective and innovative use of what they know — throughout their lives. Learning and Thinking Skills are comprised of:
· Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
· Communication Skills
· Creativity and Innovation Skills
· Collaboration Skills
· Information and Media Literacy Skills
· Contextual Learning Skills
4. ICT Literacy. Information and communications technology (ICT) literacy is the ability to use technology to develop 21st century content knowledge and skills, in support of 21st century teaching and learning
5. Life Skills. Good teachers have always incorporated life skills into their pedagogy. The challenge today is to incorporate these essential skills into schools deliberately, strategically and broadly. Life skills include:
· Leadership
· Ethics
· Accountability
· Adaptability
· Personal Productivity
· Personal Responsibility
· People Skills
· Self Direction
· Social Responsibility
6. 21st Century Assessments. Authentic 21st century assessments are the essential foundation of a 21st century education. Assessments must measure all five results that matter — core subjects; 21st century content; learning skills; ICT literacy; and life skills. To be effective, sustainable and affordable, assessments must use modern technologies to increase efficiency and timeliness. Standardized tests alone can measure only a few of the important skills and knowledge students should learn. A balance of assessments, including high-quality standardized testing along with effective classroom assessments, offers students a powerful way to master the content and skills central to success.
Does my child have to be Academically/Intellectually gifted to enroll at Southern School of Engineering?
No. Students and parents need only demonstrate a commitment and understanding of what it means to be a part of an academically rigorous and relevant program. Our school will strive to be representative of the student population of Southern High School.
Will the courses be challenging?
Students who have done well in their math and science courses and who like to use computers will find these courses intellectually stimulating and manageable. Teachers, administrators and counselors will collaborate on a regular basis to discuss student academic and social progress. If problems or opportunities arise, a comprehensive plan will be put in place to help students.
Who can apply?
Any student who is in the Southern High School attendance zone can apply.
Will my daughter/son have the opportunity to take courses not offered at Southern School of Engineering?
No. The idea behind Southern School of Engineering (SSE) is to be totally separate and autonomous from Southern High School. The curriculum that we offer at SSE will be prescribed, rigorous and with the focus of preparing students for a career in the science or math field.
What are STEM schools?
STEM schools, which Southern School of Engineering will be part of, focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics with the purpose making all coursework relevant through integration and real world applications. |
Watch this video about Southern's new School of Engineering.