Futuristic Rocketship schools redefine teaching

Greg Toppo:

The fourth-grader, his dark hair cropped close, has been staring at a computer screen for close to 20 minutes, trying again and again to solve a devilish little puzzle built around rectangles' axes of symmetry.

Two friends appear, offering unsolicited advice and urging him to try their solutions. Nothing works, and their teacher, who could offer help, is nowhere in sight.

"This one's hard," classmate Brian Aguilera says. Zepeda keeps trying. Finally, after 15 minutes' more work, he cracks the puzzle. His reward: another, harder puzzle.

Another morning in Learning Lab at Rocketship Si Se Puede Academy, a 3-year-old charter school built on a sliver of city-owned land in the shadow of the I-680 off-ramp. Si Se Puede -- Spanish for "Yes It's Possible" or "Yes We Can" -- is part of a tiny chain of schools set to expand nationwide.

Rocketship will be opening in Milwaukee during the fall of 2013.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at October 16, 2012 2:35 AM
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