IS 162 The Willoughby School Teaching the Will-to-Be Excellent
Our mission is to provide a comprehensive education that emphasizes conceptual understanding, and procedural fluency, with rigorous and relevant application of knowledge. We ensure that our students receive a well-rounded education with opportunities to learn from a diverse range of perspectives, including the development of critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and engage in learning experiences that deepen their understanding of complex concepts in real-world situations.
School Goals
By June 202, proficiency in Elementary/Middle School ELA for All Students will increase by at least 6 percentage points, from 30% to 36%, as measured by the I-Ready ELA diagnostic.
ALL ABOUT 162 - The Willoughby School Teaching the Will-to-Be Excellent
At IS 162 our purpose is to “Teach the Will to be Excellent” by employing our students’ minds to explore and question the world around them in innovative ways. In all of our classrooms, students learn the skills to make sense of the world around them, to collaborate, communicate and create beyond the four walls of the traditional classroom. As empowered critical thinkers, students have a newfound confidence that they can DO and BE anything they want. Through the use of various blended learning approaches, students are exposed to skills that allow them to explore continuously their surroundings and encourage them to become confident future leaders with a voice and mind of their own. Learning is innovative, impactful and intrinsically meaningful to our students as they engage in cross-curricular thematic units with a focus on social justice issues and environmental studies.
Innovative and explorative teaching models offer both students and teachers the flexibility and support necessary to thrive. We build on our station learning model which enables the teacher and their students to work together, engage in discussions, and provide useful feedback to one another. This collaboration and communication leads to greater academic improvement and meaningful engagement. Students have on-demand access to digital devices and information that changes the way instructional materials are delivered and used in the classroom with our current station model. Through data-driven instruction, both teachers and students have access to individualized learning that is specific to their needs. Students learn at their own pace and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in ways that best fit their individual learning styles. Building upon current initiatives already in place, Computer Science for All and Algebra for All will better support students because the pace of learning is tailored to match individual needs.
IS 162 believes in supporting the whole child’s development. Student empowerment comes from self-directed learning, where students enjoy the process and see the personal significance of each experience. The blended learning approach to teaching and professional development allows the school community to engage in consistent collaboration with ongoing communication. Our existing community partnerships continue to support our students with STEM exploration but with improved access to the necessary tools. To ensure that we are educating the whole child, we provide all of our students with experiences that are engaging and relevant. Through the use of online platforms, students explore curriculum to engage in daily activities that teach them to be critical thinkers and innovative problem solvers in the 21st century.
