Arthur Academy...

Direct Instruction teaches children to read, write, think, and do math by starting with simple steps and building on learned information. This instructional model builds on the idea that children can and will generalize what they have learned and apply that learning to other tasks. For example: children learned 600 word parts called “morphographs” and three rules for connecting them. The children rehearsed the 600 word parts and three rules to a level of for connecting them and were able to spell 12,000 unpracticed words with ease.

Long-term mastery results from the continuation of activities on each topic over many lessons. Also, whatever has been learned is then used in more advanced learning. This assists long-term retention. Since lessons proceed from teacher demonstration and assistance to self-paced, independent projects, students can learn at their own rate. Arthur Academy will provide qualified teaching assistants to work small groups in the classroom. Individual progress is continually monitored so assignments can be adjusted according to each student’s needs and capabilities.

Direct Instruction provides instruction in all traditional school subjects as well as additional language, art and music programs.

Charles Arthur, developer and administrator of Arthur Academy, has seen these programs first hand and has the experience to successfully implement them. Arthur has worked in the education field for over 30 years. After working in special education for many years, and receiving the National Teacher of the Year Award from the Association of Direct Instruction, his interest turned to regular classrooms in the early grades. Arthur has spent 8 years teaching first through third grade in public schools, and sees a lot of room for improvement in current teaching methods. Arthur also spent the past three years conducting the Cornerstone Project, a 1st and 2nd grade project using Direct Instruction teaching programs exclusively.

This project was an attempt to show that all children can be successful and that extensive remedial programs are not required. During each year of this three-year project, children in the classes progressed from below the 20th percentile to above the 60th percentile in academic performance. Arthur has also used this method with success in teaching remedial skills to older children.

The Arthur Academy staff will consist of one full-time and one half-time trained teaching assistant, as well as a full-time teacher for each grade. Charles Arthur will be teaching part-time. These staff members have had experience with DI methods and have all been involved the “Everybody Reads” after-school program.

Arthur Academy will open in September 2002 offering kindergarten and first grade. One grade will be added each following year until the school offers kindergarten through third grade. Kindergarten will be composed of two half-day classes with 15 children each: one morning and one afternoon section. For the convenience of parents, day care will be available for the half day the child is out of class. Each higher grade will consist of one class of 25 students. Classrooms are restricted to this size for more personalized instruction and also so that these methods can be used in public schools with similar class sizes. If more applications are received then spaces available, a lottery will be held, with priority to David Douglas School District residents. A waiting list will be formed in case of cancellations. Currently all kindergarten slots for the 2002 school year are filled, and a waiting list has been formed. Openings are still available for first grade, but applications must be in by Monday, July 1.

The school has leased a 46,000 sq. ft. site in David Douglas School District, on the corner of S.E. 137th Ave. and Division St. The location is currently empty, but Arthur Academy will transform it by school opening (see grounds map on page 18). When complete, Arthur Academy will include extensive lawns and a playground with lots of equipment. They will bring in several high quality modular units. One will serve as an office with restroom facilities, with another providing a large open area for indoor play, day care, or school assemblies. The last modular unit will be divided between the kindergarten and first grade classrooms. The school is in the midst of obtaining a “conditional use” permit to set up their facility. Arthur Academy will contract a local catering service to provide lunch services.

So far, Arthur Academy has had a very positive response from the community, and it is their hope that they will not only provide the community with alternative school, but will also inspire public schools to take a close look at what could be a more effective and less costly method of instruction.

Come to this month’s informational meeting to find out more about the school and its unique programs as well as to meet its leaders. The meeting will enable parents to ask questions about the school and allow the school to continue to inform parents about its approach to teaching children in grades K-3. The meeting will be held at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 20 in the David Douglas Administration Building, 1500 S.E. 130th Ave. For more information, please call Arthur Academy at 503-236-9326.