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SUPAR’s Approach to Learning

SUPAR is organized to allow students to learn by doing projects on topics that are meaningful to them. This section of the handbook describes this approach, called “project-based learning.”

Advisory Group Structure

At SUPAR, we are divided into advisory groups of approximately 20 students per advisor. These groups provide the framework necessary to implement our individualized program. Each student will have the opportunity to remain with their advisor throughout their years at SUPAR.
This structure:

• Helps students develop more responsibility for their own behavior and their own learning.
• Is built on continuous progress for students rather than repetition of steps or grades.
• Involves a holistic approach to instruction.
• Is child-centered rather than test-driven.
• Encompasses the philosophy of "Success Teaches Success."
• Is designed to encourage collaborative learning and planning.
• Affords each student the opportunity for success through whole group instruction, small group instruction, and center activities.
• Gives students the opportunity to learn from each other, fostering positive peer relationships and opportunities for peer tutoring.
• Helps to build self-confidence.
• Provides opportunity for students to challenge themselves to higher level skills.
• Provides a safe environment that promotes their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Allows advisors to get to know their student's families.

Project-Based Learning

Our students work in a non-traditional manner to earn credit. They do not attend traditional classes or follow a bell schedule. The day looks more like a day in an office, with meetings being held when needed with advisors in each area of the curriculum. For the much of the day our students are working independently. They may attend some small workshops or seminars in order to work to master a particular area of the curriculum. Oftentimes, students will be off-site accessing resources at UWM or in the community. Students may also be out in the community observing people at work, attending public meetings or engaging in an internship or community service.

Students choose the topic of the project they work on based on their own interests and the areas of the curriculum where they need credit. First year students may participate in a few guided and group projects in order to become accustomed to the process itself.