Self-Designed Studies
Hands On, Minds Engaged (H91100) Credit by arrangement
Grades 8-9
1 Social Studies, 1 Science, 2 Elective credits
Prerequisite(s): Application and teacher recommendation
This yearlong class for 8th and 9th graders meets daily for two blocks. Students develop practical life long skills based on projects, service-learning activities, and expedition planning and execution. The art of boatbuilding has been a theme of past projects, such as kayaks of plank on frame, stitch and glue, skin on frame, and cedar strip construction. Using the Circle of Courage model, students learn to cooperate as a team, develop strong work ethics, and learn the value and satisfaction of volunteer service to the community. Because of the program’s holistic approach and emphasis on team building, participation in all activities is mandatory. There is an interview process, and referrals are to be made through the counseling department.
I-Quest (H91200) 1-2 credits
Grades 9-11
Credit type by arrangement
Prerequisite(s): Application, interview and teacher recommendation
I-Quest encourages students to become self-directed, cooperative, successful lifelong learners. Students explore their learning styles, interests, strengths, and challenges by designing projects that benefit themselves and the community. All students write a personal learning plan that connects their I-Quest work to standards and expectations for graduation. Peers, staff, and project mentors support students in all areas of I-Quest through collaboration, positive feedback, and hands-on help. Assessments include journals, presentations, teacher, mentor, and self-evaluations, and project portfolios. Past projects have included photography, design and building, music recording, and gardening. Students may create projects on or off campus, taking place during 1 or 2 blocks or beyond the school day.
Career Exploration and Student Internship (H93100) Credit by arrangement
Grades 10-12
Elective credit
Students explore career interests and real world experiences through workplace internships. They create a Personal Learning Plan, work on improving their academic and technology skills, and develop a healthy sense of respect for self and others. Units focus on developing job skills, communication skills, student portfolios, and career pathways. Grading is based on participation, journals, presentations, internship evaluations, student portfolio, and a term paper.
Independent Studies (I11010) ½ credit minimum
Grades 7-12
Credit type by arrangement
Independent Studies provides a process for students to learn in a setting designed by their interests and passions in a chosen area of study. Credit is earned towards high school graduation. Students can study academic disciplines, business, technology, fine and culinary arts, or virtually any other subject. Students are supervised by the program coordinator with contact made on a daily or weekly basis. Unlike the semester schedule, an Independent study can begin and end with the natural course of the project, which may include work over the summer or vacation, such as a trip abroad. All students pursuing an independent study must write a Personal Learning Proposal that lists selected Vermont Grade Expectations and individual assessments. In addition, they write regularly in a learning journal to document and reflect on their study progress, create a final project as the final exam grade, and give a final oral presentation. The student and teacher also choose additional assignments throughout the study relevant to the topic area and credits to be earned.
DUO (H93109) No credit
Grades 9-12
D.U.O. stands for “Do unto others.” Participants engage in a variety of activities, such as participating in Big Brothers/Big Sisters or Scouting, local or state government, and assisting Leland and Gray staff or peer tutoring. Students can design their own DUO activity during or beyond the school day. Students may earn credit in DUO by fulfilling independent studies requirements.
Senior Transition Portfolio (H93300) 1 credit
Grade 12
Elective credit
Prerequisite(s): Teacher recommendation
Student create a transition portfolio or a postsecondary plan for college or careers. This semi-independent course includes inventorying learning styles and exploring careers, as well as learning about independent living, community involvement, training program exploration and job and postsecondary applications and scholarships. Units are based on each student’s needs, interests, or teacher recommendation. The portfolio each student creates is presented to a panel for review.
