Sharon Dooley’s school underwent the rigorous Southern Association of Colleges and Schools evaluation, recommending that she focus on such broad areas as “Learning to Learn Skills”, “Integrated Knowledge” and “Communication Skills.”
“I felt that all three areas could be covered by designing a program that included Louisiana History concepts and standards, but that allowed deviation from the text,” Dooley said. “I had the pleasure of attending several Heritage Education workshops and learned so many hands-on ideas to enliven my curriculum.”
To bring history to life, her students compiled a CD and a lengthy book outlining a local landmark, Longue Vue House and Gardens. The three components of the SACS evaluation were covered in depth. They “learned to learn” through being in control of the grant. The knowledge was integrated in that architecture, history, geography, computer and art skills were combined. The personal interviews and acting in the living history drew upon communication skills. One parent said that the program helped her daughter to grow in self-assuredness.