School 2.0: The Science Leadership Academy

This article features the Science Leadership Academy, a new public partnership school in Philadelphia that incorporates core values of inquiry, research, collaboration, presentation, and reflection. Founded by the School District of Philadelphia and The Franklin Institute, SLA is one of four partnership high schools that opened in September 2006 as part of the Secondary Education Movement--one of school district CEO Paul Vallas' major reform efforts. SLA is built on the notion that inquiry is the very first step in the process of learning and provides a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on science, technology, mathematics, and entrepreneurship. The structure of the Science Leadership Academy reflects its core values, with longer class periods to allow for more laboratory work in science classes and performance-based learning in all classes. In addition, students in the upper grades have more flexible schedules to allow for opportunities for dual enrollment programs with area universities and career development internships in laboratory and business settings, as well as with The Franklin Institute. (Contains 5 online resources.)