What's the big idea?

School is commonly divided into subjects, and educators try to teach each subject in a systematic way. But it might be wise to look at the core ideas (and perhaps assumptions) we have about each subject area before deciding when and how to pursue knowledge.

Here's a draft of the Big Ideas at WHA.

English language arts and foreign language: Words are how we connect with others.What we say matters; how we say it matters, too. Books are awesome, and new ones are being written all the time.

Math: Numbers, as labels of quantity and measurement, help us to understand the world around us. Solving problems with numbers is fun and useful.

Science: The universe is driven by natural laws and processes; it has a history, and that history is still happening. We can learn about the universe using the scientific method. It's our responsibility to work safely and to use our knowledge ethically.

Social studies: Humanity has a history, and that history is still happening--we are part of it. History is affected not just by individuals, but by places and by groups and their cultures.

Arts: Beauty comes in many forms. We can seek it out, and we can create our own.

Character and life skills: Image is nothing; vision is everything. We value doing what's right. We value being competent.