These are a few frequently asked questions.
- What in the world is M.A.P.?
- What do you do in Class?
- What are Mini Courses and when do you do them?
What in the world is M.A.P.?
The Marshall Alternative Program is one of the more unique teams at
Marshall Middle School. Like other Marshall teams here, MAP is comprised of
two teachers (Crystal and Brett) and between fifty and sixty students.
Unlike
other teams, MAP is a multi-age program. Students come to MAP as sixth
graders and generally stay for three years. MAP also draws from throughout
the Olympia District. Parents and Students apply to enter MAP. It is not
a "gifted" or "at-risk" program, but rather seeks diversity in student
population. It is a parent-involved program. This means that for students to
be accepted into the program, parents must agree to help in some way with
the learning community. Because of this parent help, MAP students have some
opportunities that are not found on some other teams. We tend to have
more "off-campus" learning opportunities. These include field trips and a 3-
day field school each spring. We also have periodic mini-courses that are
short learning opportunities provide by parents for small groups of
students. Our three year rotating curriculum covers the same learning
objectives as other Olympia middle schools, but not necessarily in the same
order.
MAP students and teachers are also proud to be part of MMS. Our
students take part in music programs, sports, ASB Council and other general
school activities. If you have interest in knowing more about the Marshall
Alternative Program, feel free to talk with students or teachers, Brett and
Crystal. There will also be two parent orientation nights in the early
Spring. These are scheduled for March 20 and March 25. Each begins at 7:00
in the M.A.P. classroom.
What do you do in Class?
M.A.P. students cover basic middle school curriculum, but it is arranged in
a 3-year cycle, so there is minimal overlap during a student's middle school
career. Students are encouraged to examine personal learning styles and
take advantage of stronger areas while building on others. Much of the
learning is experiential in nature and many units of study are designed to
integrate curriculum areas.
What are Mini Courses and when do you do them?
Mini-Courses are classes led by parents (or occasionally, students).
Courses are in areas not generally covered in the basic curriculum. They
are taught in 2 hour blocks on Fridays periodically throughout the year.
Persons interested in offering a mini-course should contact parent, Kathy
Pruitt.
