EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY


    The philosophy that drives a school and its staff is a very important issue.  Key decisions, curriculum, and interaction among students and staff are affected by the overlying philosophy.     The Lawton Academy of Arts & Sciences is guided by the personal educational philosophy of its founder, Kay F. Johnson, who has developed and refined this belief during her forty years of teaching experience.

Elementary Philosophy

We believe in continuous-progress learning.  That is, a child should be taught and allowed to learn at his own speed with particular attention given to the following two variables:
1.  Time:     Developmental stages of the child (social, academic, physical,                    and emotional)    

       2.  Learning Styles:  All children can learn.  Since children differ in preferred learning styles, teaching styles must match accordingly.



Accuracy in learning is more important than speed.  The goal for all children is mastery of concepts. Students who master skills will be accelerated in skill levels, not simply enriched.      More specifically, we believe in "process" learning.  .       Children learn best when they "experience," so learning will consistently move from concrete and manipulative activities to abstract and conceptual learning as the student is able.  In this method of teaching, along with the continuous-progress approach, students who master skills will be accelerated in skill levels, not simply enriched.


The values and ethics that made this country great will be taught in this school. It is important that the value of the human soul is not overlooked.  A happy child is one who has a balanced life in all three areas:  mind, body, and soul.


     These include, but are not limited to, a sense of pride in achievement, a sense of responsibility, a sense of trust and security based upon reasonable limits, a belief in the spirit of individualism in tune with a practice of brotherhood and respect, and respect for our nation, its leaders, our flag, and our common heritage.      Mrs. Johnson has been able to successfully educate children during her forty years of teaching because she tries to see children as God sees them.    Activities that include teachings about wisdom from Proverbs as well as stories from the Bible that teach life's lessons will be included with our literature.  God has blessed Mrs. Johnson all these many years and given her success in teaching children... she will acknowledge Him and the blessings He brings to life. 



Secondary Philosophy


We also promote "process" learning. Eighth graders are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to continue on with us in high school.       Accuracy is more important than speed.  Because Lawton Academy is geared toward the "gifted student," we believe that every child here can perform at an A/B level.  In fact,   We believe that reaching this goal is a team effort, the team being composed of the student, his teachers, and his parents. 
Student:  Students are encouraged to do their best work at all times.  Each Monday morning the name of the top student in each class is published.  Those students who have fallen below the prescribed GPA are placed on extra-curricular restriction for a week so that more attention can be given to studies.  Students who do not successfully utilize all resources available to them and consequently fail to attain a passing score for a course are required to attend an extra week of school to complete the requirements for a passing grade.  Failure is simply not an option.
     Teachers:  Reteaching a student when necessary is a part of the teacher's accountability to the student.  Teacher expectations for every student are high, and encouragement is given to build a foundation for excellence.  A free study hall is offered Monday through Thursday in which secondary students can get extra help, computer time, or just a chance to do homework in a quiet atmosphere before heading home for the day.
       Parents:  Parents have access to the teachers via e-mail, texting, and phone. Open communication with the teacher is a vital part of the student's success.  Secondary grades are published online (with a password to view own child's grades only), and conferences are frequent.

      Lawton Academy's secondary students are enouraged to think as future employers rather than employees.  Gifted are typically "jacks of all trades, masters of none."  To that end, we require secondary students to take AP-level courses (or courses similar in design), compete in state-wide competitions in drama/speech, music, robotics, and academic areas, and develop a fitness routine that not only keeps them healthy, but allows them the opportunity to build connections in future careers, be it by playing a pick-up game of basketball with fellow employees or by participating in games at the company picnic.  All students are taught to communicate effectively and are encouraged heavily to volunteer around the community.




Philosophies Common to Both


Fine Arts



   The fine arts are one of the few remaining channels for creativity in this current society.  All students at LAAS, from the very youngest to the seniors in the high school, receive instruction in music, drama, and art.  Student work in these areas is shared through art galas, plays, concerts, and publications.  Our emphasis is giving students a life-long avenue for creativity.      One area of progression in our school is that of playing a musical instrument.  Students use percussive instruments to learn steady beat and simple rhythms in the youngest grades.  Recorders are introduced in the third grade.  Students in fifth and sixth play an instrument in our school band.  When students reach the middle and high school music program, they can join orchestra, drum circle, guitars, piano, and choir.  (Very few of these meet at the same time, so they can take many of these.)    
    Technology offers wonderful tools to be used by the students in expressing ideas, creations, and thoughts.  Computers are utilized at all levels at LAAS.  Typing skills are emphasized in third and fourth grade, and students are using Power Point by fifth grade.  Middle school students produce a news show in our television studio, and high schoolers have a variety show.   High school students learn to use CAD and animation programs as well as photography programs and video editing and rendering programs.    
    To truly be productive throughout the day, adults benefit with a little break every now and then.  Kids are no different.  Students in the elementary school have either two or three recesses a day (teacher preference).  Students in the secondary school have a fifteen minute break in the morning, as well as thirty minutes after school to "hang out" with each other. 


Learning is an exciting adventure to be
experienced to the maximum!



         
        
 
E-mail:  jkjohnson4411@sbcglobal.net   **   Fax Number:  580-536-2972