About MA

Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning lie at the very heart of our mission. Our commitment to a school size of 400 students, to small classes, to both experiential and service learning, and to a rich academic curriculum integrating the arts remains central to our institutional landscape. And, as we recognize the promises of education in the 21st century, we also accept the challenges for Marin Academy therein: a global understanding, a deeper acknowledgement of the rich diversity inherent in students with learning differences, and an appreciation of the role of technology in educational design and thinking.

A. Global Education:

Goal:
Promote and develop a deeper understanding of global issues and concerns while emphasizing the similarities and connections among people of different cultures.

Implementation steps:

• Create and enhance curricular and school-wide opportunities designed to provide Marin Academy graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly inter-dependent world
• Recognize the needs and opportunities of the local community surrounding Marin Academy
• Strengthen the connection between global education and service opportunities
• Provide professional development opportunities for faculty

B. Learning Services:

Goal:
Continue to develop learning services to enable all Marin Academy students to succeed and realize their potential, recognizing that a diversity of learning styles enhances the educational environment.

Implementation steps:

• Expand our ongoing, comprehensive professional development program for faculty, staff, board and parents
• Continue to develop a program of services to support students with documented learning disabilities

C. Technology:

Goal:
Continue to develop technology as an institutional tool to:
a. Prepare students for technological competence in the world
b. Support faculty efforts in effective teaching
c. Enhance the reach and cost effectiveness of the educational program
d. Expand and deepen the use of technology within the extended Marin Academy community.

Implementation steps:

• Assess curricula/programs to ensure that students achieve competency
• Research new technologies to keep the institution forward-looking
• Assure that every Marin Academy family has online access
• Use technology to connect students, teachers and classrooms with institutes of higher education and with the wider world
• Provide needed professional development for faculty
• Continue mentoring/professional sharing among faculty re: technology
• Use student expertise to strengthen the technology program
• Address intellectual property issues
• Ensure technology funding that keeps pace with general renewal and replacement of existing systems