Approved for a three-year term by the Reading School board last week, Reading School District fifth graders will spend half of their regular school day at Albright College, taking part in the Science Research Institute‘s Total Experience Learning (TEL) Academy. The students will be accompanied by a TEL trained Reading School District teacher.
Beginning in the fall of 2022, 50 fifth grade children will split their school day between the Reading School District and the Science Research Institute – where they will utilize the Institute’s TEL framework to study social studies, English language arts, music, art, library research and more. Currently filled to capacity, future plans include expansion after renovation of the college’s historic Camp Building.
TEL is designed to provide opportunities for authentic learning through experiences while improving and refining research skills, literacy, communication skills and entrepreneurial thinking.
“The TEL philosophy is anchored in providing individual student support for creative, inventive and innovative solution development that relates to current industry needs,” said Adelle L. Schade, dean of pre-college and summer programs and SRI director. “Through this development, students learn resiliency, professionalism and networking skills.”
“Albright College’s history, mission and vision are shaped by our home in the City of Reading,” said Albright President Jacquelyn S. Fetrow, Ph.D. “Partnering in this way with the Reading School District allows us to prepare more students in our own back yard for creative, innovative work that could brighten the future for our entire Greater Reading community. It’s an exciting example of how an anchor institution like Albright can make an immediate and future impact, right here at home.”
“As we think about the complexity of the world, we know our students will need to be creative problem-solvers to tackle challenges and opportunities that have yet to be imagined,” said Reading School District Superintendent Jennifer Murray, Ed.D. “This partnership provides two important advantages to our students: 1) introducing them to a college campus before middle school and 2) expanding their thinking and possibilities through authentic learning. Research is clear that when children can ‘see themselves’ as scientists, researchers and scholars starting at a young age — they set higher personal goals during middle school and high school. This program will impact our middle school students now, as well as impact their aspirations for the future. We are thankful for our partnership with Albright College.”
Named a top national college by Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, Albright College (founded 1856) is home to a diverse community of learners who cultivate integrity, curiosity, connection and resilience. Through learning experiences that engage a student’s creative and innovative capacities across all disciplines, both inside and outside of the classroom, an Albright College education guarantees that each student learns how to engage the world, understand the world, and is prepared to make an impact on a rapidly changing world. Located in Reading, Pa., Albright is home to undergraduate students, adult learners and graduate students.
