The Rocky Hill School Model
Martha Curit Hough, Director of Development

December 2003

True to our mission, the goal of our academic program is to fully engage our students in their own learning so that each grows to become a positive, active, and responsible citizen. The Rocky Hill School Model is a teaching and learning environment that promotes this mission, particularly in the Upper School. Teachers guide their students in this process and evaluate their progress as each individual student moves toward a mature independence where learning is rigorous, satisfying, and becomes an enduring part of their life.

The Rocky Hill School Model centers on the personalized interaction between students and faculty, a core characteristic of our curriculum at every level. The new Upper School Academic Center provides both a setting and an identity for the model as it evolves. A Harkness Table (an oval table with seating for 12 -13 students and a faculty member) will be the central feature of each class and laboratory, not because it is impressive furniture, but rather because we have determined that this is the best classroom arrangement to keep students engaged and accountable. To that we have added the requirement of a laptop for each Upper School student, used in a wireless environment, in order to provide information technology anytime, anywhere for everyone as needed. (See laptop article by Stephen Farley for more detail.)

The dialogue and process of defining and developing The Rocky Hill School Model over the past three years has prepared us well for implementation in the new Upper School Academic Center. Our faculty is focused and invigorated. Each has reaffirmed his or her commitment to delivering exceptional teaching. The process is also proof positive of our commitment to provide professional development opportunities for our faculty.

We believe that The Rocky Hill School Model, fully executed, will produce an outcome that will be potent and palpable. Teachers will guide their students to new heights of learning, and faculty will be energized in new and exciting ways; everyone takes increased responsibility for learning. No one will be able to fade out or retreat; information will be accessible; interactions will require all students to articulate and champion their own ideas, while respectfully listening, hearing and analyzing other viewpoints. The integrated use of technology will enhance and encourage communication, investigation, and sharing of ideas. The collaboration that evolves (teacher and student, student and student) leads to effective problem solving where students find their own voices while appreciating others'.

It is important to understand that the core of The Rocky Hill School Model is really nothing new. Much, if not most, teaching at Rocky Hill already embraces this style, both in and out of the classroom. And so, what is different? The laptop becomes a required notebook, with information organized and available at any time, in any place. Wireless technology is a way to interface ideas by the appropriately linked sharing of information. Distance learning becomes a reality. The Harkness table, better than chairs arranged in a circle, provides a distinguishing platform and level playing field for debate, discussion, and collaboration.

Rocky Hill School takes seriously the wisdom of the title of John Merrow's book, Choosing Excellence: "Good Enough" Schools Are Not Good Enough. As good as we are, we are not good enough. However, The Rocky Hill School Model, fully integrated in the design for our new Upper School, will help us to achieve our goal of being the best teaching and learning environment that we can be. It gives an identity to our program that will help to attract and retain the very best students and faculty as we move forward to become the finest country day school in our area.