Family & Community Alternative Learning
Charter Schools Best Practices

Codman Academy Charter Public School

Teaching Literacy through Shakespeare

Topics:	Instructional Practices At-risk Learners Developing, refining, and documenting curricula
Mission:	Our mission is to prepare students for full participation in the intellectual, economic and civic life of society by ensuring their full preparation for and access to further education, by developing the skills and vision to undertake a rewarding career and the motivation and character needed to engage deeply and productively in community life. We view parents and community members as integral partners in this endeavor.
Goals:	To improve literacy through teaching Shakespeare, particularly in preparation for the 10th grade English language arts assessment
Summary:	Teaching Literacy through Shakespeare in partnership with The Huntington Theatre Company. Since the school’s founding in 2001, Codman Academy has maintained an integral partnership with The Huntington Theatre Company in the teaching of English language arts. This project showcases the partnership and its positive effects on student achievement. Codman Academy Charter Public School conducted a one day Institute with and at the Huntington Theatre Company related to the teaching of literacy through Shakespeare. The Institute was attended by over 30 Boston Public School teachers, and offered professional development workshops to participating teachers. In addition, the school created a documentary film titled Speak True, narrated by Taye Diggs, to document this program and the students’ participation in the National Shakespeare Competition. The film is available online through the school’s website (www.codmanacademy.org) and at www.youtube.com.
Partner(s):	Cambridge Public Schools
Dates:	01/01/2005
Contact:	Meg Campbell, Executive Director (mcampbell@codmanacademy.org/617.287.0700, ext. 103)
Resources:	Various papers documenting the school’s partnership with The Huntington Theatre Company (available online at codmanacademy.org/main/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=38&MMN_position=28:26). Speak True, a documentary film about students’ participation in the National Shakespeare Competition Various workshop materials shared at the Institute.
Federal Charter Schools Program Funds?	Yes

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