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Polk board hears pitch to pilot 'Wonder Here' project-based program at Philip O'Brien
Summary
Presenters from Wonder Here proposed piloting two primary classrooms at Philip O'Brien Elementary that would run a project-based curriculum in partnership with the district; the group requested $75,000 for licensing and training and an optional $50,000 for an on-site director. Board members pressed for details on selection, turnaround status and funding.
Wonder Here, an education nonprofit that has run a decade-long project-based program on a South Lakeland campus, asked the Polk County School Board on Nov. 18 to pilot two primary (K–1) units at Philip O'Brien Elementary.
The organization asked the district to retain school staff while providing curriculum, training and in-class coaching. Jessica Zivkovich, a Wonder Here co-presenter, said the model combines elements of Montessori, Reggio Emilia and practices from Finland and that the group has compiled internal data and case studies to support its approach. "When school is experienced through hands-on, curiosity-driven education, real and lasting learning will finally occur," Zivkovich said.
Presenters detailed program components: a project-based curriculum with more than 30 unit studies, personalized learning plans, a regular…
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