The Advanced Technology Academy at Sarasota Middle School is a technology-focused program that uses project-based learning. It includes the Team Socrates program, which is a multi-grade learning environment where students in different grades learn together through collaboration and inquiry. Students have access to advanced technologies and digital tools to engage in their education and prepare for college and careers.

1. Advanced Technology Academy
At
Sarasota Middle
~ a technology ready college and career school ~

2. Endeavor ~ Explorer ~ Discovery ~ Navigator ~ Team Socrates
The Advanced Technology Academy at Sarasota Middle School
is a technology ready college and career school. In addition to
Science and Mathematics TechActive Classroom’s of Tomorrow,
The Advanced Technology Academy expands instructional
technology into Language Arts and Social Studies classrooms.
Endeavor ~ Explorer ~ Discovery ~ Navigator ~ Team Socrates
The Advanced Technology Academy at Sarasota Middle School
is a technology ready college and career school. In addition to
Science and Mathematics TechActive Classroom’s of Tomorrow,
The Advanced Technology Academy expands instructional
technology into Language Arts and Social Studies classrooms.

3. Through The Advanced Technology Academy, all
types of students in all classrooms study, create, and
communicate by using the most advanced
instructional technologies currently available. Students
have access to digital technologies which elevate
student engagement while preparing them to succeed
at college and in their careers.
Through The Advanced Technology Academy, all
types of students in all classrooms study, create, and
communicate by using the most advanced
instructional technologies currently available. Students
have access to digital technologies which elevate
student engagement while preparing them to succeed
at college and in their careers.

4. collaboration and inquiry. Employing a vigorous, research based
learning model where project-based learning experiences are
organized around essential questions, Team Socrates fosters within
students a deeper understanding of the learning process. This
approach to learning affords a highly focused examination of
content and results in more permanent learning. Team Socrates
students become strong, independent thinkers.
Team Socrates ~ Overview
Socrates, Greek Philosopher
(469 BC - 399 BC)
Team Socrates is the mulit-grade component of The Advanced
Technology Academy. On Team Socrates students learn through
collaboration and inquiry. Employing a vigorous, research based
learning model where project-based learning experiences are
organized around essential questions, Team Socrates fosters within
students a deeper understanding of the learning process. This
approach to learning affords a highly focused examination of
content and results in more permanent learning. Team Socrates
students become strong, independent thinkers.
Team Socrates ~ Overview
“There is only one good ~ knowledge; and one evil ~ ignorance. “ Socrates
Socrates, Greek Philosopher
(469 BC - 399 BC)
Team Socrates is the mulit-grade component of The Advanced
Technology Academy. On Team Socrates students learn through
collaboration and inquiry. Employing a vigorous, research based
learning model where project-based learning experiences are
organized around essential questions, Team Socrates fosters within
students a deeper understanding of the learning process. This
approach to learning affords a highly focused examination of
content and results in more permanent learning. Team Socrates
students become strong, independent thinkers.
Team Socrates ~ Overview
“There is only one good ~ knowledge; and one evil ~ ignorance. “ Socrates
Socrates, Greek Philosopher
(469 BC - 399 BC)

5. When students work together and
learn through inquiry, learning becomes
more permanent.
“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”
~Socrates~
Students test their hypothesis.

6. different grade levels learn together.
Students and their teachers spend three
years together. The continuity of learning
provided by multi-grade groupings
reduces gaps in learning and helps
students gain confidence in their ability to
learn. All types of learners find support in
reaching their highest potential.
Team Socrates – A Multi-Grade Approach
In a multi-grade setting, age distinctions
give way to academic accomplishment.
On Team Socrates, students from
different grade levels learn together.
Students and their teachers spend three
years together. The continuity of learning
provided by multi-grade groupings
reduces gaps in learning and helps
students gain confidence in their ability to
learn. All types of learners find support in
reaching their highest potential.
Team Socrates – A Multi-Grade Approach
In a multi-grade setting, age distinctions
give way to academic accomplishment.
“To find yourself, think for yourself.”
~Socrates~
On Team Socrates, students from
different grade levels learn together.
Students and their teachers spend three
years together. The continuity of learning
provided by multi-grade groupings
reduces gaps in learning and helps
students gain confidence in their ability to
learn. All types of learners find support in
reaching their highest potential.
Team Socrates – A Multi-Grade Approach
In a multi-grade setting, age distinctions
give way to academic accomplishment.
“To find yourself, think for yourself.”
~Socrates~

7. The Multi-grade grouping builds bonds of trust and respect
between families and school. On Team Socrates, students take
on well-defined leadership roles which cultivate authentic self-
esteem. Multi-grade students learn to reflect. In a three-year
rotation, students learn American History, Civics, World
History, Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth Space Science.
Language and literacy skills are built into every unit of study.
“Let him who would move the world first move himself. “ ~Socrates~

8. high-tech communication tools that link them to
classrooms across the district, state, nation, and the
world. Using relevant technologies, students create
their own intellectual property and consequently
develop respect for the work others produce. This
understanding allows students greater access to their
own creativity.
Team Socrates – Technology Integration
Technology provides learning tools
that mirror how the 21st
Century work
place functions.
“I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.” ~Socrates~
Team Socrates students use technology as a tool
which allows access to information and provides
multiple opportunities to express what they’ve
learned. On Team Socrates, students have access to
high-tech communication tools that link them to
classrooms across the district, state, nation, and the
world. Using relevant technologies, students create
their own intellectual property and consequently
develop respect for the work others produce. This
understanding allows students greater access to their
own creativity.
Team Socrates – Technology Integration
Technology provides learning tools
that mirror how the 21st
Century work
place functions.
“I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.” ~Socrates~
Team Socrates students use technology as a tool
which allows access to information and provides
multiple opportunities to express what they’ve
learned. On Team Socrates, students have access to
high-tech communication tools that link them to
classrooms across the district, state, nation, and the
world. Using relevant technologies, students create
their own intellectual property and consequently
develop respect for the work others produce. This
understanding allows students greater access to their
own creativity.
Team Socrates – Technology Integration
Technology provides learning tools
that mirror how the 21st
Century work
place functions.

9. Students on Team Socrates become strong
“digital citizens.” Teachers model the appropriate use
of the Internet and Internet based communications
tools. Team Socrates students lead the way in the use
of personal devices for educational purposes.
On Team Socrates, each student develops an e-
Portfolio. The e-Portfolio acts as a repository for
tracking intellectual growth over a three year period.
“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” ~Socrates~
Students develop a heightened sense of
responsibility when using technology.

10. the Update. If a parent or guardian does not have an
email address, the Update is posted on the Team Socrates
web page.
Team Socrates utilizes only one web page for all three
core classrooms. Families can find homework assignments,
unit and project requirements, scoring rubrics, and a
plethora of other information just by visiting the team web
page. Team Socrates families are kept “in the loop!”
Team Socrates – Family Communication and Involvement
Team Socrates families receive a Weekly Update via
email. The Update recaps the week and gives parents
important information concerning upcoming school and
community events. Everything from dinner table talking
points to classroom volunteer opportunities is included in
the Update. If a parent or guardian does not have an
email address, the Update is posted on the Team Socrates
web page.
Team Socrates utilizes only one web page for all three
core classrooms. Families can find homework assignments,
unit and project requirements, scoring rubrics, and a
plethora of other information just by visiting the team web
page. Team Socrates families are kept “in the loop!”
Team Socrates – Family Communication and Involvement
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” ~Socrates~
Team Socrates families receive a Weekly Update via
email. The Update recaps the week and gives parents
important information concerning upcoming school and
community events. Everything from dinner table talking
points to classroom volunteer opportunities is included in
the Update. If a parent or guardian does not have an
email address, the Update is posted on the Team Socrates
web page.
Team Socrates utilizes only one web page for all three
core classrooms. Families can find homework assignments,
unit and project requirements, scoring rubrics, and a
plethora of other information just by visiting the team web
page. Team Socrates families are kept “in the loop!”
Team Socrates – Family Communication and Involvement
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” ~Socrates~

11. Throughout the year, Team Socrates hosts several
open house opportunities. Families are invited to
share wonderful student accomplishments such as
project presentations and portfolio night.
“Understanding a question is half the answer.” ~Socrates~

12. TeamSocrates~BuildingRelationships“The easiest and noblest way is not to be crushing others,
but to be improving yourselves.” ~Socrates~
At the beginning of each school year, Team Socrates
students participate in Project Adventure. Students experience
a variety of challenges that can only be met by working as a
team. Project Adventure helps our students begin their journey
as teammates dedicated to working together as learners and
friends.
Throughout the school year, Team Socrates students revisit
the lessons learned through Project Adventure. Continuous
reflection on personal and group growth is modeled and
encouraged. Team Socrates teachers set aside times during the
year to lunch with small groups of students. These luncheons
provide the opportunity to guide students as they develop into
strong thinkers committed to the community in which they live.
Team Socrates ~ Building Relationships
“The easiest and noblest way is not to be crushing others,
but to be improving yourselves.” ~Socrates~
At the beginning of each school year, Team Socrates
students participate in Project Adventure. Students experience
a variety of challenges that can only be met by working as a
team. Project Adventure helps our students begin their journey
as teammates dedicated to working together as learners and
friends.
Throughout the school year, Team Socrates students revisit
the lessons learned through Project Adventure. Continuous
reflection on personal and group growth is modeled and
encouraged. Team Socrates teachers set aside times during the
year to lunch with small groups of students. These luncheons
provide the opportunity to guide students as they develop into
strong thinkers committed to the community in which they live.
Team Socrates ~ Building Relationships

13. ~Notes~
Sarasota Middle School ~ Advanced Technology Academy

14. Sarasota Middle School
4826 Ashton Road ~ Sarasota Florida ~ 34233
Phone (941) 361-6464 ~ Fax (941) 361-6798
Sarasota Middle School ~ Advanced Technology Academy
Sarasota Middle School
4826 Ashton Road ~ Sarasota Florida ~ 34233
Phone (941) 361-6464 ~ Fax (941) 361-6798
Sarasota Middle School ~ Advanced Technology Academy