Spend time at an UMMATI studio and you’ll see the layering of systems in a complex web of many moving pieces. But the secret sauce is simpler, and comes from deep within: our firm belief that every person has a purpose for his creation.
Connecting the child to his purpose of creation is the founding narrative of UMMATI – the “why” behind all the passion. Here, narrative and storyline mean everything. Take a peak at how we embrace the UMMATI’s Journey:
- Young people who love school
Students who can’t wait for summer break to be over, want to come to school on weekends, and hum on their way to school. - Families feeling more unity and purpose
Families discover the joy of learning is a shared journey. As one parent described: “UMMATI has transformed our family, inspiring each of us to find a calling and discover our purpose of creation.”. - Mastery of core academic skills
While only a small portion of the day is spent on Core Skills, and there is zero “teaching to the test,” over the 5 years of UMMATI’s history we’ve seen the difference on the MAPS standardized test.. - Self-management and leadership
The result parents likely appreciate most is seeing their children take ownership of their learning. Meeting an UMMATI student speaks for itself: they look you in the eye, ask powerful questions, are curious about the world around them, and have plans they’re passionate about. - Profound adult/student relationships
We do not seek to teach students WHAT to think, rather HOW to think for themselves. This in turn engenders deeper, more effective relationships with adults, fellow students and the community. Reflective Conversations pushes this further, challenging students to listen to and question different ideas and points of view, investigating ideas deeply and formulating their own balanced, intelligent conclusions.
UMMATI Learner Outcomes (ULOs) are a set of twelve statements which describe what each UMMATI student will be able to independently use upon their graduation. ULOs have the following characteristics:
- They are overarching (not subject-specific)
- They are performance based (require transfer of understandings, not simply recall)
- They require the use of the Habits of Mind, in combination with academic understandings, knowledge, and skills.
Great Manners and Ethics
- Sincerity: Be Sincere in Your Intentions and Respectful in Your Actions
- Steadfastness: Be Persistent in Your Efforts and Patient for Results
- Discipline: Be Prepared, On-time, and Honest in All Your Affairs
- Empathy: Effectively handle Conflicts and Misunderstandings with Compassion
Outstanding Academics and Effort
- Religious Sciences: Learn, Live and Grow in the Islamic Tradition
- Contemporary Sciences: Excel in All Subjects to Attain a Holistic Education
- Hard Work: Envision Your Long-term Goals and Keep Trying Your Best
- Technology: Utilize Technology to Complement their Knowledge, Express Ideas and Solve Problems
Leadership and Communication Skills
- Teamwork: Work Together with Diverse Groups of People for the Betterment of Society
- Critical Thinking: Ask Questions, Reflect and Research for Innovative Solutions
- Effective Communication: Listen, Speak and Write Clearly to Understand and Be Understood
- Responsiblity: Manage Time Efficiently and Assume Responsibility and Ownership for their Life-long Learning
Devotion and Service
- Faith: Put Your Trust in Allah
and Love for Others What You Love for Yourself - Worship: Remember Allah Throughout Your Day and Be Kind and Charitable to All
- Public Service: Serve Allah by Serving Others and Protecting Your Environment
- Citizenship: Recognize and Understand Current Local and Global Issues and Contribute as Leaders within the Ummah
The ULOs drive all of UMMATI’s activities. Every activity contains one or more of the ULOs as the long-term transfer goal.
Students’ ability to display the SLOs will develop and deepen over time as they progress through discussions and activities.