West Mansion

Education Plan

 

Several educational programs along with a school for children with learning differences are planned.

1. Tours and Museum:  Upon acquisition the house will be cleaned and opened for tours.  Each tour will offer a narration on the history of the mansion and will be of educational value.  Student groups will be encouraged. Texas history will also be addressed during the tours and within the museum. The fourth grade social studies curriculum mandates the study of Texas history. This is reflected in the state TEKS as follows:

Chapter 113. Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Social Studies
Subchapter A. Elementary


Statutory Authority: The provisions of this Subchapter A issued under the Texas Education Code, §28.002, unless otherwise noted.


§113.1. Implementation of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Social Studies, Elementary.

The provisions of this subchapter shall be implemented by school districts beginning September 1, 1998, and at the time shall supersede §75.32(h)-(l) of this title (relating to Social Studies, Texas and United States History).

Source: The provisions of this §113.1 adopted to be effective September 1, 1998, 22 TexReg 7684.

§113.6. Social Studies, Grade 4.

(a)  Introduction.

(1)  In Grade 4, students examine the history of Texas from the early beginnings to the present within the context of influences of the Western Hemisphere . Historical content focuses on Texas history including the Texas revolution, establishment of the Republic of Texas , and subsequent annexation to the United States . Students discuss important issues, events, and individuals of the 19th and 20th centuries. Students conduct a thorough study of regions in Texas and the Western Hemisphere that result from human activity and from physical features. A focus on the location, distribution, and patterns of economic activities and of settlement in Texas further enhances the concept of regions. Students describe how early Native Americans in Texas and the Western Hemisphere met their basic economic needs and identify economic motivations for European exploration and colonization and reasons for the establishment of Spanish missions. Students explain how Native Americans governed themselves and identify characteristics of Spanish and Mexican colonial governments in Texas . Students recite and explain the meaning of the Pledge to the Texas Flag. Students identify the contributions of people of various racial, ethnic, and religious groups to Texas and describe the impact of science and technology on life in the state. Students use critical-thinking skills to identify cause-and-effect relationships, compare and contrast, and make generalizations and predictions.

(2)  To support the teaching of the essential knowledge and skills, the use of a variety of rich primary and secondary source material such as biographies; novels; speeches and letters; and poetry, songs, and artworks is encouraged. Selections may include a children's biography of Stephen F. Austin. Motivating resources are also available from museums, historical sites, presidential libraries, and local and state preservation societies.

(3)  The eight strands of the essential knowledge and skills for social studies are intended to be integrated for instructional purposes with the history and geography strands establishing a sense of time and a sense of place. Skills listed in the geography and social studies skills strands in subsection (b) of this section should be incorporated into the teaching of all essential knowledge and skills for social studies. A greater depth of understanding of complex content material can be attained when integrated social studies content from the various disciplines and critical-thinking skills are taught together.

(4)  Throughout social studies in Kindergarten-Grade 12, students build a foundation in history; geography; economics; government; citizenship; culture; science, technology, and society; and social studies skills. The content, as appropriate for the grade level or course, enables students to understand the importance of patriotism, function in a free enterprise society, and appreciate the basic democratic values of our state and nation as referenced in the Texas Education Code, §28.002(h).

(b)  Knowledge and skills…

 (4)  History. The student understands the political, economic, and social changes in Texas during the last half of the 19th century. The student is expected to:

(A)  describe the impact of the Civil War and Reconstruction on Texas ;

(B)  explain the growth and development of the cattle and oil industries;

(C)  identify the impact of railroads on life in Texas , including changes to cities and major industries; and

(D)  describe the effects of political, economic, and social changes on Native Americans in Texas .

(5)  History. The student understands important issues, events, and individuals of the 20th century in Texas . The student is expected to:

(A)  identify the impact of various issues and events on life in Texas such as urbanization, increased use of oil and gas, and the growth of aerospace and other technology industries; and

(B)  identify the accomplishments of notable individuals such as Henry Cisneros, Miriam A. Ferguson , Audie Murphy, Cleto Rodríguez, and John Tower .

 (8)  Geography. The student understands the location and patterns of settlement and the geographic factors that influence where people live. The student is expected to:

(A)  identify clusters of settlement in Texas and explain their distribution;

(B)  explain patterns of settlement at different time periods in Texas ;

(C)  describe the location of cities in Texas and explain their distribution, past and present; and

(D)  explain the geographic factors that influence patterns of settlement and the distribution of population in Texas , past and present.

(9)  Geography. The student understands how people adapt to and modify their environment. The student is expected to:

(A)  describe ways people have adapted to and modified their environment in Texas , past and present;

(B)  identify reasons why people have adapted to and modified their environment in Texas, past and present, such as the use of natural resources to meet basic needs; and

(C)  analyze the consequences of human modification of the environment in Texas , past and present.

 (12)  Economics. The student understands the characteristics and benefits of the free enterprise system in Texas . The student is expected to:

(A)  describe the development of the free enterprise system in Texas ;

(B)  describe how the free enterprise system works in Texas ; and

(C)  give examples of the benefits of the free enterprise system in Texas .

(13)  Economics. The student understands patterns of work and economic activities in Texas . The student is expected to:

(A)  explain how people in different regions of Texas earn their living, past and present;

(B)  explain how geographic factors have influenced the location of economic activities in Texas ;

(C)  analyze the effects of immigration, migration, and limited resources on the economic development and growth of Texas ;

(D)  describe the impact of mass production, specialization, and division of labor on the economic growth of Texas ;

(E)  explain how developments in transportation and communication have influenced economic activities in Texas ; and

(F)  explain the impact of American ideas about progress and equality of opportunity on the economic development and growth of Texas .

(18)  Citizenship. The student understands the importance of voluntary individual participation in the democratic process. The student is expected to:

(A)  explain how individuals can participate voluntarily in civic affairs at state and local levels;

 (C)  identify the importance of historical figures such as Sam Houston, Barbara Jordan, and Lorenzo de Zavala who modeled active participation in the democratic process; and

 (19)  Citizenship. The student understands the importance of effective leadership in a democratic society. The student is expected to:

(A)  identify leaders in state and local governments, including the governor, selected members of the Texas Legislature, and Texans who have been President of the United States, and their political parties; and

(B)  identify leadership qualities of state and local leaders, past and present.

As stated in the business plan, a museum is planned for James West’s original study. Story Sloane III will be creating the museum using 1920s and 1930s photographs in his Fondren studio. Additional artifacts will be incorporated. The museum will reflect Clear Lake history, Texas history and James Marion West and his legacy.

 

* 2.  Westlake School : The Preserved in Time board supports Sally Williams and her plan to  launch a school for children with learning differences in Clear Lake . The guest house will be cleaned and prepared for Ms. Williams’ use. Please refer to pages 10 through 16 for her detailed plan.

 

3.  Tennis Courts: The West Mansion still boasts its original grass tennis courts. Tennis lessons will be offered to local children using the grass courts. It will give the children a unique and educational experience. The courts at Wimbledon are covered in turf.

 

4. Gardens:  The original West Mansion gardens will be restored. Native Texas plants will be incorporated where possible. These plants are colorful and provide food and shelter to local wildlife. They are also designed to survive in this climate and are low maintenance. Many people picture bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush when the phrase “native plants” is mentioned. Educational workshops will be provided in an effort to educate people regarding the usefulness and diversity of these plants.

 

5. Private Lake :  The private lake was built by James Marion West as a fish hatchery. Although the lake will be co-owned along with the townhouses, it is hoped children can be offered educational workshops regarding fish and fishing during weekends, holidays and summers.

 

6. Pool:  A small pool is located on the property. It is too small to be of service to local swim teams, but it could be used to offer swim lessons to beginners. Water aerobics lessons could also be taught. Preserved in Time will research its use as therapy.

 

7. Stables:  The building at the back of the property is the stable that once house James West’s 18 horses. These stables will be restored and will offer several educational programs. A portion of the stables will be offered to a wildlife rehabilitator for use. In exchange for use of the facilities, the rehabilitator will be required to host workshops for children weekends, holidays and summers.

 

** The stables will also be used to house small farm animals also to be used for educational workshops for children. It is also planned that workshops will be offered covering horses and longhorns. The Clear Creek ISD longhorn program will be contacted. They will be asked to bring a longhorn onto the property and offer occasional workshops. Having a horse brought in for similar workshops is also planned. These workshops will also be hosted weekends, holidays and summers.

 

Occupational Therapy:  In addition, the use of occupational therapy services can enhance the learning of children with disabilities. Occupational therapists have extensive background and training in pediatrics, neurology, and a child's occupational skills (e.g. play and school).  Occupational therapists have background in developmental skills and use task analysis and meaningful activities to help children in mastering specific skills levels.  Occupational therapists have backgrounds in sensory integration (how they interpret and integrate the world through senses) along with skills in fine and gross motor development, visual motor and perceptual skills, handwriting, adaptations, assistive technology, social and behavioral skills.  We wish to provide occupational therapy services within our educational program with specific interest in sensory integration, kinesthetic learning/handwriting programs, motor development, Samonas Listening Program, Interactive Metronome, and visual motor and perceptual skills.

 

Animal assisted activities can provide learning opportunities to children with various learning and physical disabilities.  Occupational therapists with a background in animals assisted therapy can use animals in their interventions to assist children in skill mastery.  Animals can provide a nurturing environment for children along with improvement in self esteem and acceptance by other peers. Incorporating animals into the educational learning environment offers opportunities for children to learn about taking care of others and their basic needs, work on time schedules, assume responsibilities for care of the animals, and learn directional cues by teaching dog obedience commands. Programs like the READ program, uses dogs as motivators for children that have difficulty with reading.  These trained dogs listen to the child while they are reading offering a supportive presence for the child.  The use of live animals can provide a “hands on” learning environment that allows for sensory participation to reinforce the educational curriculum for children with disabilities.

 

A small vegetable garden will also be planted in the stable area. This will also be used for workshops.

 

* It is Preserved in Time’s expectation and wish that Ms. Williams’ school for children with learning differences grow and expand. Eventually it will outgrow the space that can be allotted within the mansion. We have been negotiating for 11 of the acres that are currently on the market. However, the mansion actually sits on approximately 40 acres. It would be ideal if we were able to purchase the entire property. This would allow our preservation architect to design a building that would complement the mansion and would be located on the property. This building would be used by the special needs school.

 

** The West Mansion is currently zoned commercially. Preserved in Time will need to work with the city of Pasadena to have the mansion rezoned and ordinances changed in order to house the necessary animals on the property.