In PBL fashion, we started the training with this essential question: "How do we design experiences that increase student engagement and deeper learning?" We knew we were in the right place! We went through a 3 day Deisgn Camp that gave us protocols and methods for creating good projects that also included academic rigor. We also visited some of the schools in the area. They were not big schools and were not fancy at all - but the learning was exhibited everywhere and students really did genuinely like going to school there and felt they were learning.
Below were some of my take aways, and I hope you reach out to your fellow teachers that attended to learn theirs:
* Not EVERYTHING is taught through the PBL model, but most students are working on one or two projects over several weeks at a time. We should start small and just keep learning!
* We need to create systems where teachers & students can work together and develop projects (either an individual class project or across curriculum projects) so they can provide feedback to each other and create the BEST ideas!
* Importance of community partners and authentic experiences - especially when students can give back to their community.
* Several protocols that we can use to develop projects and project ideas!!! The teachers that attended the training do not feel nearly as overwhelmed by the process anymore!! (Can't wait to share this with you!)
* Importance of exhibiting our projects in the classrooms and school hallways to tell our stories to each other and our community.
* The New York Poly-Tech system is best because it is geared towards careers (we are too) - some of the HTH students had great experiences but still didn't have any clue about what they wanted to do after high school.
* Student/Teacher Relationships and Trauma Informed/Conscious Discipline approaches are still KEY and taught in this process. (The students I interviewed mentioned these things and how it made them like school better.)
* This work is exciting and POSSIBLE!
I think pretty soon, Leopold, Indiana will be a wold class place to learn about PBL and Poly-Tech practices that increase student learning - because all of you are going to be the rock stars to get us there!
STEM Grant - If you remember, we have a grant that will pay each teacher a $400 stipend to complete a PBL or Workplace Challenge in their classrooms and our goal is to complete a PBL this semester of some kind. I would love to host some half-day learning opportunities and/or Lunch and Learns around PBL design using some of the protocols that we learned in San Diego. The training would include some models of projects for you to look at, time to brainstorm with your peers, how to incorporate the community, etc. In order to plan for the training (I would like to do this sometime in February), I really would like to know who is interested in learning! Please respond to this google form (it is two questions) by Wednesday so I can start planning. My goal is to help you have a positive and fun PBL experience AND help you earn some cash!!
Pep Session - We will have a pep session this Friday afternoon for the Girls Basketball Sectional. The girls play the first game in the sectional Friday night. We will release band students and cheerleaders by intercom. Hope some of you learned the flashmob dance - it is going to be awesome! Below is the schedule for that day:
Tutoring - Tutoring in the after school program is in full swing and students are starting to stay. Our goal is to have students who didn't earn a 3 or higher on a specific skill to stay 2-3 times to be remediated on the skill and then retest. Our goal is to help them not just shoot for a good grade, but really understand that learning each skill is important and possible. If you have questions about after school tutoring, please let us know!
Also, just a reminder that Kacey Dyer is available during first WIN everyday for high school tutoring. She is able to help studetns with upper level subjects. You can find her in the Learn and Leave room or Learning Lunch. Please encourage students to utilize her!
Assistants - you can play too! Find 3-4 assistants that will be on a team together and turn in one score per the four people on your team!
Smekens Super Satursday Event- Our English Teachers, along with the elementary will be participating in this Saturday Professional Development opportunity - centered around writing. It is a virtual learning platform that allows teachers time to learn about research based strategies. Thanks to our teachers for their dedication!
Math Training - Laurie Ferry will be in the building on Thursday to observe our math teachers and give them feedback as they move to conceptual learning. Laurie has been helping the math team all year. We are grateful for the math team and all of the learning they have done this year!!!
Junior High Houses - Some fun times happening during Junior-High Houses! They have been playing team building games, learning about teamwork and communication and have gained a sense of belonging in their houses. Commodore Cash is big time currency!! Thanks to Lauren and the rest of the junior high teachers and assistants for making this possible!
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