BLC18

Stronger natural disasters, the rise of international terrorism, a polarized populace – the question for our generation of teachers is, “How do we prepare young people to tackle problems we currently don’t know how to solve?” In an increasingly complicated world, we need to honor the research-rich past and harness children’s natural curiosity as we look to the future. School transformation requires collaboration at the highest levels to ensure everyone is rowing into the unknown in the same direction. Participants will find out how we can work together to prepare students to tackle complex problems with deep, conceptual understanding.

Educators acknowledge that the 21st Century requires us to do schooling differently, but how do we prepare young people for the unknown while still meeting our required learning standards and benchmarks? Many teachers and leaders fell there is “no time” for real-world transfer of learning. But structured properly and collaboratively, we can do it!

When learning is focused at the conceptual level, students can make natural connections between the disciplines and work together to solve complex problems. And teachers and students can select a focus problem or project of their choice while still hitting the required learning outcomes. This session will demonstrate a protocol that leaders can use to help staff come to consensus on a common vision and purpose to gain buy-in and collective efficacy. Next, participants will experience a shared process for creating interdisciplinary projects. Finally, they will model a peer coaching protocol for refining project plans and supports.

Outcomes:
• Contribute to a vision and common purpose for school transformation
• Use a shared process for creating a standards-aligned, interdisciplinary project
• Try out a peer coaching protocol for refining project plans and supports