First Meeting: Why an Innovation in Learning Study Group?

Teachers, administrators, and school board members from throughout WCSU schools gathered for the WCSU Innovation in Learning Study Group’s first meeting on October 11, 2017.

The first part of the meeting focused on the question “Why an Innovation in Learning Study Group?” Specifically, the group grappled with the question “What skills and character traits are essential for students in the 21st Century?” Even though our world has changed as a result of technological advances, many of our methods of teaching remain unchanged. In the 21st century skills such as complex problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity will be highly valued.

· What strikes us as noteworthy about this scene? · Our current education model was defined by the Committee of Ten over a century ago. What skills and character traits did they want young adults to have for 20th Century assembly line jobs? · What skills and character traits are essential for students for career and citizenship in the 21st century? · Do we critique our assignments on the basis of which essential skills they’re developing? · How can we assess student progress on essential skills? · What micro-innovations could we try to accelerate student development of essential skills?

In addition to the essential skills that students need to be successful in the 21st century, the group also discussed the purpose of school. Although a rich, engaging curriculum that helps students apply learning to their daily lives can lead to increased standardized test scores, any movement away from a traditional curriculum can provoke uncertainty among students, parents, or community members. We need to demonstrate to these stakeholders that adopting 21st century educational practices will help prepare students for any academic or career challenge they face.

· What strikes us as noteworthy about this video? · Do our students come to our school to learn, or just to get good grades? How do we know? How are these goals different? · Do our students approach their schoolwork with a sense of purpose? · Does community service in our school help students develop a sense of purpose? Do students create ways to serve their community? Or do they choose from options defined by adults and put in a required number of hours? Is it used as punishment? What message do we send to our students with our community service program? · Should we conduct focus groups with students asking for their views on the purpose of school? Are we helping them find their passions, talents, and ways to make their world better? · What do we think the purpose of school should be? · What micro-innovations could we use to help students develop a stronger sense of purpose? Bonus video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvhb9aoyeZs Bonus article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2015/11/03/a-venture-capitalist-searches-for-the-purpose-of-school-heres-what-he-found/

As the work of the Innovation Study Group continues we will continually revisit the questions around the purpose of school and the essential skills that students will need to be successful in the 21st Century.

WCSU Innovation in Learning Study Group members:

Abbey Duane (Student)
Andrew Smith (Computer Programming Teacher)
Bob Coates (School Board member)
Eileen Vaughn (Library Media Specialist)
Erin Hanrahan (Middle School English teacher)
Garon Smail (Principal)
Hannah Thein (Principal)
Heather Lawler (Associate Principal)
Jennifer Stainton (Curriculum Coordinator)
Jenny Hewitt (4th Grade Teacher)
Jody Henderson (Band Teacher)
Julie Brown (Special Educator)
Kate Watts (Job Placement Coordinator)
Keri Bristow (Spanish Teacher)
Luis Bango (Technology Integration Specialist)
Maggie Parker (Student)
Marcia Gauvin (STEM Teacher)
Mary Beth Banios (Superintendent)
Matt McCormick (Middle School English/Social Studies Teacher)
Melissa Fellows (Middle School Science Teacher)
Michelle Fountain (High School English Teacher)
Nerissa Edwards (Guidance Counselor)
Perrin Worrell (School Board member)
Raphael Adamek (Director of Instructional Technology)
Richard Seaman (Director of Finance and Operations)
Sherry Sousa (Director of Instructional Support Services)
Stephen Stuntz (Director of Learning Opportunities)
Susan Piccoli (Librarian)