Schools Worth Visiting
The Getting Smart team visits hundreds of schools each year and is grateful for the opportunity to see high-quality teaching and learning in action. This series features stories of schools that share best practices, lessons learned and next-gen teaching practices that support high-quality, personalized, project-based learning for all students.
Personalization + Projects = Deeper Learning at Da Vinci
We recently visited three Da Vinci Schools to observe the culture, community and deeper learning outcomes. Here is what we learned from our student guided tours at these innovative schools.
6 Best Practices For Expanding A Blended Learning Initiative
By: Andy Franko. For any districts considering a move toward blended learning, here are six lessons our district learned while creating a multidistrict virtual K-12 school.
Student Agency: Creating An Integrated and Authentic K-12 Approach
By: Kate Bean. What does authentic student agency look like and how can we move beyond the surface to create a student-driven learning experience for elementary students as well as high schoolers preparing for college and career?
RAMTEC Robotics: A Path to Employment & Economic Development
RAMTEC, a robotics program at Tri-Rivers Career Center in Ohio, is graduating hundreds of robotics-ready students prepared for careers and further advanced skills learning.
IBM Prep: Chicago’s Goode STEM Partners for Associate degrees and IT Careers
Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy, a Chicago early college high school, helps students gain valuable work experience, earn a free associate degree and leave school with the possibility of a job offer.
How Apps Are Helping ELL Parents Learn Alongside Their Student
By: Stephen Noonoo. Sweetwater Union High School District has increasingly turned to digital tools for its adult education students, providing convenience as well as a chance for fun family time during language study.
Supporting Teachers with Professional Learning at District 51
As Mesa County Valley School District 51 continues its shift to a competency-based education model, it is also shifting its focus on professional development to professional learning for educators.
Embedding SEL Across the Curriculum
We believe one of the most effective strategies for marrying SEL and core subjects is to embed SEL into formal curricula. Here are ten examples of schools already implementing this strategy.
Noble Effort: College Prep + Community on Chicago’s South Side
Here are 10 features we appreciate about Gary Comer College Prep, part of the Noble Network of Charter Schools that operates 17 high schools serving over 11,000 students from more than 70 Chicago communities.
How to Reduce Barriers to Family Engagement
In a recent survey, 18,000+ parents and guardians were asked to share more about their barriers to engaging with their child’s school. Here are the most common barriers nationwide, and potential next steps for addressing these challenges.