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.
Kepner Keeps True to the Innovation Model
Kepner Beacon Middle School is in its inaugural year, but it has already developed an impressive program. Here, I share some photos that outline what I saw in my recent visit to the school.
How School Networks Work And Why That’s Important
School networks are one of the most important innovations in the modern era of U.S. K-12 education. Here are several network types, examples of each and the reason networks matter more now than ever.
My First School Visit: Project-Based STEM at TAF
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I was first invited to go on a school visit in my home district of Federal Way, where I received my 20th-century education. Read more about how the district is making strides towards next-gen learning here.
Designed for Learning: At School and At Home
Learn more about One Stone, a new student-led project-based high school in Boise where students own their learning and take on real challenges using a design thinking process.
New Teacher Induction Approach Blends Virtual Content and Collaboration
By: Nathifa Carmichael. Fulton County Schools implements a new teacher induction program with wrap around supports that helps retain new teachers and gives them every chance to succeed during those critical early years.
CottageClass Expanding Access to Microschools and Learning Experiences
Teacherpreneur Manisha Snoyer created CottageClass to provide other teachers the opportunity to develop and operate small schools, extracurricular enrichment, summer camps and other community-based programs for children ages 0-18.
How to Create Experiences and Scale Environments That Change Lives
Learn more about creating successful learning networks, where groups of like-minded schools support each other through a common vision, powerful learning experiences for both students and teachers, and common tools and systems.
The 5 Pillars of Whole School Transformation
By: David Ross. Having concluded our recent study of 75 "Exemplar Schools" succeeding at providing 21st-century learning, we believe these are the foundational features necessary to transform into a 21st-century school.
Closing the Last Mile of Career Opportunity in Rural America
By: Andrew Grover. Schools in rural America face unique challenges, but with them comes the opportunity to ignite innovative changes. Providing these students digital learning can unlock opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
Three Strategies that Helped Transform Our School
By: Dr. Tim Webb. By focusing not just on academics but on changing our culture, reinventing the school day and providing students with SEL skills, our school's transformation results in two years have been nothing short of amazing.