Great Schools, Great Learning
May 28th, 2008 by Janice Stearns
We’ve been talking about change in our district office. I’m glad to be part of the conversation. I know that the leaders in my district understand the need for change and are looking for how to go about it.
That’s why I was so excited to see Chris Lehmann’s Twitter post this morning about Educon 2.1 at the Science Leadership Academy that will take place in January 2009. Chris is the principal at Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia. His leadership and vision makes this school truly exceptional. His thoughtful reflections on his blog, Practical Theory, inspire me to keep moving forward.
Last year, he hosted Educon 2.0 at his school, an informal conference where many edubloggers gathered to see how learning takes place at his school. As in all activities at his school, students were part of the conference. They attended, facilitated workshops, oversaw the virtual connections (which allowed me to attend a few sessions), and in general, were part of the learning going on. I really wanted to attend in person. I want to see his school in person and participate in the learning that happens at this unique conference. I’m not missing it this year, and I’m going to bring along leaders in my local district. I’m working on it now…
Ideas are coming together in our district. From our conversations in the district office, we are seeking ways to grow and change. Tomorrow, the Superintendent, several Directors, … and I … will be traveling down the coast to San Diego to visit two innovative schools, The San Diego MET School and High Tech High School.
The San Diego MET is an innovative school the holds its classes on the local community college campus. Students don’t learn just from the classrooms, but participate in internships. Mildred Phillips, the principal, shared that all 51 graduates this year will be attending 4 year universities or community colleges. Project based learning is the norm in this school.
High Tech High School is equally based on project based learning. Students study the world through authentic learning opportunities, from working with the San Diego Zoo to building pool tables to study “how impulse, momentum and angles play a big part in society through sports and games.” Wow!
We’ll take what we learn and create our own path. I’m excited. This, and a chance to visit Educon 2.1 in January 2009, makes going to work so rewarding.
