Student-Centered Classrooms Foster Civic and Career Readiness

Studies show that the skills employers want in their employees align perfectly with the types of skills learners practice in a student-centered learning environment. In this post, we make some connections between the skills employers seek and how student-centered strategies help develop those skills in young people. What employers are saying In the article Workplace… Read More ›
STEM in Afterschool and Summer Learning: Issue Brief
This issue brief explores the role of after school and summer programs in building skills and interest in STEM fields. While practices that support STEM skills during the school day are critical, students traditionally spend only 20% of their waking hours in school. Afterschool and summer programs can offer hands-on experiences, expose students to STEM… Read More ›
Accountability for College and Career Readiness Developing a New Paradigm
This report—due to preparation for new standards under the Common Core and states moving toward creating more aligned systems of assessment and accountability—recommends an accountability approach that focuses on meaningful learning, enabled by professionally skilled and committed educators, and supported by adequate and appropriate resources, so that all students regardless of background are prepared for… Read More ›
Integrated STEM Education through Project-Based Learning
This paper outlines the research underlying successful project-based STEM education and refers educators to a unique curriculum that supports teachers to implement a project that encourages students to solve problems in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. It includes an overview of a project-based learning process that takes students through the reflection, research, discovery,… Read More ›
Educate Maine
This organization is a business-led education advocacy organization. Its mission is to champion college and career readiness and increased education attainment. It works to see all high school students graduate career and college ready and to increase the number of Maine workers with a postsecondary degree or certificate credential. Educate Maine advocates for policy initiatives that… Read More ›
Expanded Learning Time Innovation in Massachusetts Schools
This video highlights the successes of schools in Massachusetts implementing an expanded day, adding up to 300 hours to the school year. Using many school examples, the narrator explores the innovations possible with an expanded day such as more personalization, use of technology, curriculum that focuses on problem solving and embraces the common core standards,… Read More ›
Massachusetts’ Plan for Excellence in STEM Education 2.0: Expanding the Pipeline for All
This plan, published in 2013 by Massachusetts’ Governor Deval Patrick’s STEM Advisory Council builds on the first strategic plan written in 2010 to establish infrastructure and build support for STEM education in Massachusetts. This plan lays out five goals, including increasing interest in STEM, student achievement, number of skilled k-16 STEM educators, and percentage of STEM… Read More ›
Learning While Working: Building 21st Century Competency-Based Apprenticeships
This framework document outlines a set of key steps the National Network of Business and Industry Associations (the National Network) developed to help employers develop competency-based apprenticeships. The approach is applicable across multiple industry sectors and at companies of any size. The National Network launched in late 2013 with the mission to improve economic opportunity and quality of… Read More ›
Student Voice Professional Development Module
This professional development module was created as part of a partnership between Students at the Center, a Jobs for the Future initiative, and the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents. Six Connecticut high school teachers worked closely with researcher and lead author of “Prioritizing Motivation and Engagement” in Anytime, Anywhere: Student-Centered Learning for Schools and Teachers,… Read More ›
Extended Learning Opportunities at Pittsfield Middle High School (Video)
This 15 minute video, with support from Nellie Mae Education Foundation and Julie Mallozzi , showcases Pittsfield Middle High School putting students at the center of their own learning. Students engage in a variety of extended learning opportunities that enable them to find and explore their own passions outside of the classroom. Source Organization: Nellie Mae… Read More ›
Introducing the Fuse Architect Schools – Newport Area Career and Technical Center
Led by Director Rob Young, the Newport Area Career and Technical Center’s (NACTC) program has pockets of student centered learning embedded throughout the school; however, the Fuse Architect design team, would like to expand these pockets to develop a more robust student-centered and blended learning approach. While this may seem like just a simple… Read More ›
Introducing the Fuse Architect Schools – Narragansett High School
Narragansett High School, led by Principal Daniel Warner, is a high performing school located in Narragansett, RI. Principal Warner believes that personalized learning is a key element of growth for Narragansett and that meeting students “where they are” is very important to all teachers. Narragansett Demographics # of students % of Free and Reduced Lunch… Read More ›