Future Pathways Teaching and Learning Laboratory Central Campus—Des Moines Public Schools

1. Future Pathways Teaching and Learning Laboratory Central Campus—Des Moines Public Schools Paul Ruby, Melanie Thompson, & Teresa Peterson

2. An Introduction “Ask any student what is wrong with education today and they will tell you the truth; it’s not that schools are no longer what they used to be, it’s that they are precisely what they used to be.” Des Moines Public Schools New Ends for a New Century

3. The Future Pathways Model Personal, Progressive, Project-Based

4. Future Pathways-By the Numbers2006-2007 Human Resources & Outcomes • 647 Students Served • 1,510 Courses Completions • 151 Graduates • 12 Discipline Referrals • 21 Staff Members • 4 School Improvement Teams • 1 Shared Vision Documented Contacts Made by Advocates • 2,020 Phone Calls • 284 Emails • 1,159 Postcards

5. Mission Future Pathways at Central Campus empowers young adults in a progressive and personalized educational environment through project-based learning and technology.

6. Vision • Every Future Pathways student will: • Have at least one Future Pathways adult who knows them well • Master competencies in the courses, 21st Century skills, and progressive technology through project-based learning • Be challenged with rigorous coursework that honors their interests and is relevant to their lives • Be engaged in learning and working toward graduation

7. Vision • Every Future Pathways staff member will: • Convey professional integrity • Be an advocate for the whole student and their personal success • Commit to educational innovation and challenge tradition in education • Be dedicated to reflective practice, professional growth, and peer coaching of colleagues

8. Learning Environment • No group classes or class periods • Flexible scheduling • Open work space • No unnecessary rules • “When you’re here, you’re learning and working toward graduation.”

9. Teaching and Learning at Future Pathways

10. Picture the Graduate What characteristics do we want our graduates to have? What adjectives do we want used to describe them? What skills do they need to be successful in life?

11. If we truly value these things, how will we… • incorporate them into our students’ learning experiences? • plan our curriculum, instruction, and assessments around them? • incorporate them into our interactions with students each day? • embed them in our program’s mission and vision? • make them a long-term priority? • create total alignment?

12. The Future Pathways Model • Marriage of Understanding by Design (UbD) and The Buck Institute Project-Based Learning • 21st Century Skills • Co-curricular Learning • Infusion of Technology • Building on Established “Best Practices” • Supported by Advocacy • Grounded and Furthered in Research and Data • Ongoing Professional Development for Continuous Improvement • Internal Accountability

13. Future Pathways Learning Process

14. Memorized facts Proven claims Right or wrong Recalling facts to answer short questions Following teacher directions Measured in paper and pencil tasks The meaning of facts Creating theories Both right and wrong Using facts to solve problems Testing hypotheses; Creating new solutions Measured with authentic tasks Knowing vs. Understanding(Adapted from Understanding by Design)

15. The Ultimate Goal is Transfer

16. Picture the Graduate 21st Century Skills • Communication • Critical Thinking • Problem Solving • Teamwork & Collaboration • Adaptability & Resiliency • International Perspective • Cultural Proficiency • Health & Wellness • Ethics • Democracy • Creativity & Innovation • Social Responsibility

17. MariaA Plan for New Orleans

18. MarkCivil War or Revolution?

19. Picture the Graduate 21st Century Skills • Communication • Critical Thinking • Problem Solving • Teamwork & Collaboration • Adaptability & Resiliency • International Perspective • Cultural Proficiency • Health & Wellness • Ethics • Democracy • Creativity & Innovation • Social Responsibility

20. Picture the Graduate • How were 21st Century Skills demonstrated throughout our students’ projects? • How does our students’ work reflect our values and philosophy? • If there is a gap between our vision and our reality, how will we close it?

21. Assessment Expert Practitioner Apprentice Beginner Understanding 65% Shows a profound understanding of the relevant ideas or processes. The concepts, evidence, arguments, and methods are sophisticated, going well beyond the grasp of the subject typically found. Shows a significant understanding of the relevant ideas or processes. The concepts, evidence, arguments, and methods are comprehensive, with no misunderstandings or overly simplistic approaches. Shows a basic understanding of the relevant ideas or processes. The concepts, evidence, arguments, and methods are simple, but appropriate. Few minor misunderstandings exist, which are easily clarified. Shows little apparent understanding of the relevant ideas or processes. The concepts, evidence, arguments, and methods are inadequate or faulty. Major misunderstandings of key ideas are present. Quality of Understanding Learning Process Cohesive Methodical Purposeful Efficient Logical Directing Careful Coherent Sequential Engaged Dependent Organized Involved Effective Removed Scattered Ineffective Thoughtless Product Professional Rehearsed Engaging Entertaining Moving Effective Prepared Meaningful Creative Simplistic Literal Lackluster Unimaginative Minimal Sloppy Ineffective Confusing Quality of Project Performance Professional Rehearsed Engaging Entertaining Moving Effective Prepared Meaningful Creative Simplistic Literal Lackluster Unimaginative Minimal Sloppy Ineffective Confusing Project Defined

22. Pause for Reflection

23. Future PathwaysTeaching and Learning Laboratory A Year of Evolution • Continued identification, study, & implementation of 21st Century best practices in teaching and learning • Build community, business, and college partnerships • Promote the immersion of upcoming and practicing teachers in research-based education

25. Conference Resources available at http://fpconferenceinfo.wikispaces.com/ • Select Future Pathways Model Resources • IAAE PowerPoint • Research Base/Recommended Readings • Student Orientation Podcast • Recommended Websites for Students