Study Tour (Denver, CO) Exploring Innovative Schools and Policy Supports that Prepare College and Career Ready Students

Study Tour (Denver, CO) Exploring Innovative Schools and Policy Supports that Prepare College and Career Ready Students
Study Tour (Denver, CO) Exploring Innovative Schools and Policy Supports that Prepare College and Career Ready Students
Denver, CO

Study Tour Material(s)

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Overview

The goal of this study tour was to learn about effective teaching in schools that incorporate rigorous academics, deeper learning experiences, higher order skills, and innovative and effective teaching and learning practices.  These practices create personalized learning experiences and prepare students for college and career success.

Participants visited a school in Denver, CO that is supporting teaching that provides rich academic learning in personalized settings. Through conversations with students, teachers, and administrators, participants witnessed first-hand how a school culture is created that supports teachers as they grow professionally and offers instruction that promotes the deeper learning competencies of mastery of core academic content; critical thinking and problem solving; working collaboratively; communicating effectively; learning how to learn; and cultivating an academic mindset.

High-level education policy leaders also joined the study group to share an understanding of the policy conditions that support the expansion of innovative approaches, such as those featured in the site visits to schools. The policy discussions focused on capacity building, professional development, funding, Common Core-aligned curriculum, instruction, and assessments.

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The American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF), a nonprofit, nonpartisan professional development organization based in Washington, DC, provides learning opportunities for policy leaders, practitioners, and researchers working on youth and education issues at the national, state, and local levels. AYPF events and publications are made possible by contributions from philanthropic foundations. For a complete list, click here.