Overview
The goal of this study tour was to learn how to take ‘deeper learning’ – the mastery of rigorous core academic content; critical thinking and problem solving; teamwork and collaboration; effective communication; learning how to learn; and cultivation of an academic mindset – to scale.
On this tour, participants visited schools from the New Tech Network in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Owensboro, Kentucky that are providing students with rich, student-centered curricula that incorporates personalized, project-based learning. Through conversations with students, teachers, and administrators, as well as explorations of classrooms, participants witnessed first-hand how to create a teaching and learning environment that supports the development of deeper learning competencies. High-level state and district education policy leaders also joined the study tour to share an understanding of the state policy conditions that support the promotion of deeper learning, particularly at district-level scale.
The policy discussions focused on effective and scalable models, capacity building, professional development, funding, curriculum, instruction, innovative assessments, and data and reporting systems. State teams will enjoy time to reflect on necessary policy conditions as it relates to their own states, as well as learn from colleagues in other states.
Goals of this study tour included:
- Highlighting successful and effective programs that are holistically supporting youth involved or at-risk of entering the juvenile justice and foster care systems through the use of diversion and reentry supports.
- Engaging with and learning from program staff and youth about their experiences as a recipient and administrator of services.
- Gaining a better understanding of how community-based best practices can help inform the implementation of federal and state policies.
