Study Tour Material(s):
Resources on Deeper Learning:
- What is Deeper Learning?
- Prompts for Conversations With Students About Deeper Learning
- How Deeper Learning Can Create a New Vision for Teaching. National Commission on Teaching & America’s Future, Martinez, M.R., McGrath, D.R. & Foster, E. (2016)
Evidence of Deeper Learning Outcomes:
Overview
In Mississippi there is an interest among superintendents, principals, and research and education faculty to gain a clearer understanding of 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. Participants want to learn how to prepare students for postsecondary success, ensuring that they know how to apply knowledge and are ready to enter the workforce. As an ever-expanding global market demands a more skilled workforce, educators, employers and policymakers are realizing the important role career-readiness plays in preparing students for a range of postsecondary options while still in school. They are also increasingly convinced that this preparation needs to include not only knowledge, skills, and dispositions but also hands-on workplace experience. They are interested in learning what this kind of learning necessitates regarding instruction and assessment, as well as the preparation and ongoing professional development of teachers.
On this study tour participants visited two schools that are providing students with deeper learning and career preparation. At the start, participants received an introductory briefing providing an overview of deeper learning. Participants visited two schools in the Washington, DC area. At one school, Capital City Public Charter School, the focus was on deeper learning and how teachers and administrators are providing students with rich academic learning alongside deeper learning skills. Participants also learned how this school is developing teachers’ professional capacity. Through conversations with students, teachers, and administrators, participants witnessed first-hand how a culture is created that supports students as they acquire deeper learning competencies in real-world settings that lead to career- and college-readiness. At the second school, Arlington Career Center, the focus was on career preparation and how students are exposed to hands-on learning with real world application. Following each school visit, AYPF staff conducted debrief sessions that provided participants with an opportunity to reflect on the learning and relate it to their own efforts in Mississippi.
