Program Overview

The experiential learning program is a multi-age, interdisciplinary program for 7th and 8th grade students. This means students will work in mixed age groups and tackle projects that interweave science, social studies, language arts and math learning. The program will create an environment for students to connect with the greater community and take ownership of their learning.

Using this interdisciplinary and collaborative approach, our students will be working in a learning environment that focuses on the following:

• Depth over Breadth- Our goal is for mastery of learning targets through a cross-curricular exploration of topics, giving students time to immerse themselves in an area of study for an extended period of time to build and retain knowledge.
• Project Based- Through learning projects, students will develop essential skills related to academic learning standards, collaboration, planning, and executive functioning. Using these skills they can apply their knowledge to develop solutions to real-world problems.
• Agency- Create a student-centered environment. Students have the agency and independence to make choices and decisions around their own learning.
• Experiential Place-Based Learning: Students will learn from the community around them and be expected to share their learning and projects with the greater community.

Over the duration of the year, we want our students to grow as learners and individuals by developing the following skill sets and outcomes:

• Self Starters- Students can use skills and strategies that they have acquired to initiate and pursue learning experiences in other academic situations or on their own.
• Foster Growth Mindset: When things do not go as planned, students can adapt and persevere, using their knowledge and skill set to overcome challenges.
• Problem Solvers- Innovators, who when presented with a problem or issue, big or small, can creatively plan and strategize to solve it.
• Community Members- Students feel like they are part of the greater school or local community through their work and actions.

Experiential Learning Team Staff

Dave Croft dcroft@capeelizabethschools.org

Morgan Kerr mkerr@capeelizabethschools.org

Sashi Kaufman skaufman@capeelizabethschools.org