Student Learning Guide

This student learning guide provides an overview of the standards, products, formative assessments, and supports that will be in place throughout the project.

Choice of Topic

The first level of differentiation is in the project focus areas themselves. Teachers, through the collaborative card sort, are picking topics they find interesting, challenging, and engaging. Then, through the goal setting survey, teachers will be choosing one area to focus on throughout the year. They have a significant level of choice throughout.

Group Differentiation

Each group will also be able to differentiate for their needs. The groups will be setting monthly goals for their project and coming up with unique ways to experiment within their focus area. Teachers of different subject areas can try out different strategies to meet the needs of their students. Each group will also have full choice on how to share their learning in the final celebration.

Individual Support

Student-centered coaching cycles will be available to all teachers throughout the school year. A student-centered coaching cycle is based on the work of Diane Sweeney. A teacher and coach work together intensively for a 5-6 week period on a shared student learning goal. In this case, those coaching cycle goals could overlap the work of the PBL, focusing on a goal related to the teacher's focus area. More information on student-centered coaching cycles in an online environment can be found here.

In addition to coaching cycles, the instructional coach should be available throughout to individuals for one on one coaching conversations, brainstorming what's possible and coming up with new resources and strategies.