Hello all,
This is my first blog post for the Empowerment Academy project. Actually, this is my first blog post ever so I hope you find my sharing/writing valuable and interesting. I plan to use this space to share the positive things happening in our EA pilot schools and help spread the word on what school could be for our students.
My first official EA visit this school year was on August 28th at Calhoun Middle School. I am a little late on writing about this experience but wanted to share a couple thoughts. Amy and I had the opportunity to visit and learn about the launch of their first PBL experience. There are several aspects of the project but students are planning on sharing their learning with the community at the local Molasses Festival on September 27th.
My biggest takeaway from the day occurred when we were discussing the various roles assigned to students. And by the way, this is a message shared across all EA middle schools. That message is how unexpected students assume leadership type roles and excel beyond expectations. I think, sometimes, we unintentionally place restrictions on student capabilities. One of the goals of our EA work through PBL activities and Simulated Workplace is to create an environment which promotes student ownership of their own learning. We have heard numerous cases of students finding their own voice through projects, that otherwise they may have never found. I think students appreciate these new learning opportunities and I look forward to sharing them along this journey called Empowerment Academy.