3 Ways to Bring in the New!

Spring is the season of beautiful weather in California. We also get to put away our winter things and experience a time of newness. This time of year brings new ideas, new ways of approaching education, and new opportunities. In this blog, we will cover three ways to bring in the new this spring season.

1. New Ideas of Engaging Our Students in a greater way – At IEM Schools, there are so many new ideas and ways to teach our students. One way to engage our students is by introducing them to project-based learning. Project Lead The Way provides a transformative learning experience for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S. At IEM schools, we are creating an engaging environment and empowering students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world.This is an opportunity for students to go beyond the textbook and tackle issues that have significant implications for our society as a whole. Some examples of current topics might be the upcoming election or the water crisis in Flint. Perhaps, global issues like the immigration crisis or the unrest in the middle east. Selecting a topic that has personal interest or importance is a good starting place. Once a topic is selected, students can be encouraged to utilize the internet, personal interviews, and even the good old-fashioned newspaper! Imagine how much more engaging it might be for a student to watch a presidential debate on t.v. and then analyze the results as part of their project.

2. New Ways of Approaching Education – With the Common Core here to stay for the time being, many teachers across the U.S. are approaching education differently. The 21st Century Skills have changed how many people are looking at education goals. In addition to technology, life and career skills, what many call the 4 C’s is impacting how we approach education. Creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration are being woven into education. This can potentially have a very positive impact on how kids are being educated and prepared for the future.

3. New Opportunities – As each of us determines how we want to be involved in the above things, there are new opportunities. We can talk to legislators, get involved in a new way, research new curriculum that might be a better fit for our children, and look for opportunities to use those teachable moments. They are everywhere, every day, in little and big ways facing us. Let’s seize the moment – Carpe Diem!

At IEM, we believe in honoring individual educational choices. We commit to providing an innovative public education environment for students, their parents, and teachers by empowering them to collaboratively create learning opportunities.  We develop responsible and contributing members of society. Partner with us in our ongoing quest to change public education.