As I was searching for examples of innovative practices to motivate your work, I found Polly Ryan Middle School located in Richmond, Texas where principal, Heather Patterson issued a challenge to her staff to engage in a “whole school transformation.” The transformations occur twice a year (one per semester), are theme-based, and must be tied to the standards. The most recent theme was Game On. Every content area (including special area teachers) chose a game and connected their standards (in Texas they are called TEKs) to that game. Examples included Pac Man, Life-Size Battleship, Candy Land, Hungry, Hungry, Hippos, Giant Jenga, Mario Cart, and Twister. The principal reports that the students were highly engaged and of course, there were no behavior issues on her whole school transformation day. Yes, there is work involved, yet let’s consider the benefits the students are going to glean from this learning event. To see a quick video of this amazing learning event, click here.
So, this is TEXAS! What about PENNSYLVANIA? Are there examples of innovative practices here in your classrooms, schools, or systems? We’d like to feature YOU! Let us know by posting your innovative work in the comments below!
Or… if you are saying, “Wow… how do you even begin to do something like THAT?” then, register for Learning Forward PA’s Fall Institute with AJ Juliani on Nov. 1, 2018 here. Hurry! The early bird gets the discount!
Can't wait to hear from you,
Fran Miller, Ed.D.
Learning Forward PA
So, this is TEXAS! What about PENNSYLVANIA? Are there examples of innovative practices here in your classrooms, schools, or systems? We’d like to feature YOU! Let us know by posting your innovative work in the comments below!
Or… if you are saying, “Wow… how do you even begin to do something like THAT?” then, register for Learning Forward PA’s Fall Institute with AJ Juliani on Nov. 1, 2018 here. Hurry! The early bird gets the discount!
Can't wait to hear from you,
Fran Miller, Ed.D.
Learning Forward PA
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