WOBURN – Superintendent Matthew Crowley is pleased to announce that educators at Woburn Memorial High School are working to expand project-based learning initiatives through participation in PBLWorks professional development program, which is supported by the One8 Foundation.
The program provides intensive professional development and support to help participants create the ideal conditions for implementing high-quality Project Based Learning in schools and making it self-sustaining.
Woburn Public School’s participation in the program will expand opportunities for students, preparing them with the academic and technical skills, plus the critical thinking necessary to be successful in college, career, and/or the armed services.
Math teacher Amy Miller is the first educator in the school to implement a project-based learning unit following this training. Seniors in Mrs. Miller’s Quantitative Reasoning class participated in the project, which was called “Is College Worth the Cost?”
Students analyzed the cost of college and noncollege pathways, like trade programs or community college. To answer the project question, students analyzed revenues and expenses related to college and compared that with high school graduation income and expenses. Students also looked at salary, retirement/investment savings, unemployment rates, student loans and other variables. Once students finalized their data, they prepared compelling arguments, which were presented to their classmates and a panel of guidance counselors.
The project helped students further their critical thinking, research and public speaking skills while applying key class concepts.
“This topic was very relevant for our seniors who are choosing what they want to do after graduation,” Miller said. “This project was so impactful because it was able to be applied to a real-life situation and gave my students some insight on the realities of life after high school. They achieved this while applying skills and tactics we learned in class.”
Educators at the high school plan to implement more project-based learning units in the future.
Generous financial support for the PBL School Leader Network is being provided by the One8 Foundation, whose mission focuses on helping schools and teachers prepare students for success, focusing on STEM, 21st-century skills, and applied learning opportunities.
“We are grateful to PBLWorks and the One8 Foundation for helping our educators implement successful and meaningful project-based learning initiatives at the high school,” Superintendent Crowley said. “I look forward to seeing more of these engaging and dynamic projects as they are implemented.”
About PBLWorks
PBLWorks (the brand name of the Buck Institute for Education) believes that all students – no matter where they live or what their background – should have access to quality Project Based Learning to deepen their learning and achieve success in college, career, and life. PBLWorks is focused on building the capacity of teachers to design and facilitate quality Project Based Learning, and on supporting school and system leaders in creating the conditions for these teachers to succeed with all students. For more information, visit www.pblworks.org.
About the One8 Foundation
The One8 Foundation propels and supports outstanding leaders with compelling ideas that deliver scaled, sustainable social impact. The One8 education team identifies, supports and scales high impact programs and approaches that help schools and teachers prepare students for success in a rapidly changing, high tech world. One8 education focuses on applied learning opportunities, oriented around STEM and 21st century skills, that make learning relevant, stimulating and rewarding for students while amplifying understanding and interest. Learn more at one8.org
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