Learning in a Connected Community
La Puente, AlamosaStudents need to fully engage in their communities to learn about who they are, how they impact their world, and what they can explore as meaningful and purpose-driven work in their futures. Each year, students partner with AmeriCorps to complete three days of service work in the San Luis Valley. Students make connections with social issues, such as homelessness, migrant agricultural work, substance abuse and the cycle of poverty in our rural communities. They return to school with a deeper understanding of work, service and how they can make a difference in this world.
A few resources: Association for Middle Level Education Teaching Channel National Education Association 21st Century Learning A Trip Around the World Edutopia La Puente |
Community ExperiencesStudents reach out of their comfort zones when they have a chance to learn in community and from community members. Students visit local community centers to do projects with memory-care residents, learn about local nonprofits and experience jobs and careers firsthand from local professionals. In excellent education designs, we believe that our students' futures start now - with each and every experience they have both inside and outside the classroom.
A few resources: Indigo Assessment |
Social and Emotional LearningThe Collaborative for Academic Social and EmotionalLearning’s (CASEL) definition of social and emotional learning is that “Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.” The five interrelated sets of cognitive, affective, and behavioral competencies CASEL has identified are: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. Through strong advisory models, curriculum choices, meaningful projects and enrichment activities, excellent school communities reflect a culture of care, community, collaboration and respect of each and every student. A few resources: Angela Duckworth: Grit Growth Mindset |