What does  
Applied Learning
look like during the year?

Each school campus is different and has different needs. The Applied Learning model is designed to be easily adaptable to a variety of campus structures.
building a sense of community in the classroom

Authentic learning experiences require authentic trusting relationships

During the beginning weeks of the school year, teachers should be intentionally creating a welcoming environment in their classroom by having students engage in intentional community building activities that allow the students to get to know each other in a meaningful way.

This time is essential to setting a solid foundation where students can thrive.

daily

An Applied Learning Advisory class where students learn the necessary foundational skills

All students on campus have an Applied Learning Advisory period. However, different grade levels engage at different levels of support. For example, at ALA, our 6th graders participate in a guided scaffolded year of advisory while our 7th and 8th graders are given choice on which advisory topic they want to deep dive into for the year.

Scaffolding (Applied Learning curriculum))
Teachers leading a scaffolding advisory class are equipped with a curriculum designed to have students immerse themselves in the pillars of applied learning and helps shape them into learners that are prepared for more independent and complex learning.
Expertise based
This is an advisory where the teacher chose the topic because of their personal experience and expertise in the matter. They are able to teach their students skills in that field and then step back and take a supporting role as the students take the lead on their projects.
Interest focused
Teachers don't have to be experts in a topic in order to lead an advisory on it. In fact, deeper learning often happens  when both the teacher and the students share an interest, learn together, and grow together.
QUARTERLY

One entire day per grading period

On Advisory workdays students spend the entire day in their Advisory class which allows for a large block of uninterrupted time to immerse themselves in the work. Students may take experiential field trips to observe how their topic of study connects to the real world. Or a panel of experts in the field may be invited to share their knowledge with the class. This is also an opportunity for students to dive into a more complex and time intensive project.  

Experiential field trips
Experiential trips that allow students to get hands-on experience in their advisory topic or as a part of a problem/need they've identified.
Panel Experts
Adult models, subject matter experts, community leaders, and more. They may visit in person or through a video call.
Complex projects

annually

Showcase the wonderful student work in an End of the Year Portfolio Symposium.

One entire school day dedicated to allowing students to showcase their learning journey. The End of Year Symposium is designed like a professional conference. Every student is expected to present on their learning journey which includes authentic artifacts that demonstrate their deep understanding of the topic studied.

Advisory classes are allotted specific times where they are allowed creative freedom over how they want to exhibit their work. In the past students have transformed classrooms into cinemas to show their videos, led cooking classes, given conference style presentations, performed music recitals and theatrical productions.

SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE EXAMPLEstudent portfolio

Are you ready to transform your school community into one that is student-focused and creates authentic learning experiences for students?

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