ChangED

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Have you ever felt like the education system wasn't designed for the way you learn? You're not alone. In this deeply personal conversation, Logan Garrison of Imagine Learning takes us on a journey from his challenging educational experiences to his mission of transforming how students engage with science.

Curious about seeing these innovative approaches in action? Join us at the third annual STEELS Expo on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025, where educators will gather to share best practices and explore the future of science education. The world of learning is changing – are you ready to be part of the transformation?

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What happens when we prioritize knowing answers over asking questions? How does curiosity shape not just learning, but creativity, cultural competence, and emotional wellbeing? These profound questions drive our fascinating conversation with education expert Genein Letford, who brings her unique journey from special education student with a speech impediment to innovative educator and keynote speaker.

The heart of our discussion centers on curiosity as the foundation for meaningful learning. "If creativity is a driver of innovation, curiosity is a driver of creativity," Letford notes, describing curiosity as a muscle that needs consistent exercise during formative years. By celebrating questions and modeling the joy of discovery, we prepare students for a world where asking profound questions becomes more valuable than memorizing facts. Don't miss Genein Letford's keynote presentation at the MCIU Steels Expo on May 20th, where she'll expand on these ideas—and maybe even share her musical talents!

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What happens when we stop viewing struggle as a problem and start seeing it as the essence of learning itself? In this thought-provoking conversation with educator and neurodiversity advocate Greg, we unpack the revolutionary idea that our most profound learning emerges not from smooth sailing but from navigating challenges.

Greg opens with a refreshingly honest self-introduction: "I was a student who struggled and I became a teacher who struggled." This vulnerability immediately sets the tone for an authentic exploration of how educational approaches that honor struggle create more inclusive and effective learning environments. Rather than positioning himself as an untouchable expert, Greg models the very approach he advocates for - acknowledging struggle as the fertile ground where genuine learning takes root.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Greg reveals the natural alignment between modern educational standards and neurodiversity-friendly approaches. Pennsylvania's STEELS Standards (based on NGSS) create multiple entry points for learners through phenomena-based instruction, collaborative problem-solving, and emphasis on questioning rather than answer-seeking. Greg notes that if you asked one team to design a curriculum for modern science education and another to create one for diverse learners, "they would both come out with exactly the same thing" - a powerful testament to how well-designed standards naturally accommodate neurodiversity.

Perhaps the most compelling metaphor Greg shares is viewing "answers as stop signs and questions as green lights." This philosophy transforms classroom dynamics from knowledge transmission to collaborative investigation where diverse thinking styles become assets. When educators value curiosity above correctness, they create spaces where neurodiverse students can truly thrive.

Ready to transform your approach to teaching and learning? Join us at the 3rd annual STEELS Expo on Tuesday, May 20th.  Experience firsthand how embracing struggle, honoring questions, and implementing modern standards can create learning environments where all students flourish.   Keep listening to the end for a Big Announcement about this year's STEELS Expo.  To register for the MCIU STEELS Expo visit learn.mciu.org/expo25 (registration closes on 5/1/25).

Want to send us a show idea or just say hi?  Email us at: [email protected]! 

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Project-based learning represents a transformative approach to education, focusing less on test performance and more on creating meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for life beyond school walls. This episodes concludes the conversation of one district's eight-year journey implementing PBL, revealing both challenges and triumphs along the way.

What happens when standardized test scores aren't the primary goal? After years of implementation, the data shows PBL students perform similarly to their traditional counterparts on assessments like the Biology Keystone. This neutrality in test performance removes pressure and allows educators to focus on what truly matters—developing skills that last a lifetime. As our guest explains, "Content's the content... but it's the other skills built into PBL that students feel very strong in" compared to their college classmates.

The journey wasn't without obstacles. Middle school implementation faced unique challenges with larger student numbers and the complexity of integrating four content areas into cohesive projects. Rather than forcing a rigid model, the school adapted by encouraging every teacher to develop at least one PBL experience during the year. This thematic approach maintains content focus while providing students with connected learning experiences.

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway comes from a quote that guided their implementation: "Be flexible with the plans but stubborn on the vision." This iterative mindset—continuously improving through experimentation, reflection, and refinement—embodies the very essence of project-based learning itself. As schools navigate changing educational landscapes, this nimble, self-aware approach becomes essential for sustainable innovation that truly benefits students.

Ready to transform your educational approach? Subscribe to ChangED for more insights on innovative teaching practices that prepare students for tomorrow's world.

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When Brian Riley walked into a meeting at Cheltenham School District nine years ago, he had no idea he was about to lead a complete transformation of their educational approach. "We're doing this project-based learning thing," the superintendent announced, and suddenly Brian found himself pioneering a program that didn't yet exist.

This candid conversation reveals the authentic journey of implementing project-based learning (PBL) from the ground up. Brian shares how visits to High Tech High in San Diego shaped their vision, providing teachers with immersive experiences alongside PBL experts. Rather than forcing integration of all subjects simultaneously, Cheltenham's approach allows projects to dictate which content areas take center stage at different times - creating authentic learning experiences that mirror real-world problem solving.

The most powerful testament to their success? Teachers who declare they could never return to traditional education after experiencing PBL. "If we stopped offering PBL, they would need to leave the school," Brian explains, highlighting how the approach rejuvenates both teaching practices and student engagement. While approximately 150 students (about 10% of the school population) participate across four grade levels, the program maintains demographic representation that mirrors the entire school - ensuring accessibility for all learners.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Brian's transparency about their mistakes and continuous refinement process. From initially attempting to launch in two grade levels simultaneously to learning that not every project needs to incorporate all subjects, these lessons provide invaluable guidance for other districts considering similar innovations. Whether you're a PBL expert or just beginning to explore alternative educational models, this episode offers practical insights on creating learning experiences that prepare students for a world that demands more than textbook knowledge.

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The  IU13 team has pioneered a student-centered learning approach since 2011 that models the same principles in their professional development for teachers. Their innovative conference-style PD offers educators choice through focused workshops on classroom management, engagement, collaboration, differentiation, and AI integration, breaking away from traditional one-and-done models with consecutive scheduling and ongoing classroom coaching.

This initiative has sustained for over a decade by creating systemic alignment through administrator workshops, observation tools, and cross-district collaboration that breaks down educational silos. 

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What if storytelling could transform education as we know it? In our 100th episode of Change Ed, Patrice and Andrew sit down with Brandon Langer from Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, who also hosts the MCIU Learns podcast, to explore this intriguing possibility. We promise you'll walk away with fresh insights into the intersection of innovation and education, as we chat about our experiences in gifted education, the evolving STEELS initiative, and our mutual curiosity about emerging trends like AI. We also take a moment to celebrate the growing success of our podcast and discuss the rewarding journey from a traditional newsletter to an interactive magazine format, showcasing the incredible work of educators through articles, videos, and curated content.

Want to send us a show idea or just say hi?  Email us at: [email protected]! 

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Colonial SD's own Maria Wileczek shares her remarkable 26-year perspective on Pennsylvania's dramatic shift from standardless science teaching to today's three-dimensional learning approach. Drawing from her experience, Maria offers unique insights into curriculum evolution while exploring practical implementation challenges facing both elementary and secondary teachers—from creating authentic assessments to navigating the tension between specialized expertise and integrated science teaching.

Maria's innovative strategies, including claim-evidence-reasoning frameworks and creative use of Super Bowl commercials as entry points for scientific thinking, demonstrate how educators can make abstract concepts accessible and engaging. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes why this evolution matters: today's students need science literacy not just for academic success but to make evidence-based decisions about health, technology, and environmental issues throughout their lives. Her passion for ensuring equitable access to meaningful science education infuses every practical insight.

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The transformation of science education is happening right now in Pennsylvania classrooms, and middle school teacher Tom Leeds is on the frontlines. In this enlightening conversation, Tom pulls back the curtain on the real differences between curriculum that merely displays a STEELS "sticker" versus materials that authentically embody these new science standards.

Tom shares how his classroom dynamics have fundamentally shifted as students move from passive recipients of information to active participants with genuine agency in their learning journey. The results speak volumes – not only are students more engaged with scientific concepts, but behavior problems have decreased significantly. "The kids are talking about science and we can see that they care more," Tom observes, "and that just warms my heart because it's working."

As a PennSEL Network participant, Tom benefits from collaboration with science educators across Pennsylvania, preparing for upcoming changes to state assessments while implementing best practices in his classroom. He offers advice for teachers just beginning to implement STEELS. 

Whether you're a veteran science teacher or just beginning your STEELS implementation journey, this episode offers practical wisdom, honest reflections, and the inspiration to take that next step toward transforming your classroom. Listen now to discover how putting students "in a position of power" might revolutionize learning in your own educational setting.

Want to send us a show idea or just say hi?  Email us at: [email protected]! 

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Penn State professor Dr. Scott McDonald joins ChangED to reveal how Pennsylvania's STEELS standards are flipping science education on its head! Forget silent classrooms with teachers droning on—Scott's vision has students buzzing with scientific conversations while teachers take a backseat as guides.

"I'd love to see kids talking a lot more in class to each other about science ideas," says Scott, who trains tomorrow's science teachers. The content hasn't changed, but the delivery? Completely transformed!

We explore why veteran teachers might struggle with this shift (old habits die hard!), how the three dimensions of STEELS standards create a framework for success, and why treating science as an isolated subject is a massive missed opportunity.

Join us for this mind-expanding conversation at the crossroads of pedagogy and cognitive science. Your science class will never look the same again!

To learn more about Scott's podcast "Science In Between" at this link: https://scienceinbetween.fireside.fm/

Want to send us a show idea or just say hi?  Email us at: [email protected]!