The Four Cs by Joshua Adams https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp Respond to each question by clicking on the + symbol -- INCLUDE YOUR NAME IN YOUR RESPONSE en-us 2018-10-22 08:32:55 UTC 2019-01-21 13:41:01 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/308211159/044eab057a31912c7208fd4590f10d76/21st_Century_Skills_4_Cs_graphic.jpg Critical Thinking needs the most improvement in instruction at my school because students need to practice guided inquiry as educators model the practice. Educators struggle with deepening the expectations with clear articulation of why and how the learning is relevant. https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/305967356 Susan Paul at KMS]]> 2018-11-19 15:27:36 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/305967356 A 21st Century building allows for multiple educators to work in the same location at the same time without squishing together (large spaces are possible). We are currently limited by classrooms that barely accommodate two classes (2 teachers) at the same time. We are looking at configuring some stand up desks to allow 3-4 student at each table so that we can routinely have 2-3 teachers working together. https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/305976936 Susan Paul at KMS]]> 2018-11-19 15:44:54 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/305976936 Critical thinking needs the most improvement. I think in a lot of ways the students think that things should come easy. It is does not then they expect the solution to be given to them. I think that the teachers are working on it, but it is really a shift in practice to allow that think time that is needed in order to process and explore what would be the solution. https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/305989490 Vitania Quinland
Ansbach MHS]]> 2018-11-19 16:08:12 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/305989490 I think that the design f the 21st century school design especially lends to the need for collaboration, creative, and interactive learning. It makes it possible for students to form and work in need based groups. It lends to the need to work with cross curricular subjects and for the modality of different learners. It removes the walls and encourages teachers and students to have conversations and interactions that would be otherwise inhibited. https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/305990996 Vitania Quinland
Ansbach MHS]]> 2018-11-19 16:10:46 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/305990996 At my school, I'd say we need to improve in the area of creativity. In preparation for transitioning to our new 21st Century school, we spent quite a bit of time on the 4 C's. However there was a heavy focus on communication and collaboration. In reviewing the first video, I realized that although there are pockets of ideation, risk taking and things like STEM challenges, the opportunities for creativity are not widespread at KHS. patrice_powdar https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/306607090 Patrice Powdar

]]> 2018-11-21 04:49:53 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/306607090 Just like any tool specifically designed for a task, a 21st Century designed building can serve as a tool to facilitate the 4 C's. For example, small group rooms allow for student and teacher collaboration and communication. Also, flexible classroom walls allow for extended classroom spaces which more room to differentiate their teaching and provide opportunities for creativity and critical thinking. When students have the opportunity to learn in a manner which best suits their learning style, they are apt to become more engaged and take more responsibility for their learning. A building which is designed to for 21st Century teaching and learning makes it easier for teachers to integrate the 4Cs into their instruction patrice_powdar https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/306608020
Patrice ]]> 2018-11-21 04:57:48 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/306608020 https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/306729913 At SHS, we believe that one of the areas that needs the most improvement in instruction is critical thinking.  Critical thinking is a major component of our CCR instructional shifts and is embedded in one of the areas of focus for our district as well.  Historically our students have been very proficient at participating in classes and following instructions.  We see that the vast majority are very compliant, but the struggle comes when they are asked to transfer knowledge between and beyond course content, or when they are asked to transfer knowledge that transcends content.  We want to focus our instruction away from a culture of compliance and towards a culture of critical thinking.

SHS Admin Team (Rick, Heather, Tessa)]]> 2018-11-21 13:36:23 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/306729913 https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/306730126 A building that is designed with the 21st Century ideals in mind can help to facilitate the logistics of embedding the 4Cs in instruction.  Collaborative spaces that are flexible, allow for horizontal, vertical, and cross-discipline coordination and collaboration provide opportunities to intentionally develop instructional activities that allow for active inquiry, thematic learning, and flexible collaboration and communication.  The space itself, however, will not ensure that instruction shifts.  Work around the 4Cs with teachers, ongoing and embedded professional learning experiences, improved focused collaboration as a staff, and the utilization of a standards-based instructional framework (like UbD) are also critical in improving instruction and integrating the 4Cs.

SHS Admin Team (Rick, Heather, Tessa)]]> 2018-11-21 13:37:16 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/306730126 At our school I believe that our school needs to improve in critical thinking. With critical thinking skills students don’t just learn a set of facts or figures. Instead they learn how to discover the facts and figures for themselves. They have to learn how to ask questions. They are so wrapped up in their world with the internet that they don't challenge what is fact or false. They need to understand that they can help others think critically. Once a student has mastered this skill it would spread to their peers. Whether they learn how to think critically from spending time online or simply asking why in everyday life. https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/307564117 Pete Soto]]> 2018-11-25 20:57:01 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/307564117 Innovation https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/307751476 I believe that innovation is an area in which we could improve.  Innovation implies risk taking.  This risk, taking a chance on failure is crucial to the development of a growth mindset.  A growth mindset, one that accepts failure as a possibility of effort becomes the the push that we all need for making small improvements.  Improvements cannot be made unless stakeholders are willing to take risks on trying new thoughts or making improvements on current practices.  Innovation does not require major shifts, but can be tinkering around the edges with the thought of getting better being the goal.  This cannot occur unless we are will to take the first step towards improvement, either small or large.  

Barriett Smith]]> 2018-11-26 13:32:45 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/307751476 21st Century Design https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/307758013 I am currently working in a 21st century designed building.  It is designed to be able to address the 4 C's.  If the building is used in the appropriate manner, one would find ample opportunities for  use of the 4 C's.  The common areas in each of the neighborhoods as well as the large common areas in the center of the school offers opportunities of collaboration in large and small groups.  Communication can be developed in all group sizes depending on the room that is used.  Critical thinking can be developed depending on the teaching strategies used by the teacher.  Student engagement would be the focus of the teacher, allowing students opportunities to discuss, dissect, and debate issues.  Creativity in a 21st Century school is as open as a teacher is willing to allow the students to be creative.  This culture of creativity has to be developed and infused throughout the school.  The facility will allow an abundance of options; teachers have to be willing to take the options provided.

Barriett Smith  ]]> 2018-11-26 13:43:32 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/307758013 21st Designed building https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/308509505 The design of a 21st century building is a design to help our educational system transition to the next generation of education, schools, classrooms and learning. These buildings include classrooms that have a group gathering area, multiple seating options and a variety of seating zones that can be used for a different learning activity. The school layout allows for different grouping formats and lesson types that take into account the students different learning styles. The 4c's will play into the new role of the traditional teacher which will transition to a facilitator role and the student will become more active in their learning which will help them to become more proficient in their communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking sills that will help them be better prepared for the next part of their life. Having viewed these designs at our new high school one can see where the 21st century educational system is heading. 

Pete Soto]]> 2018-11-27 20:02:46 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/308509505 Critical thinking https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/308825362 Awareness and defining of what 21st century is, including a definition of the 4Cs is an important beginning. Kay mentions the need for “stories,” (pg. 27) as a key element in our initiative. 

Critical thinking is the C that requires the most improvement at our school. Critical thinking is the “C” that when learned carries the most significance in citizenship, productive employment/ students, and economic growth. This variable extends across all 4Cs and thus has the potential to transform the other 3Cs through a singular focus. As critical thinking develops, students become more astute at reasoning, systems thinking, judgement, decisions, problem solving, analyzing information, and reflecting.  As such, these developed skills demonstrate the student’s ability to take the perspective of others (collaborate), share visions and defend conclusions (communicate), and solve problems in unconventional ways (creativity). 

Communication with attention to:
  • Written communication skills
  • Oral communication skills
  • The use of technology to communicate effectively

Most students are unable to communicate their ideas effectively and so revamping the communication requirement for all students is a reasonable element for our 21st century school. Utilizing technology can be a part of this requirement (Kay, pg. 13).

TEAM Vogelweh ES (Deb, Veronica, Paul, David, Lori)
]]> 2018-11-28 15:11:43 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/308825362 Connections https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/308829267 The design of the 21st Century school lends itself well to stakeholder collaboration with flexible seating, movable walls, and teacher collaboration rooms. No longer are staff islands unto themselves, rather, dynamic, progressive, and innovative teams. Critical thinking is spawned through instructional design that extends beyond direct instruction and moves students toward guided inquiry with space and resources needed to motivate and stimulate their creativity. Communication is facilitated here as the instructional program culminates in presentation of ideas and products. Additionally, real world scenarios are explored and solved daily.

TEAM Vogelweh ES (Deb, Veronica, Paul, David, Lori) ]]> 2018-11-28 15:17:15 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/308829267 https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/309145892 Based on the evidence of observations, looking at test materials and curriculum; critical thinking is an area of most improvement in our school. The productive struggle of our teachers is indeed an example of depth of knowledge four. As administrators, we must honor this struggle. We do this by listening to the barriers that come up in conversations and provide productive work to further conversations that allow teachers to determine for themselves the correct use of DoK 4. 

The open neighborhoods force collaboration in space. This with the correct guidance will encourage teachers to start sharing more than space. Shared planning areas will allow teachers to plan together and removes the isolation factor many teachers feel with closed off classrooms. I foresee grades having four teachers instead of just one to turn too. I foresee students being moved to flexible grouping not just inside a homeroom but inside a grade level. The time that is saved in instruction of all levels of student learning will allow a deeper instructional level. Ie Creative design will become a part of the rotation, Critical thinking can be planned for and communication will happen not just by conversations but as peer observations and more team teaching of students.   

LEMS team of Jamie Wollman and Jason James
]]> 2018-11-29 06:13:36 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/309145892 The open neighborhoods force collaboration in space. This with the correct guidance will encourage teachers to start sharing more than space. Shared planning areas will allow teachers to plan together and removes the isolation factor many teachers feel with closed off classrooms. I foresee grades having four teachers instead of just one to turn too. I foresee students being moved to flexible grouping not just inside a homeroom but inside a grade level. The time that is saved in instruction of all levels of student learning will allow a deeper instructional level. Ie Creative design will become a part of the rotation, Critical thinking can be planned for and communication will happen not just by conversations but as peer observations and more team teaching of students. https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/309196428 Jamie Wollman and Jason James...team LEMS]]> 2018-11-29 10:13:53 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/309196428 If we have to choose.... https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/309289095 Based on our knowledge of our staff and what is most often expected of our students, we believe that creativity and innovation is an area in which our school could improve. We also feel that we are at a deficit when determining how to measure and quantify creativity. We would like to incorporate more student-directed learning approaches, similar to PBLs and/or AP Capstone Seminar projects. We find that many of the activities and projects our students are asked to complete are perceived as creative because they  involve drawing or artistic representations, and powerpoint type presentations but all students are funneled to the same or similar outcomes. 
Critical thinking is an additional area in which we can improve. Our teachers are able to identify critical thinking tenets, but are not as apt to incorporate those tenets. We often see teachers asking low-level questions or answering questions for the students without allowing for the time necessary for the students to come to responses themselves. Our students will greatly benefit from our increased focus on critical thinking.
-RHS Team: O'Donnell, Phillips, Popielski, Tobias, Udoaka]]> 2018-11-29 14:19:34 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/309289095 SPACE & SCHEDULES https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/309296610 The neighborhood concept would allow for teams to work together to build a community for students. 
Flexible spacing allows for collaboration between teachers and students. We could team teach, we can small-group teach, etc. 
Having reliable technology would be an asset, especially being able to reach outside of the school walls to foster collaboration and inquiry. 
RHS Team: O'Donnell, Phillips, Popielski, Tobias, Udoaka

]]> 2018-11-29 14:29:16 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/309296610 Collaboration is the key "C" https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/309722750 I believe that if we take collaboration to the next level then the other 3 Cs will be implicit in our teaching and learning. For example, if we collaborate deeply as a team, we will enhance our ability to communicate with each other as well as with our students, thereby improving instruction and learning. Furthermore, collaborative discussions on how to better teach/articulate/communicate the idea of critical thinking within our curricula will, again,  better our teaching and learning practices. Finally, by coming together as a team (collaborating) and taking risks (communicating and critical thinking) to give up some of our power we will stimulate risk-taking and creativity by both the learner and the teacher thereby bettering teaching and giving kids more opportunities to have higher engagement, time on task and take charge of their learning experiences.
Chip Bassett, Sembach MS.]]> 2018-11-30 12:06:11 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/309722750 The 21st Century building lends itself to collaboration...for teachers and students as well. Inherent in the design are opportunities for cross curricular collaboration; communication between classrooms; co-teaching/learning opportunities; flexibility on instructional design and creativity in utilizing the building's varied spaces (small groups, inquiry-based learning, jigsaws and critical thinking activities) outside of the regular classroom walls. https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/309728034 Chip Bassett Sembach MS]]> 2018-11-30 12:27:29 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/309728034 Communication https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/310134488 In the time I have been at the school and observed the classrooms in action, communication stands out as a key area for growth. Students spend the majority of time responding to teachers questions directly by raising hands or writing answers, but there is a lack of student to student communication. The students need to be able to share their thoughts, understanding and ideas, as well as listen to others. Additionally, students need to be able to write effectively for a variety of audiences, and thus far, there is little evidence that writing is expected as a from of communication on a regular basis.

Shared by David Groat]]> 2018-12-02 08:42:14 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/310134488 https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/310135595 A 21st century designed building with neighborhoods in the open space concept will facilitate a much more conducive layout for student integration of the 4 C's.  As teachers plan and facilitate learning in the open space, students potentially have much more opportunity to collaborate and communicate with peers on projects. There is more space for students to move and interact on creative design projects.  
The common teacher planning space also facilitates communication and collaboration.  Teachers will be able to share ideas, plan and facilitate dynamic learning opportunities that promote the 4 c's.
-David Groat

]]> 2018-12-02 08:59:35 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/310135595 Critical Thinking https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/311313062 Students at our school want to learn and our teachers want to teach. With that, student acheivment requires more than presenting information and relying on the curriculum to do it's majic. When students understand, retain, and apply what they are taught, they can become the kind of problem solvers 21st century industries require of its current and future workforce. Our school has made great stides in each of the C's. We communicate aggresively, embrace collaboration, and enjoy a wealth of creative ideas from our staff and community. Promoting critical thinking throughout each grade level would "consolidate" the benefits of each tenet and give our school a truly deserved "C".
Tommy Thomson
Stuttgart Elementary]]> 2018-12-05 12:24:15 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/311313062 COLLABORATION https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/311771655 I think that the "C" we can work on now is collaboration.  The current state that I see is that students are still held to individual achievement mostly and not provided a lot of collaboration.  As noted in the text, collaboration and even more so, global collaboration is a required skill in today’s workforce.  We should prepare our students by having them work in teams as often as possible and that includes for formal summative assessments.   This is a "C" that my current faculty understands well and I think could get behind.

Rick Jiiménez
Baumholder Middle High School

]]> 2018-12-06 13:02:19 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/311771655 To enable the 4Cs, we would need classrooms that are multipurpose or reconsider the master schedule so that purposed-rooms can be shared among all teachers. There needs to be spaces for collaboration on projects; technology for global collaboration; presentations in different formats; laboratories; assessment rooms; socratic seminars; and lectures. The design of the building, therefore, must be fluid. Those spaces will ensure that students are developing skills in the 4 Cs. https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/311852085
Rick Jimenez, BMHS]]> 2018-12-06 15:25:09 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/311852085 Communication https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/312637836 While the 4Cs are each important and well connected,  I see communication as the C directly linking to the other three. That, combined with observing classroom instruction more focused on grammar, spelling, and syntax (vice developing ideas), I believe our school needs to work on improvement in the instruction of communication.  

The text notes  the importance of communication in economies (p. 14), giving the broader perspective. Also, that communication is "collaborative by nature" (p. 136) while it "builds relationships...to pose and solve problems collaboratively" (p. 137). Then, when looking at the arts of language, communication is a key part of each: writing, speaking, listening, and reading. In the classroom when our students are asked to explain their thinking, faculty often note that is the greatest struggle for students. 

With communication within each subject, there are many opportunities for instruction support.  In the long run, improving communication instruction at our school supports the future. 

Deirdre McAlpin 
Ramstein Intermediate  ]]> 2018-12-09 14:33:04 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/312637836 Schools designed as 21st Century buildings support flexibility in different learning styles and environments, integrate social interactions for collaboration and critical thinking, support changing technology and creativity in teaching and learning, and provide constant opportunities for collaboration. Teachers have greater opportunities to focus on 4Cs within instruction as they work with colleagues as well as student. https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/312644955 Deirdre McAlpin - RIS ]]> 2018-12-09 15:19:14 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/312644955 The 4Cs are interdependent and each play a critical role in instruction. However, when thinking about the end goal in regards to student success, we believe that our school would most benefit from improving creativity. A highly creative environment will establish an atmosphere that supports the remaining Cs. Classroom instruction that includes creative, rigorous learning opportunities actively engages students as they collaborate, participate in critical thinking, and communicate with their peers. At our schools, collaboration and communication is evident in the amount of team and group activities we see each day. However, improving creativity is at the root of developing the 21st century student we're preparing to educate- one who takes risks and uses his/her imagination to envision the future. https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/312785308
Wimberly, Woodfork, Horne

]]> 2018-12-10 06:30:10 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/312785308 https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/312785450 A 21st Century designed building encourages student-centered instruction with the teacher taking on a facilitator role. The spaces in a 21st century school are flexible. This allows for multiple configurations in regards to cross-curricular projects and classes working collaboratively. There are options for large groups, small groups, and outdoor learning areas. Additionally, the enhanced technological capabilities allow students to connect with others in different classrooms, cities, and countries with ease. In a 21st Century building, all spaces are viewed as having educational benefits. The spaces created should spark creativity during instruction that requires collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. 

Wimberly, Woodfork, Horne

]]> 2018-12-10 06:31:11 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/312785450 At this time collaboration is the area in need of improvement. Collaboration is foundation to develop the other three skills. https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/312874304 Martha, Tonya, Angelia and Jackie]]> 2018-12-10 12:18:48 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/312874304 It will require teachers to change the way they think. The furniture set-up will not allow for closing the walls, so teachers will need to co-teach and students will be able to collaborate with one another. We will have to move beyond traditional teaching structures. The design will either intimidate or inspire. https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/312874716 Martha, Tonya, Angelia and Jackie]]> 2018-12-10 12:20:13 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/312874716 Critical Thinking/Processing https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/315424929 Though our students perform well on assessments and pre-defined tasks, they lack the drive or even the design to delve deeper into content based on a personal drive toward inquiry. Though they are above average at applying knowledge, they often struggle to make connections to the learning that would enable them to apply lessons to life and real world situations.
Mynda Massey-Vukovi ]]> 2018-12-18 07:32:13 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/315424929 Building Design https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/315425572 The structure of the facility provides a greater opportunity for collaboration among colleagues and students. The neighborhood design allows contents to seamlessly collaborate on instructional projects that require participants (and lesson designers) to work toward a synthesis of information and develop a product that addresses multiple areas of inquiry.
Mynda Massey-Vukovic]]> 2018-12-18 07:36:09 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/315425572 Creativity https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/315475903 While we have had a heavy focus on  collaboration as a faculty, we have not worked to increase creativity nor innovation in every subject.  I agree with Kay and Greenhill's position that embedding creativity and innovation in every subject can be challenging. The take away from this passage is that Creativity does not have to be isolated to the Arts, but can have a broader role in all disciplines to enable students to learn the skill of "imagination".  Kay and Greenhill note that collaboration leads to "knowledge creation", I think that the skill of imagination is needed for knowledge creation to happen. We tend to see on a broad scale students lacking the ability to imagine or create their own ideas.  They typically want to be told what to do and how to do it.  In our efforts to build critical thinking and peer collaboration, creativity should be key component in those discussions/lesson development.
Leah Zamor]]> 2018-12-18 11:41:58 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/315475903 21st Century Education in a 21st Century building should ideally enable various opportunities to collaborate and work across disciplines. Open concepts/spaces and learning communities re-define traditional spaces where students and teachers worked in isolation. The 21st Century building re-defines community which encompasses the 4Cs when a clear vision is adopted. A 21st century building can support the vision by providing an environment where the school community encourages self-direction and innovation. https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/315478574
Leah Zamor]]> 2018-12-18 11:57:45 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/315478574 Critical Thinking https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/315533793 At NES I believe our area of need is critical thinking.   Critical thinking happens when students learn how to make judgments and decisions based on others' points of view, interpret information and draw conclusions. It requires students to synthesize what they have learned, reflect on their learning and make connections between their own knowledge, their content and real world experiences.

Since critical thinking is an essential skill that students need to have in order to become college and career ready, life-long learners and self-advocates for themselves, we must provide students learning opportunities to analyze and evaluate evidence, arguments, claims and beliefs. Ensuring the implementation of the new CCR standards for mathematics and literacy with fidelity is one way we are ensuring that students are exposed to critical thinking strategies. 

Another way to foster critical thinking skills is by increasing rigor.   Increased rigor can be accomplished when teachers are intentionally creating environments, selecting rich lessons/task and framing critical challenges that invite students to think critically, ask questions, and formulate reasoned decisions about virtually every aspect of their learning.  An increase focus  on questioning, inquiry and problem solving can help us move our students forward.

Sonya Gates
]]> 2018-12-18 14:42:18 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/315533793 21st Century Design https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/315800859 A 21st Century Design school helps to facilitate the development of the 4C’s by providing an environment conducive for student-centered instruction. It provides the structure for easier implementation of project-based learning, STEM and inquiry based learning which support the development of the 4C’s.  The flexibility of the building and the furniture makes the classrooms more adaptable for collaboration and communication.  The learning hubs and learning spaces provide space for creativity and innovation.  It can increase focus collaboration among teachers, providing greater opportunities for shared planning, shared instruction, common assessments and data analysis.  It makes co-teaching and peer-sharing more accessible helping to facilitate job-embedded professional development learning experiences. Its flexible spaces and one-to-one classroom supports inclusion for SPED and helps to optimizes instructional time for all students.

Just as technology, curriculum and other educational resources are instructional tools, a 21st Century design is a tool.  A 21st century design school helps to facilitate standards-based instruction and strategies that develop the 4C’s.  However the building alone does not guarantee this occurs.   In order to ensure the effectiveness of a 21st Century design school, one must have a vision, internal culture and leadership that embraces and supports 21st Century Teaching and Learning strategies regardless of the structure.  

Sonya Gates
]]> 2018-12-19 09:27:49 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/315800859 Architecture impacts culture https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/317027022 21st Century designed school buildings are explicitly designed to create a school culture that embodies the 4Cs. The neighborhood concept with moveable partitions and highly visible learning spaces encourages and supports collaboration and communication. By creating learning spaces that support these skills, critical thinking and creativity are more likely to follow. There is nothing more challenging to change in a school than its culture.  By utilizing the architecture to help shape the school culture, the implementation of the 4Cs as an instructional norm is more likely. Dan Petritz RMS

]]> 2019-01-02 12:39:44 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/317027022 Critical Thinking Needed Most https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/317027142 Critical Thinking is the 4C that we need to focus on the most as a school.  As the book describes, our school culture can be characterized by students wanting to know the right answer without having to do the deep thinking required to elicit the answer on one’s own. Students seem to be dependent on referring to external sources of information (such as the internet) to look everything up.  To be successful in their future they will need to access information from multiple sources and synthesize it to find a deeper and more complex answer.  However, this takes time and effort students seem hesitant to expend. Dan Petritz RMS

]]> 2019-01-02 12:40:59 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/317027142 https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/322676027 If I had to choose one of the 4Cs that needed the most improvement in instruction, it would be critical thinking skills. It is an emerging skill in the school and the new curriculum is designed to promote and provide a path for developing this skill. This is a higher order skill that it is not truly evident within the school system. When I visit classes, there is evidence to suggest that students are moving in the right direction. However, students are in their infancy stages of apply creativity to every day learning, being able to reflect on the work and applying adaptable and evaluative skills, which are key component to thriving in a global society.  
Patricia Cameron-John
RIS]]> 2019-01-21 13:37:55 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/322676027 https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/322676773 Unlike the traditional industrial like setting, the building design lends itself to a unique way of learning. The open concept will allow all students to integrate with in the school and collaborate and communicate more effectively with their peers. 
Patricia Cameron-John, RIS]]> 2019-01-21 13:40:47 UTC https://padlet.com/joshua_adams7/5fx5oxjdrwtp/wish/322676773