Evidence suggests that Indiana's students are not
developing the critical-thinking and problem-solving
skills needed to be successful in the 21st Century. It
is time for Indiana schools to change how we do
business. We cannot improve students' problem-solving
skills simply by providing more of the same
teacher-centered curriculum. This project will develop
and implement a learner-centered and problem-based
curriculum, beginning in the sixth grade, focused on
collaborative construction of knowledge, in authentic
contexts, using technology.
The project aims to:
- Implement a holistic approach
to reform by directly involving all who impact or
are impacted by this effort (students, pre- and
in-service teachers, administrators, teacher
educators, parents, IDOE officials, business and
community leaders).
- Create and implement a
learner-centered and problem-based curriculum
utilizing portable technology, developed by teachers
in cooperation with other stakeholders, in alignment
with local, state, and national standards.
- Evaluate, institutionalize,
and disseminate results (processes and products) of
our efforts to others through the Internet,
professional presentations, and publications.
Partners include two leading universities (Purdue
University and Indiana University Purdue University in
Indianapolis), one large urban school (Indianapolis
Public Schools), a small rural school (Crawfordsville
Community Schools), the Indiana Department of Education,
and business partners. The partners will produce models
for curricular reform and professional development that
can be disseminated and replicated.
This project is funded as part of the U.S. Department
of Education's
Technology Innovation Challenge Grant
program.
For more information, contact:
Kathleen Keck,
Project Coordinator
Crawfordsville Community Schools
1000 Fairview Avenue
Crawfordsville, Indiana 47933
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