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March 15, 2023

Hands-on learning with John

SBE members visited Shelton High School this past week and met amazing educators and students participating in a learning community that is all about hands-on application and meeting standards.

John (video linked above) is a senior working toward a job at Vigor Industrial in Seattle, a company known for contributions to the aerospace, defense, energy, infrastructure, and maritime industries. He will use what he has learned from his relevant and engaging coursework to demonstrate he is ready for the workforce and to achieve his goals. Shelton School District is a great place to showcase how students are meeting standards and experiencing hands-on learning.

The science and math of sewing

Sarah (video linked below) is a CTE educator that sees her students using math and science skills in their creative projects during class. Students practice math, measuring, experimenting with textile chemistry, and more. Because her teaching style is so engaging and supportive, many of her students say she is their favorite teacher. 

SBE Board Chair, Bill Kallappa, recently wrote about the importance of hands-on learning in relation to the Board's request legislation, House Bill 1308 (adding a performance-based pathway). Special thanks to educators and Shelton High School staff Gretchen Maliska and Tyler Ramos for inviting SBE to this school where practicing hands-on learning does not diminish standards. Stay tuned! We have more stories to share in the coming weeks!

Show your support for featured educators and students on SBE's social media channels: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Highlights

We're Seeking a Western Washington Student Board Member (AWSL/SBE)

The truth about adding a performance-based pathway (by SBE Chair Bill Kallappa)

Painting Pathways to Trades (Building Industry Association of Washington)

Broad View

Evidence for Social and Emotional Learning in Schools (LPI)

The Language of “Privilege” Doesn’t Work (Inside Higher Ed)

Levers of Change: How State Policies Support District Innovation (Bellwether)

Around WA

From classroom to career. How some Pasco classes are changing students’ lives (Tri-City Herald)

WA teen keeps youth at root of environmental movement (Seattle Times)

Introducing Mastery-based Learning Collaborative members

SBE administers a grant program for schools demonstrating mastery-based learning principles in their learning environments. You can learn more about two of the schools on the Mastery-based Learning Collaborative community site.  GATES High School in Tacoma, and Innovation Lab High School in Bothell are the latest profile features. GATES is known for relationship-building. The first priority of all GATES staff is to continually reach out to build respectful relationships. Innovation Lab follows the district directive to develop creative, critical thinkers. Student agency and personalization make for learning successes at this forward-thinking school. Both schools are part of the founding cohort of the Mastery-based Learning Collaborative. We will showcase more profiles and stories from these schools in the coming weeks!

Keep up with our legislative work at sbe.wa.gov/waleg.