Recent ArticlesFormer CEO ‘reaching higher’ March 28, 2013 – Mark Jacobs, a native Iowan turned Texas CEO, returned to his home state after retirement and found a big drop in Iowa’s education standing over the last two decades. In an effort to turn that around, he is stumping the state in support of education reform. No commentsRead MoreProject-based learning works May 29, 2012 – The the results are in, and the data reveal what many have known: project-based learning works. In one Texas school district a high school is teaching every subject in every grade via project-based learning. The model is motivating students to pursue knowledge and it drives academic achievement. No commentsRead MoreTraditional classrooms aren’t working May 14, 2012 – “Traditional classrooms…really don’t reach every child,” says David Thornburg, award-winning futurist and author, “not because of teachers, not because of anything the teacher is doing, so much as the actual physical structure of the room.” In a new video from Edutopia, Thornburg talks about his “holodeck” classroom and why the role of the teacher must change from lecturer to exploration guide. 1 commentRead MoreDan Rather Reports ‘Finnish First’ May 7, 2012 – Over the past three decades Finland has transformed its schools from mediocre to consistently producing some of the world’s best-performing students. The country has virtually eliminated achievement gaps and has been at the top on international tests since 2001. No commentsRead MoreClassroom gaming gains popularity May 4, 2012 – For students in nearly half of K-8 classrooms digital gaming has become a regular and beneficial part of their study. Nearly half of teachers in grades K-8 are using digital games in their classrooms, according to a recent study, and a majority finds games promote student engagement, personalization of learning and collaboration. No commentsRead MoreCBE catches on at Prairie Lakes AEA May 3, 2012 – “Timing is everything,” the adage states. For some Iowa schools, the timing is right to break from the traditional high school model and pursue a better system—competency-based (CBE) pathways. A surprising number, 9 of 28 waiver requests, have come from Prairie Lakes AEA schools. No commentsRead MoreDebunking myths of online classes May 1, 2012 – Let’s say you are a parent trying to decide if online classes would benefit for your child. They sound great and it would allow your child the take a course that is not otherwise available at his/her school. But you’ve also heard some negatives, and are looking for accurate information. No commentsRead More |
InnovatorsProject-based learning works May 29, 2012 – The the results are in, and the data reveal what many have known: project-based learning works. In one Texas school district a high school is teaching every subject in every grade via project-based learning. The model is motivating students to pursue knowledge and it drives academic achievement. Read MoreWhat skills are businesses seeking? April 25, 2012 – Lawton-Bronson CSD is taking a proactive step in helping to prepare its students for 21st century jobs by asking prospective employers what skills they believe are important to the success of their businesses. The online survey asked employers to consider 11 applied skills… Read MoreSpirit Lake L.I.V.E. expands to J-Term March 22, 2012 – Almost one year ago, Iowa Future featured a story on Spirit Lake L.I.V.E. (Locally Integrated, Virtually Enhanced). This was a project-based learning pilot project involving 20 high school students. The success of last year’s pilot lead to this year’s J-Term which involved all students. Read More |
“Instead of a Taskmaster, I am a Learning Architect. Instead of an Assessor, I am a Coach.”
Kari Webb
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The world is changing.We need to change with it.That is why Iowa Future is promoting the need for innovation in education, sharing ideas from across the state and nation, and highlighting the work underway to prepare for the future. |
by Flying Hippo