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Active Learning Framework champions celebrated
(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT -- March 28, 2016) — The Bowie High School dancers, drum line and Mariachi Orgullo greeted teachers before the board meeting Tuesday in celebration of their achievement in the Active Learning Framework — EPISD’s approach to teaching and learning in a 21st century setting.
“Today we are celebrating our teachers who have achieved Active Learning Best Practices badges and talk about all the great things they are doing in EPISD,” said Chief Academic Officer Tamekia Brown.
To earn an active learning badge, teachers must show evidence that they have mastered one of the 13 best practices areas. More than 300 EPISD teachers have earned the distinction to date.
Board president Trent Hatch and superintendent Juan Cabrera thanked the teachers for their efforts.
“We know that it requires a lot of work. We understand that, but once after I visit with teachers that have implemented it they say the kids are so much more engaged,” Cabrera said. “Thank you for your commitment. Thank you for all you do. This is just the beginning.”
The Active Learning Framework was created in collaboration with the community, hosting more than 50 input sessions to create a new graduate profile.
“We had over 2,000 community members identify what they wanted for EPISD graduates,” Brown said. “The Active Learning Framework was created so we can help our teachers design learning experiences that will help create these students that will accomplish these learning goals.”
Zach White Elementary School teacher Mayela Martinez, who was in the first cohort, has implemented active learning strategies in her fourth-grade class and has already seen a difference in her students.
“The biggest thing I have noticed is the enthusiasm of the children. They were surprised how much they were learning,” she said. “They are getting very creative with their projects. The sophistication has really surprised me.”
Martinez encourages other teachers to embrace active learning in their classrooms.
“It’s scary at the beginning to let go, but really quickly you are going to see how beneficial it is. Stay with it and trust that it works,” she said. “When I receive my badges I show my students and tell them it’s not just my doing but theirs as well,” she said. “It’s a celebration for all of us. We are all in it together.”
First-year teacher Jorge Curiel Jr. implemented active learning in his journalism class at Magoffin Middle School.
“It’s a good template for new teachers like myself,” he said. “It’s a good resource overall for all teachers about how we can better assess and help the students of today’s age.”
Martinez creates a contract with his students at the beginning of the year to create accountability and give them ownership of their learning.
“We give them an atmosphere and setting for them to see what the real world is going to be like,” he said. “It’s going to be an ethic they are going to garner and embellish as they get older.”
He was happy to be part of the celebration and being able to share that with his peers and former mentors.
“It’s really awesome. I just bumped into my elementary and high school principals. It’s great seeing everyone and celebrating,” Curiel said. “Some of us are old students of EPISD, and we came back to give back to the community. It feels great to be among everyone here.”
Photos by Leonel Monroy