Giving Compass' Take:

• Project Based Learning that is delivered inequitably fails to live up to the potential of the method to produce students prepared for the innovation economy.

• How can existing Project Based Learning programs be evaluated and improved to ensure equity? How can new programs be constructed to ensure equity?

• Learn more about the criteria for High-Quality Project Based Learning.

Jefferson County Kentucky, which includes Louisville, is by far the largest in the state. The county school district serves over 100,000 students. Former Danville superintendent Dr. Carmen Coleman (featured here) is Chief Academic Officer (CAO). Dr. John Marshall is the Chief Equity Officer. The two work together to shape powerful and equitable learning experiences for students in Louisville.

At the heart of the Coleman-Marshall partnership is the notion that all students deserve deeper learning–a richer set of challenging experiences that prepare young people for the innovation economy. Project Based Learning is a productive way to develop deeper learning competencies.

For all students to exhibit high-quality work, they need the time and support (before and during projects) to develop the skills that allow them to contribute to high-quality work. Equity, as a result, demands access to high-quality Project Based Learning as well as strong academic supports.

Marshall stresses that deeper learning and equity are the same hand–not an opposing left and right. Coleman added that they are trying to expose as many people as possible to great teaching that embraces deeper learning and equity.

Read the full article on equity and Project Based Learning at Getting Smart