SLC Design Studios
What Is a Design Studio?
Grounded in theories supporting contextual teaching and learning, peer to peer professional development, and learning in collaborative teams, Recreating Secondary Schools provide leadership in developing district and school-focused Design Studios. The purpose of these activities is to promote SLC implementation through a better understanding of how strong schools and district provide leadership and support to schools and staffs. A Design Studio Workshop is a professional development opportunity for teams of staff members from districts and large high schools implementing Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) to observe key elements of SLCs in action. Over two to three days, SLC Design Studios (DS) provide a structured, in-depth view of how promising are implemented in SLC districts and schools. Participants see a district or school in action and learn how they have successfully implemented their project goals and how staff members have developed into a high performance learning community for improving student learning. The DS process helps to deepen the understanding of SLCs by incorporating the principles of professional development including:
- Training, practice, and feedback; opportunities for individual reflection and group inquiry into practice; and coaching or other follow-up procedures
- Collaboration and interaction with peers that is school-based and embedded in teacher work
- A focus on students' learning, which should, in part, guide assessment of its effectiveness
- Providing adequate time and follow-up support to staff members
- An understanding of accessibility and inclusion for all student populations
SLC Design Studios are for teachers and administrators at SLC implementation sites undergoing a restructuring process to facilitate moving toward a learner-centered approach to school. During the DS, visiting teams engage in their own strategic thinking and develop an action plan for implementing and supporting their local SLCs.
Before, during and after the DS the visiting teams take on the role of SLC professional learning teams (PLTs). PLTs are small teams of educational stakeholders who come together to help each other improve classroom teaching and students' learning through the implementation of SLC strategies. A list of participating schools [pdf], along with electronic resources from Design Studios are available.
Participating in a Design Studio
Go to: SLC Calendar of EventsAbout This Project
Design Studios were developed by the NWREL while working with the federal Smaller Learning Communities Program. During their participation in this program NWREL helped large high schools of 1,000 or more students to create smaller, more personalized learning environments. Jobs for the Future, The JFF National Faculty, and the U.S. Department of Education's New American High Schools Initiative were instrumental in pioneering the Design Studio concept.
