The Forest Hills Board of Education held a Regular Board of Education Meeting on May 8, 2023, focusing on the progress and impact of Project-Based Learning (PBL) within the district. The meeting began with Principal Amy Burton Major welcoming attendees and emphasizing the importance of engaging students through real-world projects that foster curiosity and collaboration.

Patty Talley, a sixth-grade teacher at Central Woodlands, expressed gratitude to the board for their support, highlighting a $20,000 grant received from the STEM network. This funding was allocated to enhance PBL initiatives, including transportation for a significant field trip to Sutton Bay and training for teachers in project-based methodologies. Talley noted that several teachers had already completed training, with plans for the entire sixth-grade staff to participate in future sessions.

Fifth-grade teachers Amy and Leslie shared insights from their recent training at Kent ISD, focusing on the creative sequence process integral to PBL. They explained that this process guides students through five stages, starting with a driving question that shapes their learning experience. Leslie provided an example of a driving question developed by her students during a physical science unit, which aimed to deepen their understanding of matter.

The presentation included contributions from fifth graders Gautam and Olivia, who discussed the protocols used in PBL to enhance student engagement and learning. Gautam explained how these protocols facilitate meaningful conversations and allow students to express their ideas and insights.

The meeting underscored the district's commitment to innovative teaching methods and the positive outcomes of PBL in fostering student engagement and collaboration. The board's support for these initiatives reflects a broader goal of enhancing educational experiences for all students in the Forest Hills district.