Albany County SD#1 launches five-person "extensions" team to expand project-, place- and inquiry-based learning

Albany County School District #1 trustees heard a detailed presentation on a new five-person "extensions" team designed to expand project-based, place-based and inquiry-based learning across district elementary and intermediate schools.

The extensions team — led by Andrea Hayden and including classroom representatives Joanne Mai, Emily Sanders, Jen Smith and Ryan Ball — will be housed at one host school per quarter (Linford in quarter 1, Slate in quarter 2, Indian Paintbrush in quarter 3 this year) and will both deliver direct student learning experiences and work collaboratively with classroom teachers to build capacity and reusable instructional materials.

The trustees were told the work is intended to add experiences "in addition to" core instruction, not replace it, and to broaden access so 100% of students can participate regardless of classroom or school. "Everyone learns in a different way," said Ryan Ball, the extensions intermediate teacher. "The traditional way doesn't work for all learners, and so I am just so excited to reach more students all over the district." Jennifer Smith, the team's art teacher, said the role lets her integrate art with core subjects: "...it's a great access point for students...the…