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Teacher and FFA students share national conference experiences with North Polk board
Summary
A North Polk science teacher reported presenting at a national science conference on project-based learning; FFA students returned from the National FFA Convention and described tours, speakers and hands-on learning.
Two district presentations occupied the early portion of the Dec. 17 board meeting: North Polk High science teacher Aaron Dose summarized his recent presentation at a national science conference on project-based, hands-on learning; a delegation of FFA students recapped the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.
Dose described a class project in which freshmen design miniature earthquake-proof structures, a project he said "is the learning" rather than a summative assessment. He said project-based instruction reduced achievement gaps in his classes and that presenting at the national conference validated the classroom approach. He thanked the North Polk Foundation for funding the majority of the trip and suggested a rotational schedule for funding teacher conference travel.
Students and FFA advisors described tours of Traders Point Creamery and an Integrated Bioprocessing Lab at the University of Illinois, attendance at the 3 Hills Rodeo and hearing speakers including Temple Grandin. Multiple students highlighted the expo, networking with peers from other states, and hands-on tours as high points. One student reported the chapter has affiliation dues of about 130 members (107 high school and 22 8th-grade members reported by the chapter).
Why it matters: Presentations highlighted curricular innovation (project-based learning) and student leadership opportunities funded in part by the North Polk Foundation and district teacher-quality funds. Trustees praised the students and encouraged continued teacher professional development opportunities.
Next steps: Staff said the teacher can share his presentation materials and the district will continue to prioritize funding options for selective teacher travel through the teacher-quality process.
