Board approves Phase 2 transformational-learning grants; teachers and students to expand competency-based learning
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Summary
Trustees approved Phase 2 transformational-learning grant applications after a presentation on Phase 1 accomplishments, including a teacher residency and student projects at Sentinel. Phase 2 funding will support scaling learner-centered, proficiency-based instruction and CTE/work-based pathways.
The board unanimously approved transformational-learning Phase 2 grant applications after a report from Pam Wright, director of transformational learning, and teacher Ezra Shearer.
Wright summarized Phase 1 achievements: a summer educator residency for teachers (22 educators served, 11 schools represented), classroom implementations including proficiency-based math blocks and an ethics-and-AI high-school unit, and teacher-led projects such as a student-run podcast and business projects. The district reported improvements in the Leader in Me survey and use of adaptive tools that produce individualized learning paths.
Ezra Shearer described Sentinel’s student-led project ("Sentinel at 70"), where students organized campus trees, fundraising and a capital campaign, and learned practical skills such as running a campaign and project planning. Shearer said students will continue with a phase 2 campaign to establish outdoor classrooms and campus improvements.
Phase 2 (two-year) goals include district alignment on the graduate profile, expanded learner-centered experiences and micro-schools, better measures beyond standardized test scores, and stronger college-and-career pathways with more work-based learning. Trustees asked about sustainability and data; Wright said the grant includes scorecards and benchmarking using adaptive tools (Exact Path) and that districts will present progress to the state interim education committee as part of the grant reporting requirements.
Trustees expressed support for the approach and asked staff to prioritize evaluation metrics that demonstrate outcomes to legislators and the public. Approval will allow the district to begin implementing Phase 2 strategies in the coming school year.