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Board experiences a 'mini‑slice' of the Denali learning model; Tri Valley students show CTE projects
Summary
Board members participated in a condensed professional‑development 'slice' led by Anna, experiencing a student perspective of an expedition‑style unit; Tri Valley students then presented CTE shop and trophy‑case projects to the board.
The evening opened with a 60–90 minute "mini‑slice" demonstration of the Denali learning model led by Anna (facilitator). Board members and staff completed a guided immersion: small‑group Venn‑diagram activities (technology, nature connection, well‑being), short readings (including Richard Louv and a TED talk transcript), and reflective exercises designed to let adults experience the unit from the student's perspective.
Anna framed two learning targets for the session: "I can experience the feel of a learning expedition" and "I can participate in student‑hat work." Participants wrote brief reflections, exchanged expert summaries on assigned texts, and added to a shared Venn diagram. Dan (superintendent) noted the slice's role in helping teachers design longer expeditions and described fieldwork and authentic presentation elements used in teacher training.
Students from Tri Valley's Career Tech class showcased ongoing projects — a trophy‑case remodel and an outbuilding/shed project — and described design challenges (twisted lumber, leaning cement pillars) and solutions. Board members toured the projects in the hallway and praised student craftsmanship.
The board and administration said the mini‑slice experience helped them understand professional development methods used with teachers and how pieces of an expedition can enrich existing field trips and curriculum.
