Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wilmington Learning Collaborative topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wilmington Learning Collaborative highlights teacher microgrants, 'magical Monday' pilots at Brandywine schools
Summary
Dr. Burgos of the Wilmington Learning Collaborative told the Brandywine School District board about microgrants up to $2,500, reimagined school-day pilots at nine schools and staff-development programs that the WLC says are improving Praxis pass rates and retention.
Dr. Burgos, executive director of the Wilmington Learning Collaborative, told the Brandywine School District Board of Education that the cross-district network has been piloting changes to the school day and supporting teacher innovation with microgrants and professional programs.
The presentation, delivered during special recognitions, described three pillars of the WLC’s work—"Students first, connected schools, and purposeful partnerships"—and gave examples of classroom projects and staff supports. "This year, all WLC educators were able to apply for up to $2,500 microgrants to pursue innovative ideas," Burgos said, citing projects such as "Wearable Stories," where students design conductive bracelets and integrate STEM with social studies, and a fourth-grade "Math Lab" that pairs structured games with reflective writing.
Burgos also described pilot scheduling experiments aimed at giving students access to community partners during the school day. "So something you may notice if you visit, Harlan on a Magical Monday is students engaging in coding, children learning how to play chess and competing against each other," Burgos said, describing how the approach exposes students to cross-disciplinary activities while carving out uninterrupted professional learning time for educators.
The WLC presentation included outcome metrics the network said it is tracking: Burgos reported that 14 participant educators had successfully passed a total of 16 Praxis exams to date and that a teacher-leader design fellowship saw a 79% retention rate into its second year. She also noted ongoing programs for paraprofessionals preparing for Praxis and a "college unbound" pathway for aspiring educators.
Board members asked for clarification about WLC finances and slide dating during the Q&A. Burgos said some slides were dated and that the WLC is reconciling fiscal-year timing with district finance officers; she offered to provide updated slides. The district’s finance presenter later reported that $418,000 in WLC funds remained encumbered for projects including playground work and "Magical Monday" expenses.
The presentation concluded with a preview of upcoming learning walks and principal convenings intended to replicate promising practices across the nine WLC schools.
