E5 – Connecting Authentic PBL with District Goals and Initiatives

• Ryan outlines key strategies for connecting PBL with district goals and initiatives:
• Identify District, Community, and Other Supports: Analyze the existing support systems within your community and school landscape.
• Determine areas where support is strong and where additional resources or partnerships may be needed.
• Secure support from key stakeholders, such as assistant superintendents, who can champion and protect your PBL efforts.

Intertwine PBL with Existing Initiatives:

• Leverage district initiatives such as Social Emotional Learning (SEL) to enhance PBL implementation. PBL provides a natural framework for developing SEL competencies through its collaborative and student-centered approach.
• Make PBL the “Dinner Plate”: Instead of viewing PBL as an additional burden on teachers, position it as the foundation upon which other initiatives can be seamlessly integrated. Utilize the “Dinner Plate Protocol” to visually demonstrate how PBL can encompass various district mandates, including curriculum goals, personalized learning, differentiated instruction, real-world learning, employability skills, and the Profile of a Graduate.
• Articulate Your “Why PBL” and “Why Now”: Clearly define the rationale behind implementing PBL in your school and its connection to district goals. Draw upon research and resources to support your argument. Emphasize the importance of preparing students for future-ready skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and agency, in an era of rapid technological advancements and evolving job markets.

Communicating the Value of PBL:

• To ensure the long-term success of PBL, effective communication is key:
• Present PBL to the School Board: Showcase successful PBL projects to the school board, involving students in the presentations. This not only highlights the impact of PBL but also educates the board about its principles and benefits.
• Engage in Dialogue with District Leadership: Proactively communicate with district leaders to ensure that PBL implementation aligns with their vision and priorities. Advocate for flexibility within district mandates to allow for the innovative approaches inherent in PBL.

Key Takeaways for Administrators:

• Aligning PBL with district goals and initiatives is crucial for securing support, resources, and long-term sustainability.
• Positioning PBL as the foundation for other initiatives, rather than an add-on, helps to streamline efforts and reduce teacher workload. Clearly articulating the “Why PBL” and “Why Now” message, supported by research and real-world examples, helps to build buy-in from stakeholders. Proactive communication with district leaders and the school board is essential for ensuring alignment and advocating for the flexibility needed to implement high-quality PBL.

The episode concludes with a reminder to consider joining a book study for “PBL Simplified” to gain momentum for your PBL work and build a shared understanding within your leadership team.

Resources

PBL Simplified Book Study and Resources

Magnify Learning – www.magnifypbl.com