ENGAGE - Saunders STEM transforming education
Saunders STEM - School-within-a-School
The open-concept space vibrated with the energy of focused activity. In one area, a group of Grade 9 students huddled around their "Project Canvas" graphic organizer on the wall beside them, animatedly discussing the design of a sustainable urban garden that integrated principles of math, science, and technology. Down the hall, a group of Grade 11 students presented their research on the socio-economic impact of artificial intelligence, their arguments woven with insights from English literature, Art and Computer studies. This was the reality of the "ENGAGE Saunders STEM program" - a revolutionary learning experience that had become a beacon of innovation within this high school.
I had the privilege of serving as the innovation coordinator, supporting the incredible classroom innovations taking place throughout the school board. The examples shared here are just snapshots of the extraordinary initiatives crafted by our wonderfully creative and dedicated educators in such a short time. Their achievements underscore the remarkable potential that unfolds when educators are provided with the time, space, and processes they need to succeed. I am grateful for the opportunity to facilitate these efforts and extend my deepest appreciation to those who do the day-to-day work with students, making these innovations a reality.
In Feb 2018, five visionary teachers - Ms. Vowels, the English enthusiast, Ms. Gaede, the math maestro, Mr. Takahashi, the science whiz, Mr. Prentice, the tech guru, and Mrs. Day, the champion of Civics and Careers - launched a daring experiment. They saw traditional high school education as a fragmented system that failed to engage students' natural curiosity and the interconnectedness of knowledge. With the unwavering support of their principal, Mr. White, they launched a school-within-a-school program for Grade 9 students, abolishing traditional subjects and periods in favor of a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach.
This remarkable endeavor, and the other bold sparks of inspiration around the school district, wouldn't have been possible without the visionary leadership of Laura Elliott, the School Board's Executive Director. Her unwavering belief in the power of innovation and her dedication to transforming public education created a fertile ground for this groundbreaking program to take root and flourish.
It's important to acknowledge the support of the entire Senior Team of Superintendents, whose collective wisdom and guidance paved the way for systemic change. However, it would be remiss not to mention the extraordinary contributions of Paul McKenzie, Superintendant and Innovation Lead, whose imagination, dedication, and brilliance (fueled, perhaps, by those legendary quadruple espresso shots) breathed life into this project
Their guiding light was the ENGAGE philosophy for learning, a framework that embraced:
the fluid, interconnected way the brain actually learns
a deep understanding of how the brain learns
students' natural curiosity
This program wasn't just about tearing down walls between subjects; it was about building bridges between ideas, skills, and real-world applications. The "Project Canvas" graphic organizer became the students' trusted companion, helping them:
visualize their learning journey
break down complex concepts
track their progress
The program's success was a testament to the fertile ground created by the leadership of Ms. Elliott, Mr. McKenzie, and Mr. White.
They were the champions of innovation, providing the teachers with:
the freedom and flexibility they needed to thrive
a culture of trust and collaboration
systemic support
Year after year, the program has blossomed. Some teachers stayed. Other teachers hove come and gone. Mr. Neilson replaced Ms Kahn who replaced Mr. White as the school Principal. Ms Elliott and Mr. McKenzie have moved on to lead other innovative projects. Amid it all, the COVID pandemic sent everyone home and into virtual learning mode. And yet - year after year student engagement soars, academic achievement flourishes, and a palpable sense of joy permeates the learning environment. Word spread, and soon other grade levels clamored for the ENGAGE experience. The program expanded, adding more sections for Grade 9 and creating new programs for Grades 10 and 11.
This story is more than just a happy anecdote; it's a powerful reminder of what's possible when we align educational practices with how the brain learns best. It highlights the need for:
dedicated time, space, and a process for teachers to innovate
a shift in mindset at the systemic level
administrative buy-in, support, and belief
adequate resources for professional development and exploration
When these elements come together, education transcends mere knowledge acquisition and becomes a transformative journey of exploration, connection, and empowerment.
RP
