Seeking new ways to engage students, deepen understanding, and emphasize student centered learning, Meridian Elementary replaced traditional parent conferences with student-led conferences. Meridian staff worked with students to identify learning targets, set goals, and support students in self-monitoring their progress in hopes of further developing a culture in which students are empowered and at the center of their learning.

During the conference, students explained their progress toward and mastery of academic areas and Habits of Success (work habits). Students justified their progress by leading their families through a portfolio of their work and data folders they developed. Students developed their speaking skills while sharing their personal goals, self-identified struggles and successes.

Watching the students overcome their nerves, find their voice, and lead their own conference was empowering for all of us and validated what we knew…learning is a personal journey, and the one expert to report out on that journey is the learner.

Kudos to the Meridian staff! Through a little risk taking and a lot of collaboration, you’ve created a priceless experience for our students and their families!

Michelle Hayes, Principal
Meridian Elementary School

The day before Thanksgiving Break, Madison’s fourth and fifth grade students enjoyed an amazing opportunity courtesy of ArtReach and Knockaround sunglasses. Thanks to teacher Holly Gledhill, Madison has benefitted from a long and productive relationship with ArtReach. For the past 3 years they have been teaching art classes to our first grade students. This year they came to work with our fourth and fifth graders on designing sunglasses. ArtReach has partnered with Knockaround Sunglasses to let students create designs that will be sold to raise money for the ArtReach programs in schools.

The designers from Knockaround shared design ideas with our students, guided them to list at least three design themes, and then turned students loose with colored pencils to design their own sunglasses. Students had to name their design and provide a brief explanation. One fifth grader named his design The Four Elements and wrote, “The right arm is blue to represent diamond. The outside of the lenses are gold. The lenses are dark to protect your eyes and represent obsidian. The left arm is green to represent emerald.”

If you happen by a stand of Knockaround sunglasses designed by students, pick up a pair to support the work professional artists do with kids!

Christine Sphar, Principal
Madison Elementary School

Exemplars nationwide feature how innovation makes learning possible for all students.

El Cajon, CA December 1, 2015 – P21, the leading organization advocating for 21st century learning for every student, has designated Montgomery Middle School as an exemplar school, as part of a nationwide initiative identifying models of exemplary 21st century learning practices that are preparing students for success across the United States.

Now entering its 4th year, P21’s 21st Century Learning Exemplar Program shares case studies of schools and districts that have successfully transformed student learning through innovative and transformative practices that include collaborative teaching and learning, distributed leadership, student voice and choice, engaged community partnerships, a climate of achievement, and evidence-based practices into teacher practice, curriculum, assessment, and professional development.

The 2016 21st Century Learning Exemplars, including Montgomery Middle School were selected along with 17 schools and 2 districts through a rigorous application process, and evaluated for educational excellence and 21st century learning implementation.

“The staff at Montgomery is dedicated to providing a unique learning experience for each student, in order to prepare them for life and career skills” said Dr. Jacqueline Luzak, Principal of Montgomery Middle School. “While working together, the staff models the skills of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity that they teach to our students in their daily lessons.”

“Every student deserves to experience authentic 21st century learning” said Dr. Helen Soulé, P21 Executive Director. “P21 is proud to highlight the hard work exhibited by all P21 Exemplars as they redefine what teaching and learning means for students and educators in a world where learning doesn’t stop.”

Case studies on schools just announced, including Montgomery Middle School will be unveiled in 2016. All PreK-12 schools in the U.S. are eligible to be considered for the Exemplar Program and encouraged to apply between December 1 – January 15 at www.P21.org/apply.

Visit www.p21.org/exemplars for a list of all Exemplars, case studies, powerful learning stories, podcasts, videos, and more. #PatternsofInnovation

P21 media contact:
Tatyana Warrick ( tatyana@p21.org / 202-312-6430)

School/district media contact:
Jacqueline Luzak, Principal
luzakj@cajonvalley.net

School overview:
Montgomery Middle School is an International Baccalaureate school that provides an environment of collaboration, innovative technology use, and inquiry based problem solving, all set in real world situations for a diverse population of students.

P21 recognizes that all learners need educational experiences in school and beyond, from cradle to career, to build knowledge and skills for success in a globally and digitally interconnected world. Representing over 5 million members of the global workforce, P21 is a catalyst organization uniting business, government and education leaders from the U.S. and abroad to advance evidence-based education policy and practice and to make innovative teaching and learning a reality for all. Learn more at www.p21.org and @P21Learning