Learning Labs at Scottsboro Junior High
“It is
virtually impossible to create and sustain over time conditions for productive learning for students when
they do not exist for teachers” (pg. 145). Seymour Sarason (1990) from The Predictable Failure of Educational
Reform.
This year,
Scottsboro Junior High (SJH) has taken on a new positive challenge—Learning Labs.
They are using Learning Labs and Lesson Studies to make informed decisions
concerning student learning. This in-house professional development model incorporates
“learning by doing,” student evidence, and teacher collaboration among the
participants.
Their first
round with the labs were hosted by two math teachers with a focus on outcome
mastery as well as student engagement. The learning lab committee consisted of
various content specific teachers (history, ELA, science) and a special
education teacher. The student evidence collected was very eye opening. It was
also amazing how every teacher involved took something back no matter their
content area. This “productive learning” opportunity is proving to be very impactful
on our ultimate goal—student achievement.
Here are
some guiding principles and pictures of our work:
Guiding Principles for
Student-Centered Collaboration
• It’s about
student learning.
• Student
evidence always informs instructional planning.
• Norms are
set and participants are held accountable to the norms.
• Protocols
provide a clear structure for the meeting time.
• Ownership
is shared among group members.
