|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Home |
Students |
Educators |
Families |
Communities |
Applied Learning
Applied learning is a means for both student engagement and workforce development. It is dependent on curriculum, instruction and assessment that infuse opportunities for students to acquire and practice skills needed for success as a student, as a worker and as a citizen. Starting in the earliest grades, applied learning makes content relevant and contextual. It gives students experiences in authentic, real-world problems that prepare them for these same issues in life beyond school. Applied learning encourages student responsibility, allows students to pursue their passions, and fosters life-long learning. Applied learning envelops a spectrum of activities that should be woven seamlessly into the curriculum. These activities range from a short individual classroom experience to an extended team project involving a community partner. Applied learning has many facets which open doors for partnerships with families, businesses and the community.
The Rhode Island Diploma System has requirements that students demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking, problem solving, research, communication, decision making, interpreting information, analytic reasoning, personal and social responsibility. Under the Diploma System, applied learning has two interrelated goals: to extend and transform what students learn and to enhance the role of students in their own learning. RIDE's guidance to Rhode Island school districts about applied learning in the Rhode Island Diploma System included the following graphic.
The Rhode Island Statewide Curriculum supports applied learning through its model lessons, videos and resources. The Grade Level and Grade Span Expectations that are the organizer of the Statewide Curriculum specify the content and skills critical to applied learning. All components of the Statewide Curriculum emphasize the simultaneous acquisition of content knowledge and applied learning skills.
Applied Learning is the foundation of several key national and state documents including:
Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS)
http://wdr.doleta.gov/SCANS/
The SCANS Report delineated competencies, skills and personal qualities that encompass basic literacy and numeracy; critical and creative thinking, reasoning and problem solving; technology; interpersonal relationships; and, personal responsibility.
The Regulations of the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education Regarding High School and Ensuring Literacy for Students Entering High School (2003)
http://www.ride.ri.gov/HighSchoolReform/hsregulations.aspx
Fueled by input from two high school summits, the Regents instituted a set of requirements for all Rhode Island districts. One requirement is that all districts"incorporate applied learning for all students through classroom, work-related and/or community service experiences".
Top of Page
|