School Transformation for Learner Engagement

“At a time when everyone seems to have an opinion on education, The Rowland Foundation had the faith and wisdom to ask Vermont teachers for their ideas on how to improve our schools. The Rowland Fellowship is a great opportunity for Vermont schools and a vote of confidence for dedicated educators working to change schools from the ground up.”

If you walk down the halls of any high school you will notice that some students don’t want to be there. And anyone who has seen how some students truly resent going to school must wonder what happened to the exuberant first-graders they once were. Why do so many children who loved elementary school seem to struggle in high school? At just the moment when students need to build advanced skills for college or a career, why do so many seem to think that high school is a waste of time? Of course young people will always crave freedom, and maybe there will always be “senioritis”, but this shouldn’t mean that they can only escape high school by graduating early or dropping out.

And students who don’t want to be there create significant challenges to a school’s climate.

The goal of Mike Martin’s Rowland Foundation Fellowship is to create a school transformation pilot program at Champlain Valley Union High School composed of the following: an interdisciplinary team of excellent teachers, community experience, rigorous standards, flexible scheduling, and the best in information and communication technology.

Mike is spending his sabbatical semester to conduct research, complete relevant graduate coursework at the University of Vermont, and visit schools where similar school transformation programs exist. In the hopes of designing a global education strand, Mike will also visit Senegal to lay the groundwork for a sister school relationship in West Africa.

Mike’s work with a transformation team of CVU teachers last year culminated in a two-day Transformation Seminar at the Hilton Burlington. Teachers and students presented their findings and recommendations to school board members, parents, students, administrators, and other Vermont educators. Speakers included VT Commissioner of Education Armando Vilaseca, Deputy Commissioner Rae Ann Knopf, and CVU Principal Sean McMannon.

As a part-time teacher leader this year, Mike has continued to help with his school’s transformation work and to contribute new research as a UVM EdD student. Mike has also helped facilitate the 2010-11 CVU professional development strands which have been dedicated to improving communication around student learning, establishing authentic assessment practices, and designing extended learning opportunities for students.