What inspired you to write this book Acacia?
Think about your K-12 AND collegiate schooling experience. How often did you engage in research and inquiry around a topic that you were truly excited about? As early as kindergarten, I was fond of sports, Michelangelo, traveling, holidays, food and different cultures. However, I rarely got the opportunity to study topics in school that were relevant and interesting to me. Once I had the means to inspire change in pedagogical practices, it became my passion to do so. I turned my dissertation on project-based learning (PBL) into a published book. I wanted to equip educators with a turnkey, cost-effective curriculum that accounts for planning, managing and assessing PBL. My intentions were to create an interdisciplinary PBL model that motivates students, amplifies student potential, and transforms instruction. The ultimate goal? Push the boundaries of what’s possible for teaching and learning.
As schools experience unparalleled cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity, educators are tasked with contextualizing learning for various student populations. Responding to these diverse needs is paramount if schools are to equitably serve all students. When equity is at the center of learning, all students benefit. PBL is one model for reducing curricular barriers and enhancing equity through exposure and opportunity. Allowing students to engage in authentic, student-centered experiences expands their ability to think creatively and innovatively. PBL is one avenue for cultivating these outcomes. Students develop their own understanding of the world through inquiry, research, problem-solving, reflecting and presenting content. Students go deeper for conceptual knowledge because they can study any topic, in any discipline. Equally important is integrating the arts and raising awareness around environmental, social, and economic issues. PBL offers a balanced education that elevates student consciousness around critical issues.
RRISE UP and foster an unforgettable PBL experience for today’s students.
Project-Based Learning Across The Disciplines
By Acacia M. Warren
Plan, Manage and Assess Through +1 Pedagogy
*Also available at Amazon.com
Resources
Project-Based Learning Presentation
Project-Based Learning Unit
This is what Dr. Warren is reading this month.
Ruchika Tulshyan - “Inclusion on Purpose...”
Few would disagree that inclusion is both the right thing to do and good for business. Then why are we so terrible at it? If we believe in the morality and the profitability of including people of diverse and underestimated backgrounds in the workplace, why don’t we do it? Because, explains Ruchika Tulshyan in this eye-opening book, we don’t realize that inclusion takes awareness, intention, and regular practice. Inclusion doesn’t just happen; we have to work at it.
Tulshyan centers the workplace experience of women of color, who are subject to both gender and racial bias. It is at the intersection of gender and race, she shows, that we discover the kind of inclusion policies that benefit all. She explains why “leaning in” doesn’t work—and dismantling structural bias does; warns against hiring for “culture fit,” arguing for “culture add” instead; and emphasizes the importance of psychological safety in the workplace—you need to know that your organization has your back.
This is what Dr. Warren is reading this month.
Pedro A. Noguera - “The Trouble with Black Boys...” because the pressures, stereotypes, and patterns of failure that Black males experience often begin in school. Throughout the United States, Black males are more likely than any other group in American society to be punished, labeled, categorized for special education, and to experience academic failure.
What can we do? Understanding and debunking racial stereotypes, breaking down racial separations, and challenging the hidden curriculum are challenges not just for teachers but for principals, administrators, and entire school communities. Get the book and support authors who identify with, relate to, and use their agency to support marginalized groups in society.
This is what Dr. Warren is reading this month.
Delvin Warren - Itty Bitty Boat Boat Boat
This STEAM book is designed to educate and introduce kids to the exciting world of shipping and maritime careers. Kids will enjoy learning about different boats and the cargo they transport. The book includes a QR code with the Itty Bitty Boat song. Kids can listen to the song as they read. Have fun as you journey into the maritime world! Bon voyage!
Itty Bitty Boat Boat Boat is inclusive, enjoyable, colorful, and a MUST read for students, teachers, and parents. The STEAMC chart, maritime careers, and glossary of terms are great resources that are included in the book. Get the book and support Black authors who identify with, relate to, and use their agency to highlight marginalized groups in society. Click here to learn more about the author and illustrator (Montae Scott).
2023 Events
April 22, 2023
PBL Presentation
Hilton Columbus/Polaris, Columbus, OH
Dr. Warren's workshop is entitled, "Advancing Equity, Social Justice, and Inclusion Through Project-Based Learning". She will provide K-12 educators with a research-based PBL framework that reimagines literacy through diverse student interests and social justice topics. Attendees will receive sample PBL units and templates that highlight sports, climate change, folktales, movies, action heroes, and other culturally relevant projects.
This workshop also addresses the current literacy crisis within the Black community and presents three fundamental questions: 1) Why does equity, social justice, and inclusion matter? 2) How do we push the boundaries of what’s possible with literacy and PBL? and 3) What essential skills do we want students to know and apply in the real world? Participants will receive turnkey steps and strategies for building student capacity in action research in the digital age. The process for creating a PBL unit for any topic in any discipline using the +1 Pedagogy framework will also be further explored.
Click here to view the conference schedule. Click here to see the list of presenters.
March 17, 2023
Meet the Authors - Featuring Dr. Acacia Warren
Palm Springs Convention Center
Join us in Palm Springs for the ultimate educator experience! Be inspired, connect with fellow educators, and learn about the latest ideas in teaching and learning and the best educational technology for your classroom!
Dr. Warren will speak on a panel with other authors on March 17th. She will discuss her book on project-based learning and share insights about integrating technology into the classroom. Click here to watch a special edition of Meet the Authors on YouTube with Dr. Warren!
2022 Events
50th Annual NABSE Conference - December 1, 2022
Advancing Literacy, Social Justice, and Inclusion Through Project-Based Learning
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor, Maryland
Dr. Warren will provide K-12 educators with a PBL framework that reimagines literacy (traditional and digital) through diverse interests and social justice topics. This workshop addresses the current literacy crisis within Black communities. Attendees will learn now to integrate high interest reading materials (i.e., sports and entertainment, fashion, social unrest, social media, and travel), action research and methodology that targets the strongest predictors of student achievement.
NABSE = National Alliance of Black School Educators
April 22, 2022
Educators' Perceptions of Middle Level Education in a State Without a Middle Level Teacher Credential
San Diego Convention Center
Dr. Warren and her team of co-presenters will present a roundtable discussion on the topic of Middle Level Education. They will present their research on proposing a Middle Level Credential (Grades 6-8) for California. Currently, 45 States offer this credential - California does not. Click here for the article (p. 14) that Dr. Warren co-authored.
It's important that we RRISE UP with other educators to advance our causes.
March 7 & 8, 2022
Educators' Perceptions of Middle Level Education in a State Without a Middle Level Teacher Credential
Citizen Hotel in Sacramento
Dr. Warren is heading to the California State Capital to meet with policymakers from various legislative offices to generate conversations related to a new Middle Level Credential (Grades 6-8) for California. Currently, 45 States offer this credential - California does not. Click here for the article (p. 14) that Dr. Warren co-authored.
It's important that we RRISE UP with policymakers to advance our causes.
Click here to find your CA State Legislature
Click here for the CA Senate Education Committee
Click here for the CA Assembly Education Committee
Click here for an Overview of the Legislative Process
March 30, 2022 - 4:45 pm to 6:45 pm
Advancing Multilingualism, Equity, and Social Justice Through Project-Based Learning
2-Hour Institute - Brochure
Dr. Warren will lead this institute/workshop to maximize teacher collaboration in designing an interdisciplinary project-based learning unit that advances multilingualism, equity, and social justice. Participants will explore the +1 Pedagogy framework in greater depth as they create a PBL unit for any topic in any discipline. Participants will be inspired to reimagine student agency, action research, and 21st Century Skills for the post-COVID classroom. A Google folder with sample units, templates, and resources from Dr. Warren’s book will be shared.
Participants can enter a raffle to receive Dr. Warren’s book.
This workshop embraces the principles set by the California Department of Education's description of equity:"Ensuring equity in education is a necessary component in narrowing the achievement gap. Teachers and school leaders ensure equity by recognizing, respecting, and attending to the diverse strengths and challenges of the students they serve. High-quality schools are able to differentiate instruction, services, and resource distribution to respond effectively to the diverse needs of their students, with the aim of ensuring that all students are able to learn and thrive."