What inspired you to write this book Acacia?
Think about your K-12 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 youth.
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.
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.
Christian Robinson - “You Matter” because we all matter to someone!
For anyone who isn't sure if they matter. You do. The small stuff too small to see. Those who swim with the tide - and those who don't. The first to go and the last. You matter.
You Matter is a New York Times Bestseller, an Indie Bestseller, a Barnes and Noble Best Picture Book of 2020, and a Publisher's Weekly Best Book of 2020.
Christian Robinson also illustrated The Bench by Megan, Duchess of Sussex. This book is also a New York Times Bestseller.
Get the book and support authors who identify with, relate to, and use their agency to highlight marginalized groups in society. Click here to access Christian's website.
2022 Events
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."