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Overview
Teachers in successful small schools challenge students with rigorous authentic work, which research shows can lead to higher test scores. Teachers also work hard to achieve a focused, coherent instructional program, which can also lead to higher gains in student achievement.
In small schools, teachers create personalized relationships with their students. Teachers use this deeper knowledge of students to create learning opportunities for students based on students' needs and interests.
Small schools provide an ideal environment for project-based learning ranging from class-based, teacher-designed projects to whole school design. Project-based learning is distinct from the typical classroom experience in that it is holistic in scope and depth and offers students choice in their learning through teacher-developed projects or student-derived projects. Check out how Washington high school teachers are creating project-based learning opportunities for their students.
In order to support and sustain their practice, teachers work with their colleagues in adult learning communities where they can look at student work and examine their classroom practice.
To support you in your efforts to examine classroom practice within a small school context, the Small Schools Project published two resources. Picturing the Possibilities is a video series and support materials for classroom teachers which provides real examples of powerful teaching and learning. Planning Resource Guides is a collection of promising teaching and learning resources where you'll find web-based resources, school profiles, sample classroom activities, professional development options, and recommended readings.
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