Level I: Imagine the Change

Level I programs introduce new ways of reframing content and instruction through a lens of sustainable economics.  Participants envision and define possibilities for change as they experience approaches they can replicate in their own classes.  A typical package includes:

• 1-2 days of on-site professional development introducing core energy themes
• Age-specific economics curriculum samples
• Assessment of faculty interest and needs
• Compilation of evaluation outcomes and meeting with administration or planning team to identify next steps

Example:  An educational institution is seeking ways to introduce environmental sustainability and social equity into its economics programs.  In a two-day workshop, Creative Change engages educators in hands-on activities that explore a “triple bottom line” perspective of environmental, economic and social wellbeing.  Topics explored include the relationship between human and natural systems, the “Commons,” economic models and indicators, and policies to advance sustainability.  Educators review age-specific curricula and resources, and evaluate ways the approaches can be integrated into existing instruction to meet achievement goals.  After collecting data on faculty impressions and interests, Creative Change meets with the leadership team to develop a plan for moving ahead. 
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Economics for the Common Good Level II: Begin the Change

Level II programs provide a mix of in-depth content knowledge, multimedia resources, and follow up support as educators begin to create “makeovers” for units or courses.  Spread over a year or more, a typical package includes:

• Needs assessment and goal-setting with staff/leadership team
• 3-5 day of on-site professional development
• 3-5 days of follow-up support and planning assistance
• Group subscription to the Curriculum and Resource Center
• On-line evaluation; compilation and reporting of outcomes
• Recognition and promotion through our Affiliate Network

Example: After completing the Level I program, the same institution works with Creative Change to map out a year-long initiative focused on restructuring economic and business courses to have a “triple bottom line” perspective.  The initiative unfolds over a calendar year in three steps: A) on-site professional development, B) on-going support to staff and faculty, and C) evaluation and communication.

Step A) On-site Professional Development

Workshops begin by immersing teachers in content knowledge and research-based pedagogical strategies. To model effective approaches, the sessions engage staff in hands-on activities they can replicate with their students, followed by thoughtful analysis and discussion.  Approaches include:

• Simulations that demonstrate entropy, regeneration, and other concepts central to a sustainable economy
• Role plays and simulations examining global trade issues such as colonialism and the WTO
• Research and analysis of policies and incentives that can advance sustainability
• Analysis of the GDP, indicators for sustainability, and their application in the community
• School- or community-based projects focused on supporting the local economy
• Critical analysis of media techniques used by opponents of sustainability
• Ethical explorations of core assumptions underlying different economic worldviews

Through these activities, educators define how the content and approaches can improve learning at their grade level.  Staff then evaluates their existing units or courses and set goals for reshaping them.  A science teacher integrates hands-on activities to demonstrate entropy and regeneration, and supports the economics teacher to use apply this knowledge to an analysis of economic models.  A business teacher decides to collaborate with local businesses in an analysis of the regional economy.  An economic course adds a new focus comparing the GDP to indicators of sustainability.  In language arts, reasoning and rhetorical techniques are applied to analyze ideological opposition to sustainability and the underlying cultural assumptions.   All efforts integrate social equity by exploring connections among race, class, and economic inequality.  The staff works together to generate authentic ways students can apply their learning, such as examining school policies and their impacts on the local economy.

Putting ideas into practice

The PD now shifts to the on-the-ground work of redesigning the units based on the goals set.  Creative Change’s approach to instructional design provides educators with a process and framework for planning units that start with students’ experiences, build an integrated knowledge base, and culminate in meaningful civic engagement.  In-depth workshop materials and multimedia curriculum resources from the on-line Curriculum and Resource Center support teachers as they

• Align instruction and assessment around “Big Ideas” that integrate disciplines while meeting required content.
• Develop questioning strategies to promote critical thinking.
• Support literacy and writing skills through content instruction.
• Design and use assessments that have a real audience and purpose.

More on our approach to content, pedagogy and instructional design

Step B) On-going support throughout the year

As faculty continue their work in a learning community approach, Creative Change provides on-going planning support through phone, email, and in-person meetings. Support strategies include unit planning, developing assessments, and evaluation support.  For example, Creative Change helps a teacher team connect with local stakeholders, and develops specialized assessment tools to ensure the project meets achievement goals.

Step C) Evaluation and documentation

By the end of the year, the educators’ efforts have resulted in a collection of instructional modules that demonstrate best practices in content and pedagogy.  The faculty has evaluated the impacts of its work and wants to replicate the approaches in other areas of the curriculum.  To support this, Creative Change compiles pictures, reports, presentations and other documentation in order to communicate results to the district- or organizational leadership team and provide models for replication.  Based on the success of the work, the collaboration with Creative Change grows to other departments or schools through a Level III program.
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Economics for the Common Good Level III: Sustain the Change

Level III programs enable schools and districts to deepen instructional change by building internal capacity to institutionalize successful approaches and/or integrate additional Creative Change programs. Clients gain training, resources and strategic planning assistance focused on preparing an internal team to lead, evaluate, and sustain instructional change.  These packages, spread over two or more years, typically include

• Multiple days of on-site professional development focused on “training the trainer” (preparing staff to lead internal PD)
• Strategic planning assistance to set and monitor goals.
• Technical support with evaluation, documentation results, and communication materials
• On-going promotion as part of the Creative Change Affiliate Network
• On-going communication and planning with administration/leadership team

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