Level I: Imagine the Change

Level I programs introduce new ways of reframing content and instruction through a lens of sustainable energy systems.  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 energy curriculum samples
• Assessment of faculty interest and needs
• Compilation of evaluation outcomes and meeting with leadership team to plan next steps

Example:  An educational institution is seeking ways to use renewable energy as a context to make units more relevant, rigorous, and project-based.  In a two-day workshop, Creative Change leads educators through hands-on activities on topics such as forms and types of energy, renewable energy systems, and carbon footprinting.  During the sessions, educators review age-specific curricula and resources, and evaluate ways projects such as a home energy audit can be integrated into existing instruction to meet math, science, and other goals.  After collecting data on faculty needs and interests, Creative Change meets with the leadership team to develop a plan for moving ahead. 

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Sustainable Energy Systems 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 strategic planning 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 develop a year-long plan focused on integrating a broad range of energy topics into existing core units.  After a planning phase, the initiative unfolds over a calendar year in three steps: A) On-site Professional Development, B) Curriculum Redesign, 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.  Activities include:

• Analysis of energy used in buildings, food systems, and other familiar contexts
• Labs and demonstrations to explore energy transfer and the science behind different renewable energy sources
• A role play examining cultural and economic aspects of global climate change agreements
• Energy auditing for schools and homes
• School- or community-based projects focused on retrofitting and conservation
• Critical analysis of energy coverage in the media and "greenwashing"

Through these activities, educators define how the content and approaches can improve learning at their grade level.  The staff then evaluates their existing units or courses and set goals for reshaping them.  The science and civics teachers collaborate on a unit exploring renewable energy options and policies affecting them.  The geography teacher supports this by examining global biomes and their role in carbon sequestration.  All efforts integrate social equity by exploring connections among democracy and the impacts of climate change.  The staff works together to generate authentic ways students can apply their learning, such as a school-wide energy audit, or a student-led initiative focused on helping local residents conserve energy. 

Step B) Putting ideas into practice: Curriculum redesign

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 instructional design tools and lessons from the 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.

As faculty continue their work in a learning community, Creative Change provides on-going support with instructional design, implementation and evaluation through phone, email, Webinars, and in-person meetings.  For example, Creative Change helps a teacher team connect with local energy 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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Sustainable Energy Systems Level III: Sustain the Change

Level III programs enable schools and districts to build internal capacity and institutionalize successful approaches.  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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