Sustainable by Design Level I: Imagine the Change

Level I programs introduce new ways of reframing content and instruction through a lens of ecological design, materials science, and product life cycles.  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 Sustainable by Design themes
• Age-specific Sustainable by Design curriculum samples
• Assessment of faculty interest and needs
• Compilation of evaluation outcomes and meeting with administration or planning team to identify next steps. Our capacity building framework guides an assessment of needs,  opportunities, and readiness.

Example:  An educational institution is seeking ways to integrate ecological principles and social equity into courses in design and technology.  In a two-day workshop, Creative Change engages educators in hands-on activities focused on life cycle analysis, ecological design principles, and the links between the economy and the environment.  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. 
Contact us and get a quote

Sustainable by Design 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 guided by our capacity building framework.
• 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 reframing core units around Sustainable by Design program themes of life cycle analysis, green design and social equity, and the policies to support this.  The initiative unfolds over a calendar year in three steps: A) on-site professional development, B) on-going support for instructional 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.  Approaches include:

• Concept mapping and life cycle analysis
• Labs to explore the properties of polymers, metals, fabrics and other materials
• Hands-on simulations of entropy and other scientific concepts
• Explorations of design principles used by plants and animals (‘biomimicry’)
• Critical analysis of ads and “greenwashing” techniques
• A role play examining labor issues
• Analysis of supply chains and leverage points for change

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.  The science and health teachers collaborate on a unit exploring electronics, disposal, and the health aspects of heavy metals.  An economics teacher focuses on subsidies and policies affecting the manufacturing of ‘greener’ computers and electronics recycling, while the geography teacher examines global aspects of e-waste and cultural attitudes affecting it.  All efforts integrate social equity by exploring connections among race, class and environmental risks. The staff works together to generate authentic ways students can apply their learning, such as a computer recycling campaign in partnership with the city, or student-led outreach to local citizens about environmental health.

Step B) On-going support for instructional 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 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

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 have evaluated the impacts of their work and are ready 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.
Contact us and get a quote

Sustainable by Design 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. Schools 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

Contact us and get a quote