Innovating for the Future: June 10 Community Bulletin

Big Picture Innovating For The Future

Community Bulletin #4 – June 10, 2024

We are continuing our efforts to more deeply implement the Big Picture Learning distinguishers.  Our School Success Study revealed celebrations and opportunities.  We have met with students, staff, and families, to gather more input. Our Steering Committee is learning together and establishing the priorities for our design work in the fall.

Success Study - Celebrations

The School Success Study conducted by Big Picture Learning Network in February identified several areas of strength within our school community. Examples include:

• A supportive, small community: Supportive teachers & peers, strong advisory relationships ​
• Internship program : A well-supported and resourced process, high percentage of high school students in internships
• Personalized learning: Students enjoy a hands-on, project-based learning (PBL) approach​
• Postsecondary preparation & support​: Accountability for high standards and personal goals

Success Study - Opportunities

Similarly, the School Success Study identified some core opportunities for improvement:

• Communication: Clarifying the school’s mission and vision, addressing and resolving misconceptions, and moving away from comparisons to other schools.
• MS-HS-Postsecondary Connections: sharing internship experiences with middle school students & families; compiling & sharing data about BBP graduates & their career paths.
• Personalization: Dedicating more time in the day for inquiry led by student interests (electives, clubs, interest-driven projects, student-driven advisory).
• Elevating Equity & Student Voice: Increasing student voice in leadership spaces; working proactively to maintain a safe and vibrant culture for all.

"I went to another school, and no one welcomed me or talked to me, but here they welcomed me and I made friends really easily. The teachers talk to your parents and look out for you. you get the help you need”

-Student, Succes Study Focus Group

 

Visits to Other Big Picture Schools - Gibson Ek (Issaquah)

On May 29 the Steering Committee spent the morning at Gibson Ek High School in Issaquah, part of the Big Picture Learning Network.  They toured the school, met with students, and explored how Issaquah puts Big Picture Learning principles into practice. We plan to schedule 1-2 additional visits next fall to other local BP schools and may conduct virtual visits to other BP schools to inform the design process.

What's Next

Our Steering Committee meets again on June 13 for its last meeting this school year. They will review the extensive community input gathered from students, families and staff over the past four (4) months and solidify the priorities that will guide our design work in the fall. Some staff members on the steering committee will attend Big Picture Learning’s annual “Big Bang” conference in Memphis, TN this July to deepen Big Picture understandings and connections.

The Timeline

We anticipate that an updated design will be proposed in winter 2025. Phase 1 implementation will start in fall 2025. There may be multiple implementation phases which will depend on what the new design components entail.

• February 2024 – School Success Study
• April/May 2024 - Community connection learning about distinguishers
• May-Aug- Design options v1
• September/October 2024 – Feedback on design v1 with community
• Nov/Dec 2025- Refine design based on community input
• January 2025 – Plan for implementation
• September 2025 – Phase 1 implementation

Contact Us

Contact Bethany Spinler at spinlerb@bsd405.org with any questions you may have.