We begin each relationship with understanding the needs of the community, teachers, admin and students. We work with you to understand the best way to integrate ROOTS2CHANGE Education into your classroom, school or district.
We start with the ROOTS of Place and the passions of the students and teachers. We then build curriculum, structures, and systems to support the integration of ROOTS2CHANGE Education education.
We help teachers connect with their students and community in an authentic and value adding way.
We build schools that are exciting places where the love of learning is the basis for all interactions.
WHAT WE DO
Roots2Change uses a project based learning design that can be tailored to any standards your school employs. We offer a relevant and authentic learning experience for your students where students meet real world competencies used in professional settings. We co-create rigorous curriculum with the teachers and students to ensure the curriculum is place-based and matches the passions of the participants. We provide service-learning opportunities for students to gain valuable experience, create curiosity through dialogue, and ensure quality assessment to gauge that competencies have been met.
CURRICULUM
Roots2Change uses reflective pedagogy that encourages students to critically think and problem solve from a holistic and systemic perspective. Students co-create the purpose and meaning of the projects in a way where they take ownership of their learning and engagement. Teachers are the guides and facilitators to this process to ensure the competencies are met. Through this process differentiation is possible to support students and maintain high standards. We also use the research method, appreciative inquiry, to highlight community needs.
INSTRUCTION
Roots2Change uses standard based assessment practices. This allows the students and teachers to understand the competencies that each activity is developing. With this understanding students feel confident and motivated in their learning. Students understand what is expected of them and thrive with developing the competencies in order to create change in their community. This assessment practice also allows the teachers to measure progress through the competencies and the standards of the school. We use formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment for both teachers and students to continuously gauge the student’s progress and growth. We also employ detailed rubrics that provide clear expectations for success and easier grading for teachers.
ASSESSMENT
The basis for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education is a multidisciplinary approach to education. In order for students to compete in a 21st century professional market, they must develop skills in each of these five areas.
STEAM
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Roots2Change is built on the premise that through student led projects they can change their community in positive ways. We bring a systems perspective of community change to all our projects. Therefore, each project is part of larger strategy to build the seven capitals of any community.
HIGH QUALITY
PRODUCTS
Students create value adding work for their community. High quality student products are the culmination of clear assessment practices that support the student and provide the teacher with strategies for improving instruction. These products demonstrate competencies in the skills needed by professionals in the workplace.
