Meghan Raftery

Financial Literacy IS Literacy

It is important to start teaching financial literacy at a young age, integrating it throughout student's educational journies. Learn how combining essential financial knowledge with project-based learning and real-world applications allows students […]

Transforming Social Studies Education with STEM, PBL & Real-World Connection

Learn how Eli Rollman, a 7th-grade social studies teacher at Creekland Middle School in Cherokee County School District in Northwest Georgia, implemented STEM-based PBL focused on the 4 C’s and connecting content to real-world problem-solving.

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Driving Student Outcomes Through Competency-Based Learning

Learn how Lindsay Unified School District, a rural school district located in California, created and implemented a competency-based, project-based learning system with the help of Defined Learning.

Lindsay Unified School District in Central […]

STEM is for Everyone

She may be the granddaughter, niece, and daughter of a math teacher and the twin sister of a math/science-oriented brother, but Jennifer Donais, K-8 STEM Coach at Amesbury Public Schools in Amesbury, Massachusetts did not consider herself a “STEM […]

Leveraging Technology to Engage Students in Meaningful Career-Focused Learning

After 12 years of teaching in Florida’s public school system, Brian Tupper’s principal let him know he was considered a “non-fiction reading teacher”, rather than a World Cultures and Geography teacher. Frustrated with the educational system, Tupper […]

One District's Approach to Transitioning to an Integrated Approach Through PBL

The motto for the Westminster School District is “Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.” This motto frames the work of all-district teams, including the Department of Educational Services. “Our goals are firm, but the means are flexible.” Lori […]

Changing the Culture of Professional Learning Through Micro-Credentialing

A deputy superintendent at a large district in Texas explains how her district is transforming professional learning through micro-credentialing.

With 54 school campuses and nearly 40,000 students, Richardson ISD has been recognized in Texas and […]

Research Shows Project Based Learning Accelerates Student Achievement

Project-Based Learning (PBL), an inquiry-based learning model that frames learning as challenges and focuses on student voice and choice, was the subject of four new studies released last month. From advanced placement high schoolers in Seattle and […]

Using Defined Learning to Empower Teachers to Shift Toward Design Thinking and Authentic Learning

“We have the best kids and the best teachers you’ll find anywhere.” While most people would say this about their schools, Pat Cooney, Assistant Superintendent of Student Learning for Plainfield Community School Corporation (PCSC) in Plainfield, […]

Propelling Forward With a Student-Centered Technology Lens

If there is one thing Tina Henckel, Director of STEM for Norwalk Public Schools in Norwalk, Connecticut knows, it’s how to pivot. Since 2018, Henckel and her team have been working to define what Project-Based Learning (PBL) looks like for Norwalk. […]