Incorporating Career Relevance in the Classroom

For almost a decade I’ve started the school year by asking my urban elementary students to draw a picture of what they think a scientist does at work all day. When I walk around the room, I often see pictures of white-haired men dressed in lab coats […]

How PBL Builds Portrait of a Graduate Competencies Part 3: Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Innovation & Creativity

In my first post in this series, “Why PBL is Key to Meeting Portrait of a Graduate Goals” I argued that project-based learning is one of the most effective ways to build the student competencies commonly listed on graduate portraits. In the second […]

How PBL Builds Portrait of a Graduate Competencies Part 2: Academic Knowledge & Skills and Career Readiness

In my last post, “Why PBL is Key to Meeting Portrait of a Graduate Goals” I made the case for using project-based learning to build the student competencies commonly listed on graduate portraits created by schools and districts. In this and two […]

3 Ideas for Promoting Collaboration in the Classroom

Collaboration is being open to each other's ideas and benefiting from each other's perspectives in an open way”. - Alan Menken 

Preparing our students for the future means that we need to continue to learn more about the types of jobs that are in […]

Keeping Girls in STEM: 5 Engaging Math Projects

Now that students are back in the school routine, it is the perfect time to ramp up the energy in your classroom with PBL. October 11^th is International Day of the Girl Child and it provides a good opportunity to make sure your female students are […]

7 Ways Hands-On Computer-Science Learning Prepares Students for the Future

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 13% growth in computer and IT occupations between 2020 and 2030. Yet many students — especially those in underrepresented groups — are not given the opportunity to learn computer science. Now is the time for […]

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 […]

Defined Announces Computer Science Curriculum Solution for K-12 Schools

Defined launches new computer science curriculum resources to create opportunities and expand career pathways for all students.

CHICAGO, IL (Tuesday, July 20, 2022) — Defined, the leading online provider of project-based learning (PBL) curricula […]

How to Prepare CTE Students for Technology’s Changing Landscape

Districts across the country revise and rewrite their academic visions, goals, and strategic plans every year. Professional development (PD) for administrators is embedded, and if the district has a comprehensive strategy for teacher PD, best […]

Preparing for the Future with Emerging Technologies

The world is constantly changing which means that in our work as educators, we need to continue to push ourselves to learn about the innovations happening in the world. We are in the position to help students to build skills in the right areas so […]