ASKING QUESTIONS, EXPLORING OPTIONS, CHANGING THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION.

Making a Difference

Ready. Set. Action!

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A Senior Exhibition Update.

As I hurtled into May, everything seemed to be happening at once. The senior class was writing and presenting speeches, senior ex groups were creating powerpoints and most importantly groups were setting out on Social Action.

Social Action is a large component of the Senior Exhibition process. Because we have spent so much time researching social issues, our teachers challenge us to take what we have learned from that research and try and make an impact on our chosen issue. We are tasked with designing and implementing the project from start to finish, a monumental mission!

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Hippie Inspiration.

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There is nothing happier for some than to have their hands covered in soil, open wide to the blossom of life in the spring time. Gardening, landscaping, nature in general, it is a spiritual experience for many people, a satisfying hobby, lifestyle or job. For the Kennedy School of Sustainability, a high school in Cotton Grove, Oregon, a connection to sustainability and nature is how students are learning real-world skills, being engaged, loving learning and bettering their communities.

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For The Love Of Teachers.

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In my school district, our PTSA puts on a yearly “Teacher Appreciation Week.” During Teacher Appreciation Week students make cards, art, and other symbols of gratitude for their teachers. I vividly remember this week in elementary school because usually we surprised our teacher with our cards, and so the fun was in keeping the cards a secret until the day when we shocked our teacher with a tower of homemade “Thank You’s”. Teacher Appreciation Week became an expected holiday, much like Easter or President’s Day, until Middle School when it mysteriously disappeared.

Teacher Appreciation Week faded into the abyss of other things students lose when they enter middle school, similar to notes from Mom in your lunch box and field trips. To this day I wonder, why? How?

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What My Teacher Never Taught Me.

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In my final year of high school, I have had the opportunity to look back on my education. While gazing back at those years, and then turning to look forward, I can’t help but see a few…holes in my education. Practical holes. Things I feel that would have been beneficial to learn in school.

As I embarked on my first internship out in the world, skills I had never thought of as necessary were suddenly crucial to my success. In fact, before I even secured my internship my lack of ability was highlighted. Three things stood out to me as important pieces of information my education failed to address with me. Maybe these things should be taught everywhere, maybe I am unique in being without these skills, either way: here they go!

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Bidding Adieu.

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Quest Early College High School. Senior Exhibition Project. Journal Entry #7.

Hello bloggers! This will be my last weekly journal update, next week I will return to writing about current education news. Fear not! This insight into Senior Exhibition at Quest High is not over, I will continue writing journal updates, but they will be monthly. Now would be a good time to look back at my brief but eventful (and traumatic) record of events.

When senior ex began, I felt trepidation at the enormous commitment I had made with my group. I had sealed myself to three other strong women for my remaining five months in high school. Does that sound terrifying? Because it 100% was.

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