I was reminded last week of the power of persistence, practice and failure.  For ETC,  the 7th graders have been challenged to design or redesign a product for our MJDS Invention Convention Showcase in June.   On this second day of work, the room was abuzz with students brainstorming, sharing ideas, debating, and sketching.  After circulating the room and connecting with each student it struck me that every student was engaged in a truly meaningful way–EVERY STUDENT.  Every student was collaborating effectively.  Every student was thinking deeply.  Every student was taking risks and challenging each other.  Every student was excited about learning.   It was a moment where everything that we have been trying to get students to do during ETC finally clicked.

These students have spent several years learning and thinking in this way. During this time, they have had the opportunity to make mistakes, fail, try again and practice and develop higher order thinking skills.  Providing students with these opportunities and teaching in this way can be messy and giving students control of their learning can be overwhelming.  But, last week taught me that what we are doing at MJDS is working.  Students are developing skills that allow them to be creators, to be innovators, to be problem solvers, and to be communicators.  I’m so proud to be a part of this amazing learning community.