Program Evaluation
Big Push for small School Grant
We are the Evaluation Partners for the Big Push for Small Schools grant, an effort led by Getting Smart and made possible through funding from the Walton Family Foundation. The purpose of this grant is to catalyze innovation and growth in microschools in order to positively impact students and to support equity-focused, scalable, high-quality models. Our charge, as evaluators, is to understand each program’s unique innovation, the impact of the model on learners, and what might be scaled/replicated. Grantees were handpicked for their unwavering commitment to designing high-quality, innovation, scalability school models for students from diverse demographics. These programs collectively embody a vibrant array of modern educational methodologies. Explore their transformative journeys on Getting Smart’s Microschool Page where you can stay updated on this grant’s progress through ongoing blogs and podcasts.
Program Design
Jacob Burns Film Center
In partnership with the Burns’ Executive Director, M.J. Ziesel, and the Education Team, the DKDK Project conducted a holistic review of the film center’s educational programming. Building from JBFC’s existing programming and history of arts education, we designed a pedagogical approach and educational philosophy that will underpin all future programming. The DKDK Project is provided strategic support and guidance on the development of future programming that will deepen the Burns’ impact and reach. We also created a number of curriculums, including facilitator scripts, to be used with middle and high school aged learners.
Workshops
Klingenstein Susmmer Institute for Early-Career Teachers
In collaboration with the Klingenstein Center, Teachers College Columbia University, the DKDK Project will facilitate a workshop on Growth-Oriented Feedback at the Summer Institute for Early Career Teachers.
University of Chicago: Learning Beyond the Classroom Workshop (Chicago)
The DKDK Project, in partnership with The University of Chicago’s Office of Civic Engagement, the Institute for the Formation of Knowledge and the Center for Teaching and Learning, offers a reoccurring workshop focused on Learning Beyond the Classroom. This workshop invites educators from secondary, post-secondary and community-based settings to join us in Chicago for a three-day workshop focused on transformational teaching practices.
Avenues: New School of Thought Institute (SÃO PAULO, Brazil)
At Avenues São Paulo’s New School of Thought Institute, N-12 educators and practitioners–from São Paulo and around the world–have a chance to examine and develop the student-centered learning practices that lead to purpose-driven work.
Whether you teach in a public or independent school, are a school leader or administrator, specialize in technology, media, athletics or the arts, or simply share our burning desire to better understand student-centered learning, the New School of Thought Institute is for you.
Longer-Term Partnerships: Capacity Building and Project Management
Holland Hall
The DKDK Project is currently working with academic leaders at Holland Hall, including division heads, the Director of Teaching and Learning and all department chairs. the capacity of the group to work collaboratively and to lead the school forward. Over the course of several months, academic leaders attended in-person and virtual workshops in order to practice the skills and techniques that will allow them to collaboratively make progress towards a shared vision and lead the school in adaptive ways.
Elisabeth Morrow School
The DKDK Project engaged in multi-year partnership with the Elisabeth Morrow School. Working in collaboration with the faculty and the academic leadership of the school, we:
Explored and named changes in the educational landscape.
Articulated a shared, school-wide language of learning
Lay the foundation for a growth oriented adult culture
Rethought the faculty’s approach to professional development
The Hewitt school
In partnership with the the Associate Head for Learning and Innovation at the Hewitt School, the DKDK Project supported work aimed at meeting Hewitt’s strategic vision. Our partnership included:
Leading workshops on deep learning with Hewitt’s Learning Experience Design team
Partnering with academic leaders at the school to design place-based learning pilots, including the facilitation of a two-week, project-based intensive for students in Union Square
Designing middle school curriculum focused on building meta-cognition.
Conceptualizing and creating a core philosophy around learning design called “the wheel.”