New performance-based learning plan will be applied to two local schools

ROCHESTER N.Y. (WROC) – Two local schools have been selected as testing grounds for a new educational program New York state is looking to roll out.

Irondequoit High School is among the 23 schools across the state chosen to implement a teaching method that mimics real-world situations.

PLAN pilot, or performance-based learning assessment networks is a program that will train educators on how to apply different ways of teaching and learning to their students.

Kim Cristal, Director of Humanities at West Irondequoit Schools, says the latest thinking is that leaning too heavily on standardized tests is not ideal. So, there’s a push for more educational tools that require students to apply what they’ve learned through things like projects and presentations.

“So, project-based learning and assessments matches that up a little bit more effectively. So, you have learning experiences in the classroom that prioritize critical thinking skills, research, writing, discourse, collaboration. Authentication of all of those skills to authentic real-world scenarios to all those things then let’s say what an assessment at the end of the year looked like to show can they do those things independently and to what extent,” she said.

Cristal says it’s honor to help put this new educational model developed by the state into practice within Irondequoit High School.

“NYS is going to work with our local BOCES to provide training around best practices in project-based learning and assessment, how to turnkey that training so that it’s not living only in this one bubble, and then connecting us with other schools in the state that are also doing this work so that we’re not functioning on an island. And then in our district we’re also going to add on some curriculum review,” she said.

This new model will be applied in different ways in different subjects but Cristal singled out history saying there will more of effort to have students connect the past to present situations.

“What do you think that impact is and what sense can you make of all of this. How does it relate to you. That I hope will be a powerful learning experience for our students,” she said.

Kim Cristal says the work hasn’t started yet; the goal is to gather their team together this summer to start curriculum work.

The other school selected from our area is within the Rochester City School District. They’ve chosen Padilla High School which is replacing Franklin High School.

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