Students in the 21st century are expected to be prepared for the complexity of the workforce by the time they graduate from college. Unfortunately, many of my students are not even ready for college once they complete high school. Students are learning the skill of memorizing information and answering questions on a test. According to the 2010 IBM study "Capitalizing on Complexity", the most important skill expected of young professionals is creativity. The current model for teaching students in the classroom simply does not prepare our students to meet the challenges they can expect to see in the workforce. 

This year I will be co-teaching 9th grade environmental science as a special education teacher. In order to prepare students for college and beyond, we will be utilizing Project Based Learning in our classroom. "Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to a complex question, problem or challenge" (PBE). Using this method, students drive their own learning and gain important skills like critical thinking, analyzing, revising, and collaborating with others. This model requires technology for students to watch videos, conduct research and collaborate on assignments. 

Due to a lack of funding in our school, we are unable to consistently utilize this model in the classroom. We would like to have laptops in our classroom for students to utilize every day, especially given the technology-driven world we now live in. Every dollar raised for this cause will go directly to purchasing Chromebooks so that students can learn at their own pace and use the many skills that will benefit them once they go into the workforce. 

Thank you, 

Ms. Pritchett

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