Launching Your Modern Classroom
Teachers often ask us: "How should I introduce my Modern Classroom to my students, colleagues, administrators, and families?"
Here are a few strategies we recommend -- with resources you can use in your own community:
1) Start with an introductory mini-unit (Unit 0). The best way to introduce blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning is to get students engaged in it! To do this, record a few short videos that explain how your classroom will operate, and have students work through these at their own paces. Not only does it model what the rest of your content will look like, but a Unit 0 also provides a convenient resource to share with parents, administrators, and students who start mid-year. You can use our Unit 0 Slides Template to start building your own.
2) Develop clear systems and procedures from Day 1. Students in a Modern Classroom will need to master a new set of processes to be successful: they'll need to know where to access videos and notes, how to collect and submit work, when to work individually and collaboratively, etc. These are essential procedures for students to learn, but they'll take time and guidance to instill. Use our Classroom Organization Checklist to ensure that these systems are in place -- and that they'll be clearly communicated to students.
3) Prepare to share your model. Colleagues, administrators, and parents may be curious about what you're doing. To help communicate your approach in a clear and concise way, create a short handout that explains how your classroom works, and why you've chosen to set it up this way. This way, visitors will know what to expect when they enter your room. Try using our Visitor Handout Template is a starting point.