National Program Visits ACPS to Support Project-Based Learning

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) division leaders, school administrators, teachers and students came together to celebrate the impact of Project-Based Learning (PBL) during a recent PBLWorks site visit. This event highlighted the progress ACPS has made in providing engaging, authentic learning experiences to ACPS students and provided a platform to launch the new high school academies model. The academies are designed to lead for equity and empowerment, inspiring all students to thrive.

 

At ACPS, we believe that PBL plays a vital role in advancing educational equity, empowering each student to discover their strengths and possibilities. Our vision for the 2024-25 school year focuses on the driving question: How can we build coherence, culture and capacity in ACPS to ensure that every student experiences learning that is challenging, authentic and collaborative?

 

During the PBLWorks site visit, participants explored this question, while celebrating the implementation of PBL across the division. Through interactive panels and a tour of the newly constructed Alexandria City High School (ACHS) - Minnie Howard campus, guests gained valuable insights into how PBL is transforming the learning environment.

 

One of the most impactful moments of the visit was the student panel, where ACHS students shared reflections on their learning journeys through PBL. Students highlighted the meaningful projects they have worked on, the skills they developed and the challenges they overcame along the way. Their insights underscored the power of PBL to engage students in hands-on, real-world problem-solving that extends far beyond traditional classroom assignments.

 

The teacher panel – “PBL Sparkplugs” – was equally inspiring and moving. Teachers shared stories of projects that stood out to them, shifts in their instructional practices as a result of PBL training and the profound, positive impact PBL has had on their students. Many teachers were visibly emotional as they spoke about the growth and accomplishments of their students, reflecting on how these experiences had touched their hearts. Their reflections emphasized the importance of offering a collaborative and innovative learning environment for all students.

 

The site visit, coordinated by the Department of Teaching, Learning and Leadership, secondary principals and in collaboration with PBLWorks staff, fostered a shared understanding and commitment to advancing Project-Based Learning throughout ACPS.