Introduction to Project-Based Learning

	Tuesday, November 19, 2013; 9 am - 2 pm
	Marshall- SW/WC Service Cooperative
	Target Audience:  Teachers, Administrators, School Board and Community Members
	In Project-Based Learning (PBL) students go through an extended process of inquiry as they respond to a complex question, problem or challenge. Rigorous projects help students learn key academic content and practice collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.  PBL is a proven, research-based method, yet few educators have been trained on implementing a project-based approach in their school.
	Presenter: Keven Kroehler, Executive Director for EdVisions Schools started his experience with EdVisions in 1997 when he took an advisor position at the Minnesota New Country School (MNCS). Keven had the opportunity to watch MNCS struggle, then grow and flourish and from the inside until 2005 when he joined a team to open EdVisions Off-Campus Charter School (EOC).  He has been co-director/advisor for EOC since its inception.  Moving away from direct contact with students is difficult for Keven, but having the chance to impact far more students by doing the work of educational reform provides the excitement and challenge Keven needs.  Specific experience that Keven had includes: 25 years of being a teacher, 11 years of school finance, 12 years working as an advisor in student centered project-based schools, 24 years of technology, charter school director for 5 years, and a member of EdVisions Schools board for 10 years. High school students from New Country School will also be participating in the presentation to give their first-hand impressions of learning through the PBL method. This will be the first in a series of workshops for educators over the next few years. Depending on the response we may offer this introductory workshop multiple times. We encourage educators to come in pairs or small teams, so they will have support when they return to their district.