From Classroom Questions to Community Solutions: Empowering Students Through Local Problems
“WHEN Will I ever use this in my life?” That is the eternal classroom question. One powerful way to bridge the gap between school and life is by connecting mandated curriculum to local problems. When students see how their learning applies to the world around them, it becomes more impactful. That belief led me to…
A Message from Gay Krause
I hope that each of you and your families are staying safe and healthy. The Krause Center for Innovation on the Foothill Campus is closed, but our staff is working from home offices connected through technology and providing our classes online and initiating amended methods to continue our work. Like you, we read the countless…
Computer Science Programs Continue to Draw Educators
KCI recognized the need for computer science professional development programs over four years ago, even as schools and districts were still trying to determine how CS fits within their curriculum offerings. Last September, the State Board of Education adopted California’s first-ever computer science standards. Although not mandatory, these standards are expected to increase the number…
KCI Conducts Three Summer Math Programs
KCI tripled down on math professional learning programs for educators this summer, with programs geared for 4th-5thgrade teachers, 6th-10thgrade teachers, and a new audience of preservice teachers, earning teaching credentials at San Jose State University. First up, the EMPowered program took place July 12-19, led by experienced math teachers Cristina Bustamante (KCI’s math programs director) and…
KCI’s NGSS Program Supports the New Standards for Science
Clunk! Swish! Tong… TONG! These are the sounds participants in the KCI NGSS Program hear as they bump ordinary clothes hangers, connected to short pieces of string, against different surfaces in the classroom. After two minutes of self-directed exploration, the students are “hooked” by this phenomenon! Questions begin to form: Why are the sounds so…
KCI Makerspace Coordinator Program a Hit
Over fifty people are on track to receive their Makerspace Coordinator Certificates after the KCI held three, week-long intensives this summer. The Certificate marks the completion of 18 units of coursework, and is one of only two in California that is state approved. Participants hailed from all over California and came from many diverse backgrounds,…
The New MERIT Program 2.0
The MERIT program launched with a new name this year: Making Education Relevant through Innovative Teaching. A total of 42 educators from all over the Bay Area, California, and beyond (coming from as far away as Hawaii and El Salvador) gathered together at KCI for a two-week summer intensive in July. This marked the beginning…