IMAGINATION ABOUNDS at the ALLEN ISD STEAM CENTER Dalane Bouillion, Ed.D., Principal of Educational Planning
Some environments naturally lend themselves to student agency. The other night at dinner, seated outdoors, I watched a brother and sister methodically working a rock bed that existed just beyond the dining tables. Carefully examining the rock choices before them, they made selections to accomplish their mission. They exchanged rocks as they also engaged in dialogue during the process. They assembled a nice strong pile based on the parameters they set for themselves as determinants for quality, analyzing each to ensure they met their expectations. The final outcome of the rock selection is unknown to me, as I did not want to intrude, or disrupt their learning. What I observed were two self-driven young learners diligently working to meet self-initiated unwritten goals. They exhibited student agency in a lesson they designed for themselves. Learning at the Allen ISD STEAM Center exemplifies student agency. Students selfinitiate outdoors learning in pursuit of goals driven by their interests and set under the guidance of teachers to ensure standards alignment. The district mission “Allen ISD cultivates innovation in education that
empowers every learner to realize his or her full potential” implies that student agency is expected. Due to the intentional visioning journey for the multitude of learning environments that exist at the Allen ISD STEAM Center, student agency is realized daily, especially at the man-made pond, which serves as a “living laboratory for students to experience multiple unique habitats associated with permanent water. It is designed for amphibious animals, small fish, and aquatic plants. Pond edge planting also helps with erosion control and acts as a barrier, teaching students about prevention of erosion and sediment filtration” indicated Jennifer Wilhelm, Assistant Superintendent of Learner Services. When students interact with this environment, they internalize the importance of habitat and how it affects their lives. They demonstrate curiosity, and are fearless with inquiry.
When students interact with this environment, they internalize the importance of habitat and how it affects their lives. They demonstrate curiosity, and are fearless with inquiry.
EXPERIENCE | Vol. 7
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