This curricula for public-school students in kindergarten to third-grade establishes a new model of teaching called Investigative Learning (IL), and a new set of criteria for measuring the qualities that will help students thrive. Investigative Learning represents a paradigm shift from more traditional teaching methods, or directed learning, moving the responsibility for learning from teachers to students, who are encouraged to own their individual education and are provided opportunities to learn how to ask questions and seek answers. Ormondale Elementary School implemented IL in its classrooms after research and interviews with teachers, parents and students led to the development of the new curricula, tools and experiences.

Contact: Katie Clark: [email protected]

Credit: Hillary Carey, Colleen Cotter, Sandy Speicher and Jeremy Sutherland of IDEO and The faculty, staff and administration of Ormondale Elementary School 2006-2008 for Ormondale Elementary School