Upcoming PBL Events

ONLINE PBL WORKSHOPS

PBL ONLINE BOOK STUDIES

OTHER ONLINE BOOK STUDIES

PBL PLC Series
“We Want a PBL Learning Community!” You asked for it, you got it!
PBLers - both new and experienced, have been asking for a way to stay connected this year as most of us will likely be embarking upon some type of digital PBL journey with our students. We know this is daunting and can feel lonely. PBLMatters is proud to create a FREE PBL PLC (professional learning community) series to help you be successful. Our goal is to connect you with PBL experts in the field and to establish a community of fellow PBL teachers that can routinely meet and share questions, solutions, and strategies. Each PBL PLC session will have a specialized topic and begin with an introduction by a featured guest speaker with time for Q/A and breakout sessions with other teachers.

Place Based Learning in the Online or Face-to-Face Classroom
November 4, 2020 | 7:00-8:00 pm EST [register here] FREE!
The virtual resources provided by national parks and public land agencies create limitless opportunities for PBL teachers - but only if you know where to find them and how to use them. Join PBL expert and national park guide James Fester as he shares FREE resources and methods for incorporating these gems in ways that spark student curiosity and reinforce the authenticity of your projects. Whether you're teaching online or in person, you'll have no trouble integrating virtual learning experiences into your next PBL project after attending this workshop! A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

Strategies for Embedding Equity and SEL into PBL
November 18, 2020 | 7:00-8:00 pm EST [register here] FREE!
For projects to be engaging for all learners, educators must also consider the social and emotional learning (SEL) of their students. This requires savvy lessons that focus on equity, incorporate sound teaching strategies, and be social enough for the most digitally connected students. Join education coach Jorge Valenzuela for a session that will provide you pro tips, resources, and actionable steps to help you level up both your virtual and face to face PBL units by focusing on equity and SEL in tandem with academics. You can listen to Jorge on this new episode of the Tackling Tech Podcast discussing PBL, SEL, teacher prep and computer science. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

Assessment 101 in the PBL Classroom: Assessing Throughout a Project
November 17, 2020-January 6, 2021 [register here]
Fee: $149 for Assessment 101
$275 Bundle Price for both 101 and 201 (save $23!)
Assessment in the PBL classroom is daunting for most teachers. Facilitated by Jenn Reid, an expert PBL coach from the Dayton Regional STEM School, this 15-hour asynchronous online course will explore how teachers create and use assessment throughout project-based learning, and not simply view assessment as just a final product. Various forms of formative assessment will be explored as well as tools to use when teaching PBL remotely. It is important to bring a PBL unit idea (with a driving question and final product) to this online workshop so participants can receive support in developing an assessment plan for their PBL unit that measures student growth in content and success skills.

Graduate Credit: One semester-hour of Ashland University graduate credit is available for an additional $249 fee, upon the successful completion of this course. Fairfield County educators may purchase one semester-hour of graduate credit at a reduced fee of $195. Please email rengel@fairfieldesc.org for a graduate credit registration link.

Assessment 201 in the PBL Classroom: Creating Student Centered Assessments
January 7-January 28, 2021 [register here]
Fee: $149 for Assessment 201
$275 Bundle Price for both 201 and 101 (save $23!)
Designed for participants that have taken Assessment 101, this 15-hour asynchronous online workshop will focus on creating student-centered assessments. Participants will explore the use of high-quality critique, self-assessment, and reflection as assessment tools during project-based learning. Facilitated by Jenn Reid, an expert PBL coach from the Dayton Regional STEM School, participants will explore examples of each of these assessments and learn best practices for using these successfully to engage students in rich learning. Participants will use voice and choice to develop a final product that is specific to the PBL unit they developed in Assessment 101 that will help them implement student-centered assessments throughout their PBL unit.

Graduate Credit: One semester-hour of Ashland University graduate credit is available for an additional $249 fee, upon the successful completion of this course. Fairfield County educators may purchase one semester-hour of graduate credit at a reduced fee of $195. Please email rengel@fairfieldesc.org for a graduate credit registration link.

PBL Splash: An Introduction to PBL Design
October 20, 2020-January 3, 2021 | online workshop [register here]
Fee: $149
How are "projects" different from "project based learning"? Many people think they mean the same. Want to learn how they are different? PBL Splash is a fantastic introductory course for learning some basic principles for how to design PBL. Using the Driving Question "How might I begin incorporating PBL design in my classroom?", participants will engage in a combination of readings and videos that will take them in a deep dive into each of the PBL gold standard design elements. While learning about each design element, participants will draft a rough framework for a PBL unit you could teach in your own classroom. Facilitated by Teresa Dempsey, this 15-hour online course is asynchronous so you can engage in the course anytime from anywhere.

One-hour Ashland University graduate credit is available for $249. Register for graduate credit here.
Fairfield County ESC member districts may purchase one hour of Ashland University graduate credit at the discounted rate of $195. [Please email rengel@fairfieldesc.org for registration link]

PBL Plunge: Creating New Spaces for PBL to Thrive
October 2-October 25, 2020 [register here]
October 30-November 22, 2020  [register here]
November 20-December 20, 2020  [register here]
December 21, 2020-January 24, 2021   [register here]
Fee: $175 per participant
Want to know what it's like to experience PBL as a student in an online classroom? Facilitated by Jenn Reid, this 15-hour asynchronous online course immerses teachers from the start as a student. Teachers will gain unique insights into the student learning experience to consider as they design and implement PBL for their own classroom, including modeling how project-based learning can be facilitated online. The “student project” for this course focuses on using classroom/school design to support social emotional learning for your school community.

PBL in the Early Childhood Classroom:
Planning Authentic Projects for our Youngest Learners
Saturday, November 14, 2020
9:00 am-12:00 pm EST or 1:00-4:00 pm EST  [register here]
Fee: $59 per session - choose one half-day live, synchronous online option
Implementing PBL with young children (grades PreK-2) requires an integrated curricular approach that helps students understand the relevance of what they are learning. During this workshop, we will share our own learner-centered, inquiry-based approach to planning for integration in a PBL unit. This three-layered approach empowers teachers to create meaningful learning experiences that guide the sustained inquiry process, including three specific elements (1) inquiry, (2) investigation, and (3) experimentation. When children readily engage in research opportunities by way of first-hand, authentic experiences, they discover connections between the content, their interests, and the world beyond the classroom.  During this workshop you will:

Examine the definition of PBL to understand the difference between themes, projects, and Project Based Learning through an early childhood lens.
Acknowledge possible misconceptions and assumptions about the way young children can successfully engage in PBL, particularly as they relate to inquiry and integration.
Incorporate existing curricula and schedules while leveraging children’s interests and questions in order to sustain inquiry over the course of a project.
Redefine the concept of “research” to include authentic investigations, experimentation, inquiry and learning experiences that build on young children’s natural curiosity and sense of wonder.

Facilitators: Sara Lev, Amanda Clark and Erin Starkey
Audience: PreK-2 educators

Implementing PBL in Early Childhood | Online Book Study
October 20, 2020-January 3, 2021 [register here]
Fee: $125.00
PBL does work in early childhood classrooms. PBL in Pre-K through 2nd grade is rife with assumptions, misconceptions, and perceived barriers that have prevented its widespread implementation. Implementing Project Based Learning in Early Childhood breaks down these barriers, offering teachers and leaders at various stages of PBL implementation the tools, resources, instructional strategies, and suggestions needed to dispel the myths and discover the truth. Full of practical approaches and strategies, the authors encourage you to consider your current practices from new perspectives while “Reflect and Connect” sections provide opportunities to think through your questions, make connections to your current practices, and plan your next steps. Educators will gain a deep understanding of PBL in early childhood and build their confidence to engage ALL students in high quality PBL.

This 15-hour online book study is self-paced for users to complete at their convenience during the time period. Participants must purchase their own copy of Implementing PBL in Early Childhood, and will need a Gmail account to participate. Use the code PBL30 at checkout to save 30% on the purchase of this book, using this link: https://bit.ly/ImplementingPBLinEC (save $6.35 versus Amazon's price!)

One-hour Ashland University graduate credit is available for $249. [Please email rengel@fairfieldesc.org for registration link]
Fairfield County ESC member districts may purchase one hour of Ashland University graduate credit at the discounted rate of $195. [Please email rengel@fairfieldesc.org for registration link]

Bold School | Online Book Study
October 20-January 3, 2021 [register here]
Fee: $125
Fee is waived for Amanda Clearcreek, Berne Union, Bloom-Carroll, and Walnut Township.
Join us for a study of blended learning instructional strategies based on the book Bold School. We will focus on combining high effect-size instructional strategies with digital tools to help ease the transition to blended and/or distance-learning. Teachers will have an opportunity to dive into new technologies and utilize the Bold School Framework for Strategic Blended Learning™ to plan effective lessons for their future classroom. With a Bold School mindset, every teacher is capable of finally delivering on the promise of blended learning!

This 15-hour online book study is self-paced for users to complete at their convenience during the time period, and meets the 15 clock-hour gifted HQPD requirement.  Participants must purchase their own copy of Blended Learning that Works and will need a Gmail account to participate. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a certificate that states they met the Ohio Gifted HQPD 15 clock hour requirement.
One-hour Ashland University graduate credit available for $249.
One-hour Ashland University graduate credit available to Fairfield County member district employees for $195.  Please email rengel@fairfieldesc.org for registration link.

Balance with Blended Learning | Online Book Study
October 20-January 3, 2021 [register here]
Fee: $125
Fee is waived for Amanda Clearcreek, Berne Union, Bloom-Carroll, and Walnut Township.
Join us for a study focused on empowering student ownership, individualized learning, and increasing student engagement in a blended learning environment, all while managing time demands on the teacher. We will explore practical strategies, templates, and resources that can be used for effective instruction in an online environment, as well as helpful how-to's for getting started with technology tools!

This 15-hour online book study is self-paced for users to complete at their convenience during the time period, and meets the 15 clock-hour gifted HQPD requirement.  Participants must purchase their own copy of Balance with Blended Learning and will need a Gmail account to participate. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a certificate that states they met the Ohio Gifted HQPD 15 clock hour requirement.
One-hour Ashland University graduate credit available for $249.
One-hour Ashland University graduate credit available to Fairfield County member district employees for $195.  Please email rengel@fairfieldesc.org for registration link.

All Learning is Social and Emotional | Online Book Study
October 20, 2020-January 3, 2021 | [register here]
Fee: $125.00
Fee is waived for Amanda Clearcreek, Berne Union, Bloom-Carroll, and Walnut Township.
To many, SEL is an isolated “program” separate from academics. The truth is, all learning is social and emotional. If you want all kids to get what they need to thrive, this book offers a solution of how SEL can easily integrate into everyday content instruction, no matter what subject or grade level you teach.

Along with a toolbox of strategies, you’ll find real-life examples highlighting the opportunities for SEL within your curriculum. This book’s integrated SEL approach will help your students build essential skills that will serve them in the classroom and throughout their lives. You’ll learn the hows and whys of:
- Building students’ sense of identity and confidence in their ability to learn, overcome challenge, and influence the world around them.
- Helping students identify, describe and integrate their emotional responses.
- Promoting the cognitive regulation skills critical to decision making and problem solving.
- Fostering students’ social skills, including teamwork and sharing, and their ability to establish and repair relationships.
- Equipping students to become informed and involved citizens.

This 15-hour online book study is self-paced for users to complete at their convenience, and meets the 15 clock-hour gifted HQPD requirement. Participants must purchase their own copy of All Learning is Social and Emotional and will need a Gmail account to participate. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a certificate that states they met the Ohio Gifted HQPD 15 clock hour requirement.

Personalized Learning | Online Book Study
October 20, 2020-January 3, 2021 | [register here]
Fee: $125.00
Fee is waived for Amanda Clearcreek, Berne Union, Bloom-Carroll, and Walnut Township.
Based on their exciting work in the field, Kallick and Zmuda map out a transformative model of personalization that puts students at the center and asks them to employ the set of dispositions for engagement and learning known as the Habits of Mind. They share the perspectives of educators engaged in this work; highlight the habits that empower students to pursue aspirations, investigate problems, design solutions, chase curiosities, and create performances; and provide tools and recommendations for adjusting classroom practices to facilitate learning that is self-directed, dynamic, sometimes messy, and always meaningful.

This 15-hour online book study is self-paced for users to complete at their convenience, and meets the 15 clock-hour gifted HQPD requirement. Participants must purchase their own copy of Personalized Learning with Habits of Mind. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a certificate that states they met the Ohio Gifted HQPD 15 clock hour requirement.

Fostering Resilient Learners | Online Book Study
October 20, 2020-January 3, 2021 | [register here]
Fee: $125.00
Grounded in research and the authors' experience working with trauma-affected students and their teachers, Fostering Resilient Learners will help you cultivate a trauma-sensitive learning environment for students across all content areas, grade levels, and educational settings. As an educator, you face the impact of trauma in the classroom every day. Let this book be your guide to seeking solutions rather than dwelling on problems, building relationships that allow students to grow, thrive, and—most assuredly—learn at high levels. The authors—a mental health therapist and a veteran principal—provide proven, reliable strategies to help you:

1. Understand what trauma is and how it hinders the learning, motivation, and success of all students in the classroom.
2. Build strong relationships and create a safe space to enable students to learn at high levels.
3. Adopt a strengths-based approach that leads you to recalibrate how you view destructive student behaviors and to perceive what students need to break negative cycles.
4. Head off frustration and burnout with essential self-care techniques that will help you and your students flourish.

This 15-hour online book study is self-paced for users to complete at their convenience. Participants must purchase their own copy of Fostering Resilient Learners.

Project Based Teaching Practices | Online Book Study
October 20, 2020-January 3, 2021 | [register here]
Fee: $125.00
Fee is waived for Amanda Clearcreek, Berne Union, Bloom-Carroll, and Walnut Township.
Whether you are new to Project Based Learning (PBL) or a seasoned PBL practitioner, this book highlights PBLWorks' seven Gold Standard Teaching Practices that support a PBL student-centered learning environment. The book is full of practical tips from practicing PBL teachers that are easy to start implementing immediately. It also features accompanying videos that show some of the featured PBL teachers in-action modeling the teaching practices with students in their classrooms.

This 15-hour online book study is self-paced for users to complete at their convenience, and meets the 15 clock-hour gifted HQPD requirement. Participants must purchase their own copy of Project Based Teaching and will need a Gmail account to participate. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a certificate that states they met the Ohio Gifted HQPD 15 clock hour requirement.

One-hour Ashland University graduate credit available for $249. Register for graduate credit here.
One-hour Ashland University graduate credit available to Fairfield County member district employees for $195. Please email rengel@fairfieldesc.org for registration link.

PBL in the Math Classroom | Online Book Study
October 20, 2020-January 3, 2021 | [register here]
Fee: $125.00
Fee is waived for Amanda Clearcreek, Berne Union, Bloom-Carroll, and Walnut Township.
Mathematics in the PBL classroom can be tricky. PBL in the Math Classroom describes how PBL and inquiry work together in a math classroom and includes structures, processes and strategies for creating those experiences in your own classroom. The book also includes sample projects to implement or to inspire you to create your own.

This 15-hour online book study--facilitated by an experienced PBL math teacher; PBL coach, and a Gifted Coordinator--is self-paced for users to complete at their convenience. Participants must purchase their own copy of PBL in the Math Classroom and will need a personal Gmail account--ending in @gmail.com--to participate. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a certificate that states they met the Ohio Gifted HQPD 15 clock hour requirement.

Just Ask Us: Kids Speak Out on Student Engagement | Online Book Study
October 20, 2020-January 3, 2021 | [register here]
Fee: $125.00
Fee is waived for Amanda Clearcreek, Berne Union, Bloom-Carroll, and Walnut Township.
Written by PBLWorks National Faculty Heather Wolpert-Gawron, Just Ask Us: Kids Speak Out on Student Engagement is an outstanding resource for teachers to increase student engagement. Each chapter includes practical instructional tips and extensive tips from students that support research-based best practices in student engagement. Classroom videos of student engagement strategies and photos of student work illustrate how students can effectively work together and use more visually stimulated methods to connect their learning to real world applications.

Participants are responsible for purchasing their own book--Click here to order your book--and will need a Gmail account to participate. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a certificate that states they met the Ohio Gifted HQPD 15 clock hour requirement.

One-hour Ashland University graduate credit available for $249. Register for graduate credit here.
One-hour Ashland University graduate credit available to Fairfield County member district employees for $195. Please email rengel@fairfieldesc.org for registration link.

PBL Design
Fee:  $199 per registrant of a Fairfield County member district
$399 per registrant for all other registrations outside Fairfield County
Driving Question: How can I design high quality PBL units for my classroom?
Influenced by PBLWorks' Gold Standard Design Elements, learn how to design a high-quality project based learning unit integrated with SEL competencies in this multi-day hybrid online course. This 30-hour online course models the PBL process and is a balanced blend of direct instruction, video analysis, hands-on work, resource sharing, and peer collaboration. Participants have substantial time to plan their own PBL unit and receive formative feedback from peers and the facilitator.  Prior to the workshop, participants (based on their grade level band) will receive one of these PBLWorks books: PBL in the Elementary Grades (K-5) or the PBL Starter Kit (6-12).

Grades: 9-12 | Content Areas: Math, Science, Social Studies, CTE [register here]
Asynchronous Work: Completed anytime from Oct. 30-Nov. 18, 2020 (12.5 hours of work)
Synchronous (Live) Dates: Nov. 19-20, 2020 (8:30am-3:00pm)

Grades: 6-8  [register here]
Asynchronous Work: Completed anytime from Nov. 20-Dec. 9, 2020 (12.5 hours of work)
Synchronous (Live) Dates: Dec. 10-11, 2020 (8:30am-3:00pm)

Grades: 9-12 | Content Areas: ELA, Special Ed, Special Area Teachers  [register here]
Asynchronous Work: Completed anytime from Dec. 21, 2020-Jan. 13, 2021 (12.5 hours of work)
Synchronous (Live) Dates: Jan. 14-15, 2021 (8:30am-3:00pm)

Grades: K-5  [register here]
Asynchronous Work: Completed anytime from Jan. 29-Feb. 17, 2021 (12.5 hours of work)
Synchronous (Live) Dates: Feb. 18-19, 2021 (8:30am-3:00pm)

Two-hours Ashland University graduate credit available for $498.  Register for graduate credit here.
Two-hours Ashland University graduate credit available to Fairfield County member district employees for $390.  Please email rengel@fairfieldesc.org for registration link.

PBL In Action School Visits
Seeing is believing. What does PBL look like in action? Whether you are new or seasoned to PBL, visiting schools that are fully immersed in PBL provides incredible insight to your practice. Join us at Yellow Springs School District, the Dayton Regional STEM School, or Olentangy Local's Shanahan Middle School, to see PBL in action. Spend your day visiting classrooms where PBL is happening, seeing examples of successful PBL projects across content areas in grades 6-12, and engage with teachers, students and administrators. Feedback suggests that this time together will inspire you to use Project Based Learning in your classroom or school.

One-hour Ashland University graduate credit is available for $249 for those who attend two full days at any of the three school sites. [click here to register]
Fairfield County ESC member districts receive one hour of graduate credit for a discounted fee of $195.
[Please email rengel@fairfieldesc.org for registration link]

The Dayton Regional STEM School:
PBL in Action School Visit
Click here to see a PBL projects showcase from the Dayton Regional STEM School.
Fee: $99.00 per attendee, per school visit. Meal is included.
Dates to be determined
Location:
Dayton Regional STEM School [Google Maps]
1724 Woodman Dr, Kettering, OH 45420
Questions? Please call DRSS PBL Coach Jenn Reid at 937.256.3777

Yellow Springs School District:
PBL in Action School Visit
Fee: $99.00 per attendee, per school visit.
Meal is included.

Tuning Protocol & School Visit
New dates to be determined

Exhibition Days
New dates to be determined

Olentangy Shanahan Middle School:
PBL In Action School Visit
All visits entail shadowing a fully integrated middle school PBL team. Jaimie Thomas: Lead PBL teacher, Science; Robert Cline: Social Studies; Kirstie DeWitt: Math; Brooke Erdy-Hunter: Intervention Specialist, and Sarah Zettler: English.

PBL Project Launch (Day 1) - A Walk Through Delaware (limit 7 teachers)
Fee: $99.00 per attendee, per school visit.
How can a well-designed PBL site visit inform student work, develop community partnerships, and increase student engagement? Come along with us and see how it works! Explore Delaware City with our students as they gather critical background observations and conduct interviews to guide major decision-making for their final proposal.

Students will investigate the business district, residential areas, and Ohio Wesleyan Campus through the lens of a specific demographic. Observe student collaboration and SEL competency development as they observe, discuss, plan, and interact with the citizens of Delaware. Lunch will be eaten in town during our site visit.

PBL Project Launch (Day 2) - "Creating a Pitch Proposal" for the City of Delaware
Fee: $99.00 per attendee, per school visit.
Join Shanahan Middle’s PBL Team on their first project workshop day. The Driving Question is “What makes Delaware, Ohio an attractive place to live for a diverse population?” Come see how student groups integrate information from a prior panel Q & A with Delaware officials as well as in-person research and observations from a site visit to the town. You will observe student groups in full workshop-mode, collaborating to create businesses, recreations, monuments, or services to make Delaware an even better place to live for one of many identified demographics. As students work together, watch their groups transition from brainstorming to making decisions in the development of their demographic-focused plan to improve the city. The public product will be a polished pitch to local community leaders. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the students in this process. Bring your PBL questions for the middle of the day when you participate in the integrated content teacher team's planning session. Lunch is provided through our school cafeteria.

Shadow an Intervention Specialist (limit 3 teachers per day)
Fee: $99.00 per attendee, per school visit.
“How does PBL work for all students?” Visitors are invited to shadow an experienced intervention specialist who has worked on Olentangy's Shanahan Middle School’s inclusive subject-integrated PBL team for 7 years. Spend the day alongside our intervention teacher and observe how PBL works for students with special learning needs. Guests will learn grouping strategies and tips to scaffold projects to help all children succeed. There will be classroom visits as well as planning time.

PBL Deep Dives
Attend one of these Deep Dives or contact Teresa Dempsey to bring a Deep Dive to your school.
Location:
Dayton Regional STEM School [Google Maps]
1724 Woodman Dr, Kettering, OH 45420

Science & PBL
Date to be determined
Ready for your science classroom to evolve? Spend the day at a project-based learning STEM school with two Science teachers who will demonstrate how they use inquiry-based instruction as a stepping stone to meaningful project-based learning (PBL) for students. In Science classes especially, marrying inquiry-based instruction with PBL allows students to build skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific argumentation. During the workshop, these teachers will share an abundance of science project and teaching resources, including management strategies for active learning in science labs. In addition, you will leave this workshop with feedback on a specific project idea that you can implement in your classroom.
Fee: $199 per attendee, per full-day workshop. Lunch included.

Assessment in the PBL Classroom
Date to be determined
The word “assessment” often conjures images of multiple choice questions and desks in rows. So what does assessment look like in a PBL classroom? Join teachers at the Dayton Regional STEM School to examine how to design and manage meaningful assessments throughout a PBL unit. Bring a PBL unit you are currently designing or one that you want to revise so that you can leave this workshop with practical assessment ideas ready to implement during your project.  Fee: $199 per attendee, per full-day workshop. Lunch included.

PBL + Math
Date to be determined
Looking for ways to make your math projects authentic and more student-centered? Join a middle school and a high school math teacher at the Dayton Regional STEM School to explore this question and to examine the role of inquiry-based instruction and growth mindset to support project-based learning in your classroom. You will walk away from this workshop with online resources and some strategies you can use with your students, as well as potential ideas for future, authentic PBL units.
Fee: $199 per attendee, per full-day workshop. Lunch included.

Deep Dive: Critique in the Classroom
Date to be determined
How do I develop a critique practice in my classroom to help my students create high quality work? Answer this driving question at this Deep Dive workshop! During our time together, you will participate in several styles of critique, observe students giving feedback each other's work, learn our "6 Hats" critique protocol, hear tips and tricks from teachers and students who use critique regularly, receive sample handouts used by DRSS teachers to organize critique in their classrooms, and organize and receive feedback on your own plans for using critique in your classroom. You will leave with specific terminology, goals, and rules for introducing and implementing high-quality critique in your classroom.  Fee: $199 per attendee, per full-day workshop. Lunch included.

PBL Professional Learning Pathways