New Training Program Focuses on Transforming Education Through High-Quality Project-Based Learning

The Buck Institute for Education/PBL Works has launched a new year-long professional development program designed to help educators and administrators in New York City transform education using project-based learning (PBL). A total of 17 principals and assistant principals and eight instructional coaches from eight schools are participating in the 2024-2025 New York City PBL School Leader Network, the organization reported.

Throughout the year, participants will access virtual and in-person programming and workshops based on the PBLWorks Leadership Theory of Action, a set of "research-based practices, practitioner feedback, and field studies that describe a systemic approach to transforming schools using high-quality PBL with students at the center," PBL Works explained in a news announcement.Participants will "create and implement school-wide action plans, design professional development, examine ways to rethink school structures to support PBL, learn and apply change-leadership strategies, and collect evidence of student success." The goal: to help develop school environments where teachers can "adapt and facilitate high-quality projects that are intellectually challenging and engaging for all students," with a particular focus on Black and Brown students, the organization said.

"Schools across the country are being more intentional about the way they are thinking about teaching and learning in order to ensure graduates are set up for success and are ready for the world. High-quality project-based learning is an incredibly powerful way to support student success because it engages students in authentic learning experiences that inspire them and build skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and teamwork," said Bob Lenz, CEO of PBLWorks, in a statement. "The New York City School Leader Network is an opportunity for leaders to collaborate, share ideas, and learn together while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of leading schools in NYC. Many participants share how being part of a cohort has made all the difference!"

PBL Works (an initiative from parent organization Buck Institute for Education) is a nonprofit that has offered professional development opportunities focused on project-based learning since 1999. For more information about its School Leader Networks, visit the PBL Works site.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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