Simley
High School was named the recipient of the 2011 Star of Innovation Award
from the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP)
for the implementation of its groundbreaking Alternative Learning
Program (ALP) transformation. Programs nominated for the award must be effective,
innovative and demonstrate a positive impact on education.
Before
the 2010-11 school year, Simley’s ALP had a reputation of relying
heavily on paper and pencil. Heading into the 2010-2011 school year, the
ALP was redesigned with an emphasis on technology integration and
collaboration - two key components that drive Apple’s Challenge Based
Learning approach to teaching and learning.
Injecting
technology into the classroom sparked interest in students and created
an environment where students can excel towards reaching their maximum
potential. Engaging tools such as iPods, laptops and a video
conferencing system allowed students the opportunity to expand their
horizons.
The
physical setup of the classroom also received some “fresh paint” that
helped transform the program’s identity. Two classrooms became one when a
wall was torn down to open up space so that students could work
together more efficiently. This meant ditching the desks in favor of
large, user-friendly tables that comfortably fit study materials such as
laptops and iPods.
“It
was important that we create a comfortable setting that could emulate
the environment students are accustomed to learning in while away from
the classroom,” said Simley High School Principal Gerald Sakala.
Simley was one of only three high schools in the state to receive the Star of Innovation Award.