Big Picture Learning believes that radical educational change begins on the ground level – one student at a time, in schools. We have proven that our approach to educational change is effective one student at a time to several thousand students, from one school to over seventy schools, and from local to national to international – and that a shift in thinking about schools and learning is imperative on a systemic level. Through the achievement of our schools and through our innovative initiatives, Big Picture Learning is compiling an impressive list of educational successes. In turn, these accomplishments have given us added leverage to influence and change public policy.
Influence Topics
- Big Picture Learning’s A-G Matrices: Addressing Curriculum Standards in California
- Rhode Island’s Authentic Assessment Initiative
- Leading and Strengthening the Alternative Schools Movement: AHSI Place-Based Initiatives
Details:
- In California, Big Picture carries an approved course matrix that allows all students in Big Picture Learning schools (as well as other non-traditional learning environments), to be admitted to the University of California system by engaging in project-based learning, internships, seminars, and small group work.
- The Rhode Island Board of Education has revised state graduation requirements to incorporate basic principles of the Big Picture Learning design such as portfolio work, authentic assessment, and learning in the real world.
- Finally, as one of the key conveners of the Alternative High School Initiative (AHSI), Big Picture Learning is leading the effort to establish that small, alternative schools are a premier resource to improve the educational climate of struggling communities. Several school districts have passed initiatives that will support the opening of several AHSI-affiliated schools to serve the varying needs their community.
As the effects of our work become more prevalent, we fully intend to continue applying the successes of our work to influence policy on many levels, with even wider breadth and depth.