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Jason Lafay's blog

Getting Closer: Building a Learning Region in the Heart of Michigan

The DeWitt Creativity Group (www.dewittcreativitygroup.org) has made significant strides during the last four months in its quest to build a learning region in the Lansing, Michigan area:

The DCG is working with the DeWitt High School National Honors Society chapter on the following projects (NHS members are required to complete community service hours):

Recommendations for Michigan's K-12 Talent Enhancement (Entrepreneurship and STEM) Initiatives

Jeff Croley and myself have worked with the K-12 Entrepreneurship Advisory Committee this summer to assist the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in developing a tool-kit for innovative Michigan K-12 entrepreneurship/Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs. The MEDC has established an asset map (in the process of being created) where the entrepreneurship programs are listed with various information such as the focus of the program, types of  comunity partnerships, past and present events/projects, and required resources.

The Rise of the Talent Developer in American Education

To build learning regions teachers and other educational practitioners will need to develop skills and knowledge on how to form collborations across various sectors of society. This is needed in order to provide students with applied learning opportunities and a greater sense of personal investment in the development of the economy . The problems of the 21st century are too complex to rely on only experts to resolve.

Some Efforts to Institutionalize Learning Opportunities... So Far

The DeWitt Creativity Group is working with other DeWitt High School teachers to tie more schoolwork and curricular objectives to activities and events. A good example of this is the creation of the DeWitt Research and Development Lab. This is an independent study class that was created due to the networking of the DCG. Students determine the topics that they want to research (they decided upon bio-fuels).

A New Type of Learning Community for the American High School: The DCG Report

The main focus of the DCG is to promote student creativity in connection with public service, lifelong learning, and entrepreneurialism ( the development of innovative products and services).

The DeWitt Creativity Group (DCG) was founded in February of 2008 by two DeWitt High School teachers: Jason LaFay and Jeff Croley.  The formation of the group was inspired by the flourishing creative culture at DHS; thanks in large part to the continuous efforts of students, teachers, parents, and other district personnel. 

 

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