Innovation in Action

Spring Lake Park Schools has implemented a science specialist learning model at grades K-6. There is a new curricular resource for science at grades K-8, and new science competencies are guiding science learning. The goal is to support deep thinking and doing science, relate it to real life and ignite interest and engagement in science.

Julian Christensen and Trevon Holeman started their senior year unsure how to get a job and gain experience within the career path they want to pursue after graduation - mechanics. After understanding and taking advantage of the resources available to them through the Spring Lake Park High School Career and College office, both students now have a part-time job at Heartland Tire.

Senior Maria Mora-Pena has discovered a passion for medicine and wants to pursue a career in healthcare after she graduates high school next spring. To help her achieve this goal, she has gone deep into the Health and Human Services Pathway at Spring Lake Park High School, taking many courses that align with her emerging interests.

Competency-based learning is an education-y mouthful of words for an approach to learning coming to life in real ways for Spring Lake Park Schools’ students. The focus is on developing each student’s knowledge and skills to gain proficiency versus simply covering a subject for a defined period to fulfill a requirement.

Kindergarteners chant each others’ names in morning greeting. Third and fourth graders learn what kind of candy they each like (split between sour and chocolate). High schoolers share adventures they’d like to have and qualities they value in a friend. Across schools and classrooms everyone is getting to know each other.

Spring Lake Park High School is celebrating College Knowledge Month throughout October. With Minnesota colleges and universities there are a number of special events happening throughout the month to support students in applying for college.

Last fall, senior Owen Adwan was encouraged to attend an apprenticeship open house for Bühler Group. Now, he is part of a two-year apprenticeship program where he works hands-on, will earn an associate's degree and graduate debt free. Hear from Owen how his time at SLP prepared him for this opportunity.

Spring Lake Park Schools fully online learning model for grades K-6 is just wrapping up its first full year. Core to the experience is a 3-way partnership between at-home learning coaches (usually a parent or guardian), students and learning advocates (a certified Spring Lake Park Schools teacher).

Students like junior Anthony Philavanh are exploring careers that align to their hobbies and interests through pathways classes at Spring Lake Park High School. Through the Technology, Engineering and Design (TED) pathway, Anthony has explored a growing interest in computer science.