True Blue Learners Become Critical Thinkers Using the Depth and Complexity Icons

Providing students with opportunities to think deeply about content is crucial to developing capable learners.  In a changing world, our students must be able to think critically to solve problems. Often, this requires them to think differently based on the context of the problem.

To accomplish this, many of our teachers at Beck have begun to use the Depth and Complexity icons developed by Dr. Sandra Kaplan.  These icons are used as visual prompts to help students think more deeply about concepts.  Our teachers were introduced to these icons by our  GT teacher, Mrs. Forbes. She has a passion for challenging students' thinking using a variety of lenses.

I recently observed two teachers in 3rd grade who were using the icons to get students to think critically about text. Ms. Rocha and Mrs. Bell are committed to providing a rigorous and relevant learning experience for all students.  Check out how intentional they are in using these icons!

The Journey Begins

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.”

This quote by Martin Luther King has had a profound impact on my professional beliefs and practice over the past 3 years. It's quite clear that schools should have a strong emphasis on academic excellence perpetuated around 21st century skills.  Equally important is our responsibility to nurture infinitely capable, ethical citizens.

With this at the heart of our core beliefs, Beck Elementary set out on a journey in the spring of 2015 to intentionally build a climate that fosters academic and interpersonal excellence among our students, staff, and community.  Understanding the importance of multiple perspectives, we gathered input from our students, staff, and families.  After considering the feedback, our leadership team developed a list of key learner qualities and character traits that were essential for us.  We drafted our "True Blue" code that promoted the following "I statements:

1. I am Creative
2. I am Reflective
3. I am Self-Directed
4. I am Connected
5. I am Self-Aware
6. I am a Thinker
7. I Question

We then identified performance outcomes that explained how each of these statements would contribute to our quest for learning.  In addition, we increased our emphasis on the 6 pillars of character outlined in Character Counts; Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.  

Over the past year, we have worked to brand our school using these values, tying them to academics and instruction.  We've made this code a part of our daily practice by being intentional in our learning and actions towards others.  As a result, our classrooms are full of students who have internalized these values.  They quickly began applying the principles in academic and social situations. Through goal-setting, discussion and reflection activities, we continue to monitor our progress while searching for ways to continuously improve.  

The purpose of this blog is to provide a window into the amazing learning and responsible citizenship of our students and staff. We are excited to share with you the "True Blue" way, and encourage you to be part of our journey.  

S. Conklin