iRi Launches 21st Century Skills Enriched Learning School Model in
Chicago Public Schools
iRi is collaborating with Saint Xavier University and University of Chicago to design, implement, and evaluate an innovative 21st Century Skills Enriched Learning School model for Area 2 of Chicago Public Schools. By integrating the development of critical thinking skills across the existing curriculum, including mathematics, literacy, and science, the schools are poised to realize quantifiable and enduring results for all students.
The objectives of the custom-designed program are multi-dimensional and seek to meet the enduring and multi-faceted needs of all constituencies of Area 2 CPS, including more than 900 students, 24 teachers, 5 principals and multiple district content coaches and educational leaders:
- Students:
- Strengthen cognitive functions and enhance thinking skills
- Build-up the conceptual foundations and understanding of mathematics, literacy and science
- Accelerate “learning to learn” process vs. memorization of facts and product learning
- Teachers:
- Improve ability to identify and strengthen students’ weak cognitive functions
- Develop ability to mediate student thinking
- Learn to extend thinking skills to three content areas
- Expand view of students’ learning potential
- Principals:
- Increase scores in basic skills for grades Pre-kindergarten through 1st grade
- Enable faculty to become more cohesive in focus on students’ learning in core areas
- Enhance ability to recognize and encourage development of student cognition
- District Content Coaches:
- Increase readiness to coach teachers re concept development in young children
- Improve understanding of value of cognitive functions in learning
- Develop systematic way to coach teachers in use of mediation skills for transfer
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