High Tech High - the power of visible learning


Over the next few days, I am lucky enough to be attending the Deeper Learning conference at High Tech High in San Diego. This morning I went on a pre-conference tour with two senior students and a teacher. You'll be glad to know that teachers are an unruly bunch wherever you are on the globe. The students did a stellar job of managing the constant questions fired at them. 


From the outside, High Tech High is relatively unassuming, a series of school buildings that fail to prepare you for the creativity and visible learning that is evident on every wall and every space in the interior. 


The Elementary and High School is a series of classrooms, many with glass walls and connected by shared common spaces. The feel is something in between more traditional school structures and the ILEs such as Hobsonville Point Secondary School and Albany Senior High School, possibly most similar to the spaces at Albany Junior High School. In Elementary learning is either integrated or connected with Media/Arts and Science/Maths each being taught by a single teacher. The courses vary from a single subject focus to more connected, to completely integrated, depending on the teacher. At the High School learning is separated into single subjects but learning may still be connected across subjects.


High Tech High is probably most famous for its project-based learning. Projects, however, do not exist as a subject by themselves, instead, all learning is project-based and students are usually managing 1-2 projects at any one time. Projects may exist within the confines of one subject or may sit across more than one subject. Projects are either completed individually or some are in groups, usually in threes. I got the sense that project themes or topics were reused as both students, who attended different campuses, commented on a Maths/Humanities project they loved in Elementary school. The project involved taking a photo of their face and splitting it in half. On one side they explored the geometry of their face and on the other half, they explored the concepts of beauty ideals.

The High School week includes five subjects (with integrated project-based learning), two 35-minute advisory blocks a week and two electives which basically sound like extra-curricular offerings they could choose from. Being a charter school High tech High isn't required to offer Physical Education so electives tended to include physical activities as well as more creative arts and interest groups. Advisories sounded similar to Tutorials (as we call them at ASHS) or Learning Hubs (as they are called at HPSS).

Probably the most striking thing about High Tech High was their commitment to making learning visible. As well as hosting regular Exhibitions of Learning, every wall and hallway is a celebration of learning. There is nothing pristine or precious about classroom spaces and walls are absolutely covered with explanations and examples of class projects. High Tech High really does take "visible learning" to a whole new level. 

I came away from the tour inspired (particularly by the physical displays of learning) but also really proud of what we are doing back in New Zealand, particularly the work that I have experienced and seen happening at Albany Senior, Hobsonville Point, Rototuna and the like. Our schools are doing what happens here, and then some. And as with everywhere (including across our schools in New Zealand) good teaching sounds and looks like good teaching - student-centred, inclusive, visible, deep and inclusive. It was also heartening to hear the same stories whether it be the challenges regarding community perception, to students opting to come late to advisory and the large 'No Vaping' signs in the bathroom. When it comes to innovative education and teenagers, many things are universal. 😂

This afternoon I head into the conference proper, the lawn outside is already set up High School Musical styles, ready to kick off the event with a bang (and a song). I will aim to post of few more updates along the way. 

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