SMUSD’S STRATEGIC PROMISE & DEEPER LEARNING

WHAT IS 21st CENTURY LEARNING?

Deeper learning equips students with not only rigorous academic content, but also the ability to transfer their knowledge while using essential skills and mindsets in new, even unexpected, situations. 21st century learning experiences empower students to be lifelong learners and contributors in our complex and ever-changing world.

What Is Deeper Learning?

excerpt from Does Deeper Learning Improve Longer Term Outcomes for Students*

The concept of “deeper learning” is a combination of (a) a deeper understanding of core academic content; (b) the ability to apply that understanding to novel problems and situations; and (c) the development of a range of competencies, including interpersonal skills and intrapersonal skills such as academic mindsets and self management. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation identified six interacting dimensions of deeper learning that many argue are prerequisites for success in college, career, and civic life, which are as follows:

• Mastery of core academic content

Critical thinking and problem solving

• Effective communication

• Ability to work collaboratively

• Learning how to learn

• Academic mindsets

*AIR. (2022). Does deeper learning improve longer term outcomes for students? Results from the study of deeper learning: opportunities and outcomes. (Brief, June 2022). American Institutes for Research