Innovative Teaching
Boost Student Engagement Through Innovation!
At Kent ISD, we empower teachers to transform learning through project-based learning, problem-based learning, design thinking, and place-based experiences. Our mission is straightforward: to connect classroom learning to the real world and equip students with the critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that employers demand.
We make innovative teaching accessible by showing educators how these approaches naturally integrate subjects rather than add to their workload. Our goal is to help every teacher see the value in authentic, hands-on learning that engages students and builds the durable skills they need for future success.
Our Services & Support
From hands-on coaching to district-wide professional development, we meet you where you are. Choose from:
Personalized coaching for implementing project-based learning and design thinking
Curriculum consulting to align innovative practices with your standards
Professional learning workshops that transform teaching practice
Districts across Kent County choose us because we deliver results—more engaged students, stronger skills, and transformed classrooms.
Ready to get started? Explore all our services and supports.
Staying Connected & Informed
Our innovative teaching team actively represents Kent ISD districts at key state and local organizations. This ensures we bring you the latest research, resources, and best practices while advocating for your needs at every level.
We maintain active partnerships with organizations such as the West Michigan Project-Based Learning Network and the MiSTEM Greater West Michigan Region, among others. Through these connections, we ensure your district stays ahead of educational trends without requiring you to join every organization individually.
Innovative Teaching News and Updates
Innovative Teaching Resources
Teton Science Schools: Place-Based Education
Connect learning to local phenomena and community issues. This guide helps educators ground curriculum in students' immediate environment, fostering deeper connections to place and community.
An Introduction to the Design Thinking Process Guide
Step-by-step framework for human-centered design thinking in education. Breaks down the process into manageable stages with practical tools for fostering creative problem-solving.
The definitive resource for high-quality project-based learning. Features seven essential project design elements, example projects, and research-backed strategies for authentic learning experiences.
Innovative Teaching Research
Our innovative teaching practices are grounded in rigorous research that demonstrates the power of project-based learning to transform student outcomes and promote equity.
Key Research Findings:
63% gain in social studies learning for low-income students using PBL - equivalent to 5-6 months of additional learning per year
23% gain in informational reading - representing 2 additional months of learning annually
8-28 percentile point improvements in state assessments across all subjects when implementing equity-centered PBL
Significant improvements in student engagement, with students reporting classroom assignments as more interesting, challenging, and enjoyable
Enhanced teacher practices including increased use of real-world applications, language-rich assignments, and performance assessment
This research reinforces what we know: when students engage in authentic, inquiry-based learning, significant academic growth occurs - especially for students in low-income communities who often have fewer opportunities for such experiences.
Research Citations:
Duke, N. K., Halvorsen, A. L., Strachan, S. L., Kim, J., & Konstantopoulos, S. (2020). Putting PBL to the test: The impact of project-based learning on second graders' social studies and literacy learning and motivation in low-SES school settings. American Educational Research Journal, 58(4), 661-694.
Cheng, B. H., Clark, T. L., Allen, C. D., Garcia, A. G., & Scipio, D. (2021). Equity-centered project-based learning [White paper]. Lucas Education Research.
Deutscher, R. R., Holthuis, N. C., Maldonado, S. I., Pecheone, R. L., Schultz, S. E., & Wei, R. C. (2021). Project based learning as a lever for engaging the Next Generation Science Standards. Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning and Equity.
