Southern Lehigh High School Recognized as National 21st Century Exemplar School
One Of Only Two Public Schools In Pennsylvania, 17 In Nation
Center Valley, Pa. – Southern Lehigh High School has been named one of only 17 schools in the nation and two public schools in Pennsylvania to earn the prestigious 2016 21st Century Learning Exemplars list by P21, the Partnership for 21st Century Schools.
Southern Lehigh joins Avonworth High School of Pittsburgh as the only Pennsylvania public schools to earn the distinction. Also named to the list was The Goddard School, a private elementary school in Cranberry Township, Butler County.
Now entering its 4th year, P21’s 21st Century Learning Exemplar Program shares case studies of schools and districts that have successfully transformed student learning through innovative and transformative practices that include collaborative teaching and learning, distributed leadership, student voice and choice, engaged community partnerships, a climate of achievement, and evidence-based practices into teacher practice, curriculum, assessment, and professional development.
“Every student deserves to experience authentic 21st century learning” said Dr. Helen Soulé, P21 Executive Director. “P21 is proud to highlight the hard work exhibited by all P21 Exemplars as they redefine what teaching and learning means for students and educators in a world where learning doesn’t stop.”
Southern Lehigh Superintendent Dr. Leah Christman said the selection recognizes the district’s efforts to transform learning to a true 21st Century model to prepare students for a future that extends beyond content knowledge and high tests scores.
“While we know those are important, we also know they are no longer sufficient in today’s world. With a focus on key subjects, learning and innovation the 4 C’s — critical thinking/problem solving, communication, creativity/innovation, and collaboration) technology, global understanding, and life/career skills, — we feel we are providing students a success formula,” Christman said.
“All of these things are being integrated into the high school. Our staff has been so willing to take risks and try new strategies, learning with the students along the way,” Christman continued. “We feel we our students are better equipped to move onto what’s next in their lives as a result. This takes a lot of hard work and our teachers and administrators are actually demonstrating their own 21st Century learning as they guide our students to more relevant, authentic learning experiences. This recognition is the culmination of several years of that work and we simply could not be more proud.”
The 17 schools and 2 districts were selected through a rigorous application process, and evaluated for educational excellence and 21st century learning implementation, according to P21.
Case studies on schools just announced, including Southern Lehigh High School, will be unveiled in 2016.
To learn more and see a current list of exemplars, view case studies and other materials, including, l learning stories, podcasts, videos, please visit www.p21.org/exemplars or contact Tatyana Warrick at tatyana@p21.org or call 202-312-6430.
