Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025 CityLab representatives offer inspiring presentation to School Committee By Barbara Taormina 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only:Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & W Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook!Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! C ityLab Innovation High School Principal Dr. Stacey Mulligan and Humanities teacher Nicolas Blaisdell were at the last School Committee meeting with an uplifting presentation on how the alternative high school increased attendance rates from 30 to 40 percent to more than 90 percent. The educators credit the ELO, which Blaisdell told the committee was not the band (Electric Light Orchestra), but rather experiential learning opportunities. Every week, students head outside into the community for a real-life, hands-on lesson. “The whole idea is to move www.810bargrille.com away from traditional model of teaching and learning,” said Blaisdell, adding that research shows learning is more effective if it’s an experience. Recent examples of ELOs included a math teacher using a vending machine to explain functions, a Japanese teacher making Zoom calls Nicolas Blaisdell CityLab Teacher to Japan and a trip to Harvard’s Natural History Museum. Blaisdell said that a physics class recently taught students about motion by hoisting him up 30 feet in the air and making him a pendulum. Blaisdell also explained that CityLab has partnerships with Artists for Humanity for students interested in careers in the arts and with Legal Seafoods for students interested in the culinary field. CityLab has also teamed up with Hale Education in Westwood, which uses nature and outdoor environments for teaching. Blaisdell, who teaches world history, was able to demonstrate World War I trench warfare and alliance building rather than lecturing about those topics. Blaisdell said that at Hale students also learn leadership and public speaking skills — all through experiential learning. In addition to a massive increase in attendance, Blaisdell said, student engagement is much higher and students have a deeper understanding of ideas. They retain information and concepts far more through ELOs. And the focus on ELOs has changed the culture of high school. “It makes me happy to see full hallways of students laughing,” said Mulligan, who added that the decision to do school differently has been a success. “We want students to know they are learning in a different way, it’s not field trips, it’s hands on, deeper learning. We saw need, and we answered the call.”
5 Publizr Home