Eric.ed.gov – East School: Movement and Growth. A Case Study for the Vermont Institute of Science, Math and Technology.

This case study of East School, a central Vermont K-2 school with 125 students, describes the early stages of changing instruction and learning in a school with established district-wide standards. Changes in teaching at the local level were led by example, modeled by a dynamic principal as she encouraged the teachers to move towards a more integrated teaching framework. The case study also describes the contributions and struggles of a dedicated volunteer who felt a deep ownership of the project and yet was not allowed to truly work with the team, which brings forth questions around the inner-workings of the team, the role of outside facilitators, and team understanding of project goals and objectives. The findings of this case study lead to the conclusion that the principal’s leadership, the teachers’ shared values, and their general understanding of integrated curricula have supported a move towards integration across grades and subjects. A checklist of considerations for those working towards educational change through the creation and implementation of integrated curricula is included in the appendix. Contains 18 references. (JRH)