1. Authentic Possibilities Making Small Communities Work in Large High Schools

2. How do we take school from THIS…

3. To THIS?

4. And THIS?

5. We know what we want for our students…

6. But how do we engage students? * *Especially when they don’t even want to attend?!?

8. *au·then·tic 2: made or done the same way as an original 5: true to one's own personality, spirit, or character Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary . 2008. Merriam-Webster Online. 3 July 2008 <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authentic>

10. Problem-based learning results in higher student achievement.

11. But where do we start ?

12. Project Based Learning

15. Chosen with end product in mind

16. So HOW did we make Project Based Learning work???

18. Teachers were given time to work,

31. Historical Research* *Displayed visually

32. *Inspired by research Written Monologues*

33. Monologue Performance

35. Rubric aligned to content standards AND

36. parameters of project: to evoke empathy

37. Student work made public* *Tri-fold display in hallway

39. Unit on EMPATHY included Of Mice and Men and Sling Blade

40. Rubric aligned to content standards AND

41. parameters of project: to evoke empathy and inspire performance

42. *For performance Monologues evaluated by Theater students *

44. Students selected the best monologues ,

45. then rehearsed, planned and marketed “ From Empathy to Action”

46. Final stage of project

61. Higher student achievement

62. Pitfalls?

65. Surprises?

70. Creation of DarthBeta Records

71. We are DarthBeta Records

72. Recruited local student bands

73. Organized and promoted Battle of the Bands

74. Wrote a Business & Marketing Plan

75. Promoted The El Guapos * *Winning band from Battle of the Bands

76. Promoted a benefit concert * *raising money for children in Uganda

77. Created marketing presentation for Blastbeat regionals at * *Where The El Guapos competed again

78. Presented to judges from the music industry

79. Benefits?

86. Obstacles?

91. Surprises?

92. We WON !!!

93. Best Group Spirit

94. Best Teacher Sponsor

95. Best CEO

96. Best Music & Multimedia Company

97. We’re going to Dublin to compete * *For 5,ooo Euros!!!

98. The El Guapos only placed 2 nd BUT…

99. … were offered a record deal by Blastbeat the next day!

101. Aaron Miller said to me the day after being offered an international record deal …

102. “ None of this would have happened without AHA !”

103. Authentic Possibilities Making Small Communities Work in Large High Schools