The Gifts of PLACE: An Invitation for Teachers

Unlock the Benefits of Collaboration, Creativity, and Innovation in Teaching with PLACE

Discover the impact of PLACE on student engagement and teacher professional growth. Established by NHLI in 2022, PLACE is a community of practice where teachers work together on strategies that increase student engagement and achievement. That work includes performance learning strategies such as formative assessment practices, inquiry, sensemaking and reasoning, work study practices, and designing and validating performance assessments.  To find out more about the origins of PLACE check out the PLACE Flipbook.

PLACE is led by teachers for teachers. A long-time leader, Lee Sheedy, a high school math teacher and PLACE Math Team Design Lead, highlighted PLACE’s transformative impact on students and educators. Reflecting on the original PACE project, NH’s innovative accountability system, Lee identified three key gifts of PACE that PLACE continues to offer.

1. Enhanced Student Engagement and Achievement

Lee observed a notable increase in student engagement and achievement on math assessments through performance assessments. These assessments encourage deeper understanding and application of knowledge, fostering a more engaging learning environment.

2. Professional Growth through Collaboration

One of the greatest strengths of PLACE is the collaboration it fosters among teachers. Teachers improve their practice and build a supportive community by working together to design, validate, and calibrate assessments. Lee noted, “We, as teachers, embraced the work-study practices that we taught students: collaboration, communication, creativity, and self-direction.”

3. Continuous Improvement and Innovation

PLACE is a gift that keeps on giving. Teachers continue to meet in communities of practice, focusing on performance learning and assessment. No longer tied to the state accountability system, these teams now explore innovative teaching, learning, and assessment practices that enhance student engagement and achievement. The rise of artificial intelligence in education further compels us to create learning opportunities that captivate students’ imaginations, spark their curiosity, and activate their agency in learning.

A PLACE for innovative and effective education practices

PLACE offers teachers a unique opportunity to grow professionally and meaningfully impact their students’ learning experiences. By joining PLACE, you’ll be part of a dynamic community that values collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.

Want to Learn More?

Click Here to go the PLACE Webpage

Join the NHLI PLACE Information Session – Monday, June 17, 2024 from 1:30-2:30pm
Click on this Zoom Link to join the session.