Episode 050: RiseUp Community School Interview with Karen Ikegami, Principal
Description
In this episode we are learning about the learner-centered environment at RiseUp Community School in Denver, CO. We are speaking with Karen Ikegami, Principal of the school. RiseUp Community School is a charter school within the Denver Public School System. The school opened in August of 2015. The adults at RiseUp work hard to provide each learner with the opportunity to learn, practice, and excel with skills they’ll need to be active participants in the community. Curriculum at RiseUp is designed to examine self and community while various wrap-around services help students navigate barriers to school. Community building is a key aspect of the school and helps learners understand each other as individuals.
During our conversations, we learned what makes RiseUp learner-centered, and also discussed the challenges of a regulated public school environment working to provide as many learner-centered experiences for learners as possible. We also learned about the importance of prioritizing relationships and learner voice in the design of learning experiences.
As a result of our conversation, we are thinking about this question:
- What did you learn today about supporting learners who are not successful in the traditional high school model of learning?
Resources:
- RiseUp website
- RiseUp Community School – Education Reimagined article
- A Conversation with Karen Ikegami
United States
