Creating a Better Community

In 2004-2005, the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) sponsored its first elementary Vista program, connecting private and public elementary schools in central and southern Indiana.

Teachers and students (3rd-5th grade) in four schools developed a driving question: What does it take to create a better community where we address the pressing issues of diversity and environment and how can we help? This question guided the teachers and students in:

• Identifying an issue to explore deeply.
• Understanding the problems within the issue.
• Researching.
• Analyzing the research to develop a solution.
• Creating an action plan.
• Presenting the plan to the community.

The four participating elementary schools each implemented the project in different ways, providing four case studies of how the program works at the elementary level. Below is an example of one third grade class and their choice to explore the Hispanic speaking students new to their community and find ways to develop friendship and bridge language barriers.

Diversity

If you are interested in the development or support of a project please contact Tonia Carriger at 317-231-6526.