Our Approach
The cornerstone of the GEC approach is recreating schools and their systems to be future-focused in which supported and empowered teachers play a pivotal role in developing confident and happy/thriving individuals who are prepared to realize their goals and be lifelong learners.
The GEC approach is a comprehensive global model that incorporates rigorous, project-based learning using real-world issues, meaningful relationships, and community engagement. With a culture that empowers students and teachers to reach their goals, the school is a place/space where all members of the school community benefit, participate, and learn from one another in pursuit of their individual and shared goals. Our philosophy and process are tailored to the local context, serving the needs, goals, and cultures of the community.
Implementation
The GEC model is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We honor the unique setting, culture, aspirations, expertise, and resources of our partners and schools. Developing an effective partnership involves learning from all stakeholders the current strengths of the school ecosystem as well as unique opportunities for growth. Leaders from each partner organization will work together to plan for and guide three incremental stages that will be implemented across the entire school ecosystem.
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Aspiring GIST Schools are focused on advancement of a collaborative and inclusive school culture and the development of trusted relationships among all members of the school ecosystem. At the heart of a robust ecosystem is innovative educational practice. This stage of implementation involves targeted professional development of teachers, including inquiries into learner-centered, authentic projects; diverse types of evidence-based data to inform instruction; performance- or project-based assessments; and robust “Milestone” projects. This stage also involves identifying opportunities for growth and strengthened relationships within the ecosystem.
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While the focus on high-quality teaching and learning continues, Emerging GIST Schools are tasked with the intentional and strategic implementation of technology as a tool for continued reflection and growth. Management systems for assessment, data collection related to both students and teachers, and school-wide decision-making are introduced to ensure shared responsibility for the school’s progress and success.
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With an engaged community in place, Master GIST Schools begin to explore and integrate architectural changes to emphasize cohesion, autonomy, and authenticity in the learning environment. Master GIST Schools may put together plans for remodeling or a new building design, in which the built environment supports and enhances both human activity and natural living systems. These changes further strengthen a sense of belonging among members of the school ecosystem.
An Engaged Ecosystem
In GEC schools, every member of the school ecosystem has the possibility to become the initiator, implementer, and receiver of knowledge and skills. All members of the School Education Community work together to provide an equitable learning ecosystem, both in and outside of school.
Compassionate Systems Framework
The Compassionate Systems Framework provides an approach to education that fuses the focus on the emotional state of students that allows them to be compassionate to oneself and others, while recognizing the systematic causes of problems and possible solutions. This approach develops the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and global mindset of equity necessary to respond to future challenges.
