The Journey to 21st-Century Teaching and Learning

We have had a great start to the school year, and we absolutely love having students back on campus. Visiting classrooms and seeing our students' joy for learning and the faculty's passion and dedication for teaching is so inspiring!  Teaching and learning at Sion is so distinctively special. Our theme this year is the “Journey to 21st Century Teaching and Learning.” We chose the word “journey” purposefully, as it represents our lifelong commitment to continuous improvement over time.

We live in a fast-changing world and we have the duty to help young people prepare for our changing times. As such, teaching and learning at Sion seeks to answer the question: What do students need to learn for the 21st century? The figure below shows the research-based framework for 21st-century education that we use at  Sion to answer this question and to guide all curriculum, instruction, and assessment efforts as we prepare and challenge students to become knowledge seekers, their brother’s keepers, and difference makers. 

The framework consists of  four dimensions of education which represent the competencies of the 21st-century learner (CCR, 2015). The cogs in the design represent the interconnectivity and interdependence of the four dimensions.

• Knowledge. Having relevant deep knowledge is more important than ever, as is its applicability. There is a focus on interdisciplinarity and themes, where traditional knowledge (Mathematics, Language Arts, History, etc. ) is magnified by modern disciplines (STEAM, Entrepreneurship, Robotics, Wellness, etc.).
• Skills. How we use what we know. Sion's curriculum promotes the development of critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and cultural competency ("5 C's"). 
• Character. How we engage the world. Guided by the unique Sion mission, vision, and diversity statement, we seek to build communities of belonging and caring. Our character education program, Caring at Sion, shapes the social, emotional, and character development of the young people entrusted to us each day. Together, with the faculty, we have identified character traits of the Sionian learner. They are: curious, compassionate, respectful, resilient, confident, servant leaders, mindful, open-minded, and principled (please see below ).
• Meta-learning: Awareness of how we learn and cognitive ability through reflection (metacognition) and developing a growth mindset. Teaching with knowledge of brain-based learning.​

So what makes teaching and learning at Sion distinctively special? The expertise of our talented faculty at preparing children to be successful 21st century global leaders and citizens for a future we cannot predict. Sion teachers have an unwavering commitment and dedication to their students. They are, as I like to call them, #EduRockStars, and work very hard to ensure that students acquire the habits of mind, heart, body, and spirit necessary to be successful in college and beyond. Most importantly, we believe that a joyous school is essential for learning and child development. My sincere appreciation to our teachers for the inspiring work they do every day.

We are constantly updating our curriculum, pedagogical practices, and assessments as we have recently done in Mathematics, Language Arts, and Foreign Languages, and will continue working on all of our courses. Likewise, we continue to offer modern disciplines with a focus on interdisciplinary studies and character development such as Innovation, Design & Technology, Finance & the Stock Market Place (we won 1st place in Missouri last year!), Service Learning, Social Justice, and Art in Motion, among others. 

It is truly an honor and pleasure to have you and your children as part of the Sion community. My deepest gratitude for your continued support and for entrusting us with your children. It is my pleasure to invite you to learn more about our 21st-century education framework and to experience first-hand the Sion Difference throughout the year as you attend our Open Houses, Early Childhood/Kinder Sneak Peeks, visit OnCampus, or as your student participates in our Auxiliary Programs. We know you'll find that the Sion community is one that infuses all school members with the joy of seeing education as an integral part of everyone’s life and the way of realizing their hopes and dreams with courage in a loving and caring environment.

References
Fadel, C. , Bialik, M., & Trilling, B. (2015). Four-Dimensional education: The competencies learners need to succeed. Boston: MA, The Center for Curriculum Redesign.