Explore The Model

What is an Empowerment School?

Empowerment Schools aim to shift the middle school classroom environment, so students are more fully empowered in their learning and their future. Classrooms are redesigned to function like simulated workplace environments, where students tackle real-world problems through authentic learning and assessment. These experiences support meaningful career exploration and help students develop a career mindset.

In an Empowerment School:

  • Classrooms operate as student-led workplaces with clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
  • Students engage in real-world problem solving as the primary approach to learning and assessment.
  • Teachers, students, and administrators share decision-making, building a culture of trust and collaboration.
  • Students are guided to explore future careers, connect with local employers, and understand the skills they’ll need to succeed.
Empowerment Schools

How The Model Works

You can think of the Empowerment Model in three interconnected strands:

1

Classrooms as Student-Led Workplaces

(Protocols 1–3)

Focus: School environment + student ownership

  • Collaborative Learning Teams
    Teachers facilitate student teams with authentic roles and responsibilities that mirror the real world of work.
  • Student Goal-Setting & Growth
    Students set goals and monitor their own growth toward the Empowerment Skills, becoming active partners in their learning.
  • Shared Decision-Making
    Teachers, students, and administrators collaborate in decision-making, building a culture where student voice is central.

2

Real-World Learning & Professional Growth

(Protocols 4–6)

Focus: Instruction + teacher learning

  • Project-Based Experiences
    Teachers engage students in project-based learning and authentic assessment grounded in standards.
  • Place-Based, Student-Driven Projects
    Teachers and students collaborate with school and community members to design and implement place-based projects driven by student interests and local needs.
  • Culture of Inquiry for Educators
    Teachers engage in a culture of inquiry and continuous professional growth, refining practice based on student needs and data.

3

Career Exploration & Community Connection

(Protocols 7–9)

Focus: Career Pathways + community partnerships

  • Employer Engagement
    Employers partner with schools to help students understand real jobs, workplace expectations, and the knowledge and skills needed to be successful.
  • Guided Career Exploration
    Teachers guide students in career exploration and planning, framing and building on experiences provided by local employers.
  • Community Impact & Entrepreneurship
    Students engage in projects that address community needs and are encouraged to pursue entrepreneurial ideas that emerge from their learning.