Discovery Learning Camp

Peggy Weber and Dr. Susan Kaplan presented on behalf of the Arizona School Transformation Group (ASTG) which provides professional development and learning that is transforming schools into effective and enjoyable learning environments for all students, teachers and community members.  ASTG’s innovative Discovery Learning Camps take an innovative approach to typical summer professional development by combining it with active student learning.  Rather than spending the summer honing their skills only to have to wait until the new school year to put them into practice, teachers receive their professional development and then try out what they have learned with a small group of summer camp students the very next day.

Their approach reinforces effective practices with 12-15 students and provides teachers with an opportunity to continue the “learn-practice” cycle each day over the course of the month. Once school is back in session teachers have had ample time to refine and implement what they have learned in the classroom. Students receive the benefit of a rigorous, hands-on learning experience – creating a win-win for all.

“The model allows teachers to expand their thinking, put it into practice and then receive support in professional learning communities where they have the opportunity to ask their peers what works best for them. In the end, the teachers become the leaders,” said Peggy Weber, CEO of Arizona School Transformation Group.

ASTG began in the Sunnyside School District and is now being practiced in Whiteriver. ASTG team members are experienced Arizona public education practitioners with expertise in all aspects of school improvement, curriculum and instruction, differentiated instruction, assessment for learning, student engagement, classroom management and essential elements of instruction.

Weber and Kaplan concluded by modeling “Phases of the Moon,” a fourth grade lesson from Discovery Learning Camp, using Oreo cookies to illustrate how the moon revolves.

Danielle Airey
Peoria Unified School District