In partnership with Employers for Education Excellence (E3) and the Educational Policy Improvement Center (EPIC) at the University of Oregon, the Coalition of Essential Schools invites you to learn about small school planning, design, and implementation at its 5th Annual Summer Institute.

The CES Small Schools Summer Institute features workshops and facilitated conversations with some of the most effective small school educators in the country, including those from CES Mentor Schools Urban Academy, Eagle Rock School, Boston Arts Academy, Quest High School, Wildwood School, and Fenway High School (view the full list of CES Mentor schools).

Participation is open to individuals and school teams who are starting new small schools, working in large schools converting to small autonomous schools or small learning communities, or who are looking to share best practices with a community of experienced practitioners. This institute will provide professional development for all who are interested in making schools powerful places of learning.

Workshops by CES Small Schools Network Members
Participants will have the opportunity to attend: one 6-hour intensive workshop and two 3-hour workshops

Critical Friends Conversations
Critical Friends Conversations (CFCs) are facilitated discussions centered on themes of equity and democracy in education. Through the use of protocols CFCs offer a safe space for us to move from awareness to understanding to taking action in our schools.

Youth Participation
We strongly encourage youth participation at Summer Institute. Youth are considered full and active participants of the Institute. There will be a Youth Summit in which students participate in team building exercises, set goals for the week, and create a youth leadership action plan to implement in their schools. In addition to the day-long session, youth have the opportunity to attend two 3-hour workshops facilitated by youth or of interest to youth. The Institute also provides formal and informal time for youth to network and develop friendships with other youth from across the country. Each school team is expected to chaperone their youth attendees.

Team Coaching and Planning
One aspect of the Institute is to have teams work together to set goals and collaborate on designing classes, curriculums, and/or schools. Teams will have time to meet to plan their goals for the Institute as well as for the year ahead. CES Small Schools Network teams will include pairs of CES mentors and new school design teams or new schools. Participating teams who are not members of the Network will receive coaching from one of our partners or centers.

Networking and Relationship Building
There will be specific events that provide opportunities for team building and networking; however, the institute as a whole provides the opportunity for networking and relationship building via workshops and CFC’s. In addition, there will be a welcome reception and dinner on Monday night for all Summer Institute participants, as well as a special event on Thursday evening.

Meals for the Week
During the week breakfast and lunch will be provided. We also provide snacks during the Institute breaks to keep you well fed. In the evenings you will be free to have dinner and sightsee on your own.