Author: Team XQ

5 Resources to Celebrate High School Seniors in Time for Graduation

High School & Society

5 Resources to Celebrate High School Seniors in Time for Graduation

The class of 2020 is experiencing a senior year like no other class. Here are 5 resources for us to honor and celebrate their graduation.

These “Tutor Teens” Launched a Business to Help Younger Students and Families Learn Remotely

High School Life

These “Tutor Teens” Launched a Business to Help Younger Students and Families Learn Remotely

These students used COVID-19 as an opportunity to help other students. Here's how they did it.

Celebrate Your Everyday Heroes on Teacher Appreciation Day

High School Life

Celebrate Your Everyday Heroes on Teacher Appreciation Day

Everyday heroes are among us everyday — including in our classrooms. Here's one hero who teaches at a school in Nashville.

5 Ways for Students to Share Their Voice

High School Life

5 Ways for Students to Share Their Voice

Students today have a lot to say about their education. Here are ways we can be sure we're listening.

Student Poetry to Promote Youth Voice and Choice

High School Life

Student Poetry to Promote Youth Voice and Choice

This student from Indiana uses poetry to express what he's feeling in a different way. His poems even won him a poetry competition.

Hope Thrives From This High School’s Community Garden

High School Life

Hope Thrives From This High School’s Community Garden

How do you keep environmental justice at the core of your school when students are learning remotely? Here's what one school in Texas is doing.

5 Resources to Support the Mental Well-Being of Your School Community

High School & Society

5 Resources to Support the Mental Well-Being of Your School Community

This is a very hard time to be a student right now. Here are some resources to support students and ensure your school is staying mentally healthy.

How Are School Boards Responding to School Closures in the Time of COVID-19?

High School & Society

How Are School Boards Responding to School Closures in the Time of COVID-19?

Leadership decisions don’t stop when campuses are closed. In fact, they become more important than ever. Here's how school boards are responding to the Coronavirus pandemic.

5 Resources for Building Relationships During School Closures

High School Redesign

5 Resources for Building Relationships During School Closures

During COVID-19, students need strong relationships. Here are resources on how to build them.

Remote Learning Ideas: How to Start a Podcast

High School Redesign

Remote Learning Ideas: How to Start a Podcast

The shift to remote learning has teachers rethinking everything, from curriculum, to labs, to projects. Here's one place to start when looking for remote learning project ideas.

School Closure Resources for High School Educators

High School Redesign

School Closure Resources for High School Educators

School closures have changed what high school looks like across the country. Here are 5 resources to help you navigate these uncharted waters.

XQ + RI Update: 2 New XQ Schools and 18 Awards in High School Design Challenge

High School Redesign

XQ + RI Update: 2 New XQ Schools and 18 Awards in High School Design Challenge

Big things are happening to high schools in America's smallest state. Here are Rhode Island's newest XQ schools.

I Can Do That: How to Start a Career in Poetry

Beyond High School Graduation

I Can Do That: How to Start a Career in Poetry

We met a poetry teacher who shared his path to his career today. Find out how you can follow in his footsteps.

5 Resources for Fostering Meaningful, Engaged Learning

High School Redesign

5 Resources for Fostering Meaningful, Engaged Learning

We gathered five awesome resources that explore innovative approaches on how educators like you create opportunities that engage students in meaningful ways.

Helping Your Teen Get the Most out of High School

High School Life

Helping Your Teen Get the Most out of High School

This parent sent their student to a new high school that connects students with their community. Here’s what the experience as a parent has been like.

Tips on How to Use Social Media for Schools

High School Redesign

Tips on How to Use Social Media for Schools

Blogs and social media can be a great way to share your school’s bright spots and messages with the community. Here's how to get your school's story out to the world.

Tips on Creating an Inclusive School and Why It Matters

High School Redesign

Tips on Creating an Inclusive School and Why It Matters

Creating an inclusive environment for all students can change the culture and success of your school. Here's how you can get started.

Want a Strong School Culture? Focus on Coherent School Leadership

High School Redesign

Want a Strong School Culture? Focus on Coherent School Leadership

Culture impacts everyone, but often starts at the top. Here's advice from one education leader on coherent school leadership.

At this innovative urban high school project-based learning addresses environmental justice

High School Redesign

At this innovative urban high school project-based learning addresses environmental justice

With a focus on environmental justice, XQ school Furr offers its 1,100 students hands-on projects that combine academic standards with ecology and sustainability.

I can do that: What does a venture capitalist do?

Beyond High School Graduation

I can do that: What does a venture capitalist do?

We spoke with a venture capitalist to learn about their career path and how to succeed in the field. Find out how you can follow in their footsteps.

Students Use Research and Creativity to Explore Black History Month

High School & Society

Students Use Research and Creativity to Explore Black History Month

These students explore Black History Month and our shared history through hands-on, student-guided projects. See how.

5 Resources for Developing a Strong School Mission & Culture

High School Redesign

5 Resources for Developing a Strong School Mission & Culture

A unifying set of values ensures every stakeholder is not only accountable but committed to helping every student realize their full potential—regardless of who they are or where they come from. Here are 5 resources to get you started.

How design thinking in high school set this student up for college success

Beyond High School Graduation

How design thinking in high school set this student up for college success

This student shares how the design thinking process helps her engage deeply in her own learning.

XQ’s High School Reading List for Black History Month (And Every Month)

High School Redesign

XQ’s High School Reading List for Black History Month (And Every Month)

There are big representation gaps in the book publishing industry, and the power to close them is in the hands of educators. Here are a few titles to use in your classroom during Black History Month and every month.

Students Share What It’s Like to Learn in an Innovative High School

High School Life

Students Share What It’s Like to Learn in an Innovative High School

These three students come from three innovative schools that put students at the center. Here’s what it’s like to attend these schools.

Student Success in College Starts in High School

Beyond High School Graduation

Student Success in College Starts in High School

This high school in Tennessee developed a course to help prepare their students for success in college before they even arrive. This is how they’re getting it done.

Tips on How to Choose a High School From a Former Principal

High School & Society

Tips on How to Choose a High School From a Former Principal

Choosing a high school for your student might seem like a daunting choice. Here's what one former school leader recommends when faced with the decision.

I Can Do That: What Does an Industrial Designer Do?

Beyond High School Graduation

I Can Do That: What Does an Industrial Designer Do?

We spoke with an industrial designer to learn about their career path and what it takes to thrive in the field. Find out what it takes and how to design your future.

School Builders Share What It Means to #ReThinkHighSchool in Practice

High School Redesign

School Builders Share What It Means to #ReThinkHighSchool in Practice

Rethinking high school is hard work. We asked our school leaders who have gone through the journey to share what they've learned.

5 Resources That Will Help Bring Your School Design to Life

High School Redesign

5 Resources That Will Help Bring Your School Design to Life

Here are 5 of some of the most eye-opening resources that are jam-packed with interesting learnings on school design.

How a class of young writers explored climate change through storytelling

High School Life

How a class of young writers explored climate change through storytelling

Here’s how students in New Orleans published a book of student writing, and learned about storytelling and climate change in the process.

Think Outside the Box and Read Between the Lines

High School Redesign

Think Outside the Box and Read Between the Lines

A Twitter chat about required reading, a podcast rec, and some things to add to your calendar. Here are 5 resources you need to start the week of teaching.

Making Time for Self-Reflection: A Gratefulness Routine

High School & Society

Making Time for Self-Reflection: A Gratefulness Routine

Making time for reflection is hard. Here's a gratefulness routine to try to help keep you grounded and looking forward into the future.

The Key to Understanding School Design? Collaboration!

High School Redesign

The Key to Understanding School Design? Collaboration!

School design can help ensure that students are provided with an environment conducive to increased levels of engagement. School design is most effective when complemented by a rigorous, creative, and innovative curriculum that puts students first every step of the way. Here’s how.

Give Me Five Top 5: Start Next School Year With 2020 Vision

High School Redesign

Give Me Five Top 5: Start Next School Year With 2020 Vision

That's a wrap on 2019! Let's look back on our 5 favorite resources of the year.

I Can Do That! The Computer Science Edition

Beyond High School Graduation

I Can Do That! The Computer Science Edition

We spoke to a web developer to learn about her journey and what it takes to succeed in the field. Find out how she did it and how to build your future.

Computer Science Through a Lens of Equity & Social Justice

High School Redesign

Computer Science Through a Lens of Equity & Social Justice

Here's how one school in Washington D.C. is breaking down barriers for all students to learn computer science.

How To Create Interdisciplinary Projects

High School Redesign

How To Create Interdisciplinary Projects

School disciplines are connected, and interdisciplinary teaching helps students connect the dots. Here's how to create meaningful projects from your students.

Tips on Writing a College Application Essay

Beyond High School Graduation

Tips on Writing a College Application Essay

College essays are always a daunting tasks for students and their families. Here are a couple tips to help you through the process.

School Board Governance Best Practices

High School & Society

School Board Governance Best Practices

Learn how school boards can transform education in their communities by incorporating governance best practices that propel students to success.

Cure Some of Your EdTech Woes & Save $$$ On Your Tech Budget

High School Redesign

Cure Some of Your EdTech Woes & Save $$$ On Your Tech Budget

Marie Condo, a library of resources, and our love for CBE. 5 resources to help jumpstart your week of teaching.

What Can We Do About Teen Vaping?

High School & Society

What Can We Do About Teen Vaping?

Vaping is a public health crisis impacting the health of students today. Here's what we can do to change that.

7 teacher tips for supporting students who’ve experienced trauma

High School & Society

7 teacher tips for supporting students who’ve experienced trauma

Students who’ve survived early childhood adversity or trauma – such as violence, abuse, or a death in the family – can have unique needs in the classroom. Here are some tips to meet those students where they're at.

Viral Videos, #Selfcare, and Limitless Potential.

High School Redesign

Viral Videos, #Selfcare, and Limitless Potential.

A podcast challenge, encouraging students to vote, and treating yourself. 5 resources to help start your week of teaching.

Books Inspiring Educators on National Author’s Day

High School Life

Books Inspiring Educators on National Author’s Day

We asked educators from across the country to share their favorite books for National Author's Day. Here are some books to add to your reading list.

ADHD in the Classroom: Teacher Resources and Strategies

High School Redesign

ADHD in the Classroom: Effective Teacher Resources and Strategies

Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often struggle to succeed at school. Here's how we can support them.

13 Teacher Tips For Building Student Voice and Agency

High School Life

13 Teacher Tips For Building Student Voice and Agency

Giving students a voice in their education and the freedom to drive their learning is crucial when rethinking high school. Here are 13 tips to help your students gain agency in your classroom.

Advice for school leaders on how to serve English learners and special ed students

High School Redesign

Advice for school leaders on how to serve English learners and special ed students

Tips from school leaders to meet the needs of students who are English language learners and students with special needs.

Grab your cape! Your powers can perform miracles…

High School Redesign

Grab your cape! Your powers can perform miracles…

Five resources for you to transform the way you teach. Isn't that super?

How schools can clear the path to college

Beyond High School Graduation

How schools can clear the path to college

High schools can take steps to make the transition to college smoother so students have a higher chance of attending a school and choosing a field of study that works for them. Here's how.

Easy steps to seamless teacher collaboration

High School Redesign

Easy steps to seamless teacher collaboration

Collaborating with teachers makes your classroom more efficient and interdisciplinary. Here are some tips from educators on how to start collaborating with your colleagues.

What is Latinx? Tracing Its History and Defining Its Meaning

High School Life

What is Latinx? Tracing Its History and Defining Its Meaning

The term “Latinx” is becoming more and more common. Let's talk about where it comes from, why it matters, and what it means to be a Latinx student.

Podcasts and poems and projects, oh my!

High School Redesign

Podcasts and poems and projects, oh my!

From helping students who have experienced trauma, to a poetry project, to a podcast rec. Here are 5 resources to start your week of teaching.

FAFSA: Everything you need to know to apply for federal student financial aid

Beyond High School Graduation

FAFSA: Everything you need to know to apply for federal student financial aid

Everything you need to know about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (aka the FAFSA). Don't leave money on the table.

How to Encourage Students to Vote and Where to Send Them

High School & Society

How to Encourage Students to Vote and Where to Send Them

Civics education is critical for students, especially those who are old enough to vote. Here are some tips to help your students become active citizens.

How To Run a School Board Campaign

High School & Society

How To Run a School Board Campaign

Running for the board of education is challenging. Here are some school board campaign ideas and steps to help you get started.

Celebrating Hispanic heritage, this month and all year round

High School & Society

Celebrating Hispanic heritage, this month and all year round

Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is commemorated across the country with festivals, exhibits, concerts, awards, lectures, and other events to honor the myriad contributions of Latinx people to American culture. How should schools be a part of this national movement?

Everyday Hero: What you’re going through now does not define you

High School Life

Everyday Hero: What you’re going through now does not define you

This student experienced homelessness, and now is going to his dream school. And he wants you to know that "...what you're going through now does not define you."

Can video games inspire an entrepreneurial mindset?

Beyond High School Graduation

Can video games inspire an entrepreneurial mindset?

Many tech CEOs claim video games as their initial inspiration with computer programming. But is there any research connecting the two? Find out.

High School Life

Making an impact: From homeless high school valedictorian to Georgetown University grad

This student defied the odds and graduated from Georgetown, despite challenges. Here's her story

What does mastery really mean?

High School Redesign

What does mastery really mean?

Graphic novels, competency based education, and personalizing learning. 5 resources to start your week of teaching.

Four Books Your Students Will Love

High School Life

Four Books Your Students Will Love

We asked four XQ teachers to share their students' favorite books on #ReadABookDay.

How to get the most out of student internships

Beyond High School Graduation

How to get the most out of student internships

Internships are a great way to give students real-world experience and prepare them for life after high school. Here's what two schools are doing differently to help students get the most out the experience.

The keys to teacher success at innovative schools

High School Redesign

The keys to teacher success at innovative schools

This educator at an innovative high school shares her keys to success. (Hint: it starts with student voice)

Hard Work, Meet the DIY Girls: The story of an all-girl engineering team

High School Life

Hard Work, Meet the DIY Girls: The story of an all-girl engineering team

This LA-based nonprofit teaches STEM to 650 girls in elementary, middle, and high school. Here's how they do it, and what it looks like in practice.

Young people, adult issues

High School Redesign

Young people, adult issues

Tech-enabeled projects, teaching hard history, and helping students cope. 5 resources to help you start the week in your classroom.

How the Born This Way Foundation is supporting communities affected by mass shootings

High School & Society

How the Born This Way Foundation is supporting communities affected by mass shootings

"We cannot turn away from ourselves. We cannot turn away from our loved ones. We need each other. Don’t turn away.”

Nervous about student loans? You’re not the only one

Beyond High School Graduation

Nervous about student loans? You’re not the only one

The student loan crisis is on everyone's mind, and it's making many students anxious. Find out why.

Help! My kid wants to go to college and I have no money

Beyond High School Graduation

Help! My kid wants to go to college and I have no money

Wondering how you're going to help your student pay for college? You're not alone. Here is a place to start when asking the daunting question.

Student loan debt is a national crisis: Is there anything we can do about it?

Beyond High School Graduation

Student loan debt is a national crisis: Is there anything we can do about it?

People all across the country have asked us questions on student loans. From solutions, to bright-spots, to is the debt even worth it — you asked, we answered.

Everyday Hero: The Purpose of the Paint – Running for Women Without a Voice

High School Life

Everyday Hero: The Purpose of the Paint – Running for Women Without a Voice

When Rosalie Fish stepped up to the starting line, she was preparing to run for more than herself and her school. Find out why.

Shining the Spotlight on Educator Voice

High School Redesign

Shining the Spotlight on Educator Voice

One student's story, cutting college costs, and a chance for educators to share their stories. 5 resources to help you jumpstart the week in your classroom.

Tips to teach and celebrate 54 years of the Voting Rights Act

High School Redesign

Tips to teach and celebrate 54 years of the Voting Rights Act

The Voting Rights Act is a great gateway to introducing civics to your classroom. Here are a few tips to get you started.

School Fundraising 2.0

High School & Society

School Fundraising 2.0

Schools everywhere turn to fundraising to make their schools sustainable. Here are some tips beyond bake sales to help your school's fundraising efforts.

Taking it to the streets in Cedar Rapids

High School Life

Taking it to the streets in Cedar Rapids

These students in Iowa learned about street art, history, and marketing by building a replica Berlin wall with a local museum. Here’s how.

What do students want? Ask them.

High School Life

What do students want? Ask them.

High school students tell us what’s working at their schools and what we can do to better prepare them for life beyond graduation.

Do not underestimate an immigrant

High School Life

Do not underestimate an immigrant

This student shares his story about being an immigrant, and how his community and high school in Oakland helped him adapt.

Schools with cops but no counselors?

High School & Society

Schools with cops but no counselors?

ACLU reports 17 million students attend schools with police officers but no school counselors, with disastrous consequences. Here's the bigger picture of what this means.

Want to Prepare Students for the Workforce? Let Them Lead.

High School & Society

Want to Prepare Students for the Workforce? Let Them Lead.

This teen center learned a lot in the past 20 years about how to empower students to learn and lead. Here's what you can learn from them.

Competency, Student Voice, and Old Friends

High School Redesign

Competency, Student Voice, and Old Friends

This school leader visited an education conference, and saw that student voice was at the center. Here's what they saw, and what they'll do next.

‘The gift of complex learners’

High School Redesign

‘The gift of complex learners’

Educators serving students with dyslexia, autism, and other special needs can learn from this school. See how this XQ school is taking special education seriously.

An Inside Look at Teacher Stress

High School & Society

An Inside Look at Teacher Stress

We asked readers if they feel teaching is increasingly stressful. Here are some of the most common responses we heard.

What Happens When Students Decide How They Learn?

High School Redesign

What Happens When Students Decide How They Learn?

Giving students a voice in their education empowers them to do great things. But there's more than one path to giving students agency. Here are how several schools around the country empower young people.

This ‘Vertical Urban Village’ Will Change How You Think About Education

High School Redesign

This ‘Vertical Urban Village’ Will Change How You Think About Education

What if a school located in a vertical neighborhood could partner with neighboring businesses and keep student voice, passions, and agency at the core? Enter Crosstown High School...

These High School Students Are Learning From Local Businesses Instead Of Textbooks

High School & Society

These High School Students Are Learning From Local Businesses Instead Of Textbooks

This school in Indiana is partnering with businesses so that their students can solve real-world problems. Here's how they're doing it.

The awesome way one school is helping students broadcast messages to the world.

High School & Society

The awesome way one school is helping students broadcast messages to the world.

The students of Ritenour High School had a special way to get their voices heard over the crowd though: a professional media lab.

Marginalized Students Deserve Better. Here’s How We Give Them Just That.

High School Redesign

Marginalized Students Deserve Better. Here’s How We Give Them Just That.

It’s easy for vulnerable students to fall through the cracks of an education system that fails its most marginalized students of resources. Here's what one LA school builder decided to do about it.

In A Contemporary, Media-Driven World, These Two Schools Are Rethinking Education

High School Redesign

In A Contemporary, Media-Driven World, These Two Schools Are Rethinking Education

These two southern California schools are taking two different approaches to connect their students to the community to prepare them for the future. Here's how they do it.

The Future Of Coastal Preservation Is In The Hands Of High Schoolers

High School Life

The Future Of Coastal Preservation Is In The Hands Of High Schoolers

Students at this New Orleans high school are learning hands-on the effects of climate change, and equipping themselves with the knowledge to solve it.

What we learned after Year One as a Super School

High School Redesign

What we learned after Year One as a Super School

This innovative New Orleans high school focused on the environment has been open for a year. Here’s what they’ve learned so far.

The true meaning of ‘Lord of the Flies’? Ask these 10th graders

High School Redesign

The true meaning of ‘Lord of the Flies’? Ask these 10th graders

This San Diego teacher is sharing Lord of the Flies with his class in a very different way. Find out what he's doing instead.

Changing the world, one computer at a time

High School Redesign

Changing the world, one computer at a time

At D.C. high school, computer science is more than coding. It’s about logic, language, creativity, entrepreneurship, and equity. Find out what that means and how you can teach computer science differently.

How a hot-dog stand is changing young people’s lives in Alabama

High School Life

How a hot-dog stand is changing young people’s lives in Alabama

This student-run hot dog stand in Alabama is teaching students valuable skills in high school. Find out how they've made an impact.

Reflections from the XQ Class of ‘19

Beyond High School Graduation

Reflections from the XQ Class of ‘19

Seniors across the country are reflecting on their high school experience as the class of 2019 is graduating. We asked some of our XQ students to share their reflections.

Want to create a more inclusive school? Give students a voice

High School Life

Want to create a more inclusive school? Give students a voice

Maryland high school students find on-campus forums make all the difference. Find out what giving students a voice does at this school.

This School Set Inside A City Museum Is Redefining Education

High School Redesign

This School Set Inside A City Museum Is Redefining Education

Imagine taking a field trip to a museum every day of high school, without having to leave the school building. Enter Grand Rapids Public Museum High School...

Treating students like humans

High School & Society

Treating students like humans

The Aspen Institute report shows the crucial importance of social-emotional learning. Here's why it's critical to empower students in high school.

Think you’re born with all your brainpower? This theory will make you think again.

High School & Society

Think you’re born with all your brainpower? This theory will make you think again.

Do you think you’re born with all the smarts you’ll ever have or that you can get smarter over time? Learn the answer.

These girls are using their love of science to bridge international borders.

High School & Society

These girls are using their love of science to bridge international borders.

Not only are the Chicas helping to close the gender gap in STEM, but they’re also creating leaders in a marginalized community. Find out how.

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