Altitude Learning: Transforming Education at Mount Vernon and Beyond

The educational landscape is constantly evolving, demanding innovative approaches that equip students with the skills and mindsets necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Altitude Learning is at the forefront of this transformation, partnering with schools like Mount Vernon School in Atlanta, Georgia, to create learner-centered environments that foster agency, competency, and a lifelong love of learning. This article explores the key principles of Altitude Learning, showcases its implementation at Mount Vernon School, and highlights other examples of innovative educational practices that are shaping the future of education.

The Shift Towards Learner-Centered Education

Traditional education systems often prioritize rote memorization and standardized testing, focusing on covering content rather than developing essential skills. However, the demands of the modern workplace require individuals who are adaptable, creative, and possess strong problem-solving abilities. This realization has led to a growing movement towards learner-centered education, which places the student at the heart of the learning process.

In a learner-centered environment, the educational system is designed to recognize and leverage the unique strengths, interests, and goals of each learner. Effective learning structures, authentic learning experiences, and student agency are key components of this approach, empowering learners to achieve desired competencies and reach their full potential.

Instead of focusing solely on grades and test scores, learner-centered education emphasizes the development of transferable competencies - the knowledge, skills, and habits that learners need to succeed in various contexts. Altitude Learning supports schools and districts in measuring these domains through milestones that define the specific knowledge, skills, and habits a learner must achieve within specific grade bands and by the time they graduate.

Mount Vernon School: A Model for Competency-Based Learning

Mount Vernon School in Atlanta, GA, has embraced a competency-based approach to education, aligning its learning experience with the skillsets, mindsets, and competencies that are most important for success in the real world. The school focuses on developing a proactive, problem-solving mindset that engages learners in real-world work, preparing them for college and their futures beyond the classroom.

One of the key features of Mount Vernon's approach is its cross-curricular competency library. Students receive feedback on a single competency from a variety of educators, breaking down the traditional siloed approach to assessment where teachers only assess standards within their specific subject areas. Working with Altitude Learning, the Mount Vernon team created a collaborative assessment model that provides a 360-degree view of mastery.

This holistic approach ensures that students receive comprehensive feedback on their progress and develop a deeper understanding of how different competencies connect across disciplines. By focusing on mastery rather than simply achieving a high GPA, Mount Vernon helps students connect broader learning concepts to the granular knowledge that is a part of their day-to-day experiences.

Fostering a Growth Mindset

A crucial aspect of learner-centered education is fostering a growth mindset - the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and dedication. Traditional educational practices often emphasize perfection and evaluation, which can lead students to believe that intelligence is fixed and that mistakes are a sign of failure.

However, research has shown that a growth mindset is essential for promoting learning, creativity, and resilience. When students believe that they can improve with effort, they are more likely to embrace challenges, persist through setbacks, and view mistakes as opportunities for growth.

To cultivate a growth mindset, educators need to create a learning environment that values the learning process over the end result. This means providing students with regular feedback, encouraging experimentation, and celebrating effort and progress. It also means reframing mistakes as learning opportunities and helping students develop strategies for overcoming challenges.

Read also: Understanding PLCs

Real-World Learning Experiences

In addition to fostering a growth mindset, learner-centered education emphasizes the importance of real-world learning experiences. These experiences provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in authentic contexts, connect with their communities, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

There are many ways to incorporate real-world learning experiences into the curriculum. Some examples include:

Field trips: Visiting local businesses, museums, historical sites, or natural environments can provide students with firsthand exposure to different industries, cultures, and ecosystems.
Community service projects: Engaging in service projects allows students to address real-world problems, develop empathy and social responsibility, and make a positive impact on their communities.
Internships and apprenticeships: Providing students with opportunities to work alongside professionals in their fields of interest can give them valuable experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

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Project-based learning: Engaging students in extended projects that require them to research, design, and create solutions to real-world problems can foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

Examples of Real-World Learning in Action

Several schools are already implementing innovative real-world learning experiences that are transforming education. Here are a few examples:

Wilson Hall: This school uses local places as valuable educational resources. Second-graders visited the Pocotaligo Water Treatment Plant to deepen their understanding of Community Helpers, while third-graders experienced first-hand the government concepts they have been studying in class by stepping into the South Carolina State House. History came to life during Colonial Day at the Carolina Backcountry Homestead at the Sumter County Museum. Students in AP Sculpture and Sculpture I & II visited the studio of renowned Sumter sculptor Grainger McKoy to learn directly from his creative process. Kindergarteners spent a fun-filled day at Dorr Farms in Gable, while 5th grade students embarked on a five-day educational journey to Washington, D.C.
National Whitewater Center: Students visit the National Whitewater Center in Charlotte to turn outdoor activities into a lesson in teamwork. From scaling the rock climbing wall to tackling the high ropes course, ziplining through the treetops, and paddling together on a whitewater rafting adventure, students discover the value of collaboration and trust.
USS Yorktown: 7th grade students explored Charleston County from May 6-8. Highlights included two nights aboard the historic USS Yorktown, tours of a destroyer and submarine, the Vietnam Experience Exhibit, and a visit to Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. A day with Barrier Island Eco-Tours brought hands-on learning about ecology and marine biology on Capers Island, where students explored marshes, forests, and the iconic “bone-yard beach.”
Lee State Park: As part of their science unit on fossils, third grade students took their learning beyond the classroom with an exciting field trip to Lee State Park. With the guidance of Ranger Laura, they explored the park’s artesian wells, collecting sediment samples brought to the surface to examine under microscopes-an up-close look at the layers of Earth’s history. To further connect with their studies, students created their own leaf rubbings, simulating the formation of carbon film fossils and gaining a hands-on understanding of how impressions from the past are preserved in nature.
ArtFields Jr.: Nearly 40 students and their art teachers traveled to Lake City to attend ArtFields, one of the South’s premier art competitions and festivals celebrating creativity and talent. This year, the artwork of 17 WH students was accepted into ArtFields Jr., a highly competitive statewide competition that showcases student artists from across SC.
Carowinds Education Day: AP Physics students taught by Mrs. Jessica Duke brought classroom concepts to life by exploring real-world STEAM applications at Carowinds Education Day.

These examples demonstrate the power of real-world learning experiences to engage students, deepen their understanding, and prepare them for success in the future.

Integrating Technology into the Classroom

Technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing learning and creating more engaging and personalized educational experiences. From interactive whiteboards to laptops and tablets, technology can provide students with access to a wealth of information, resources, and tools that can support their learning.

However, it is important to use technology strategically and purposefully, rather than simply for the sake of using technology. Technology should be integrated into the curriculum in a way that enhances learning, promotes collaboration, and develops essential digital literacy skills.

Examples of Technology Integration

Phase Change Project: At Jordan Middle School, two science teachers designed a “Phase Change Project” to help students understand how a solid changes into a liquid and then into a gas. The class has been working on drafting their storyboards and cartoons by hand and today they will complete a draft of storyboard, decide whether to do a final copy by hand, use a computer to type their text and add cartoon panels and even go further by making a video out of cartoon they have created. Students go to cart to get a iPad or laptop and return to their table.
Geometry Class: In a geometry class at Mountain View, students use tablets to work on two-column proofs in pairs. The teacher moves from pair to pair asking questions, looking at their screens to see what the partners have typed.

These examples demonstrate how technology can be used to enhance learning, promote collaboration, and provide students with opportunities to create and share their work.

Addressing Achievement Gaps

While learner-centered education has the potential to transform education and improve outcomes for all students, it is important to address the persistent achievement gaps that exist in many schools and districts. These gaps often disproportionately affect students from low-income backgrounds and students of color.

To address achievement gaps, schools and districts need to implement targeted interventions that provide additional support to students who are struggling. These interventions should be data-driven, evidence-based, and culturally responsive. They should also be designed to address the root causes of achievement gaps, such as poverty, lack of access to resources, and systemic inequities.

One Fairfax

Fairfax County, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) signed a letter of intent to offer educational and career certification programs at the Original Mount Vernon High School. This agreement also advances the county’s and public schools’ commitment to One Fairfax, a racial and social equity policy jointly adopted by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Fairfax County School Board.

The Importance of Teacher Collaboration

Team planning can be mandated by a principal or can happen naturally between like-minded teachers. At Jordan Middle School, two science teachers in rooms adjacent to one another began slowly but steadily a few years ago to plan units of instruction for their 8th graders. A generation apart in age, these two teachers have planned units together including the lessons I observed two consecutive days.

Effective teacher collaboration can lead to the development of more innovative and engaging lessons, as well as a stronger sense of community and support among teachers.

Youth Learning Adventures

North Cascades Institute is committed to making our programs accessible to students from all backgrounds by offering tuition on a sliding scale. We provide transportation from Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Burlington, and Concrete.

Mount Vernon High School

Mount Vernon High School Assistant Principal Erica Naughton graduated from MVHS in 1998 and soon after began teaching within the Mount Vernon City School District. She has dedicated her career to educating in the District she grew up in and has committed her time and passion to Mount Vernon students.

She recalls Ms. Mary D. Spells has inspired her since she entered kindergarten. Our morning routine is still a part of my daily mode of operation. We started each day with Ms. Spells asking, "What does Cecil H. Parker School stand for?" And all of us would respond, "Courtesy, encouragement, cooperation, integrity, leadership, humanity, pride, academic excellence, respect, kindness, education, responsibility." She would continue, "The three A's are?" and we would all say, "Atmosphere plus attitude equals altitude."

Students seeking a career in education should continue to be inquisitive, take advantage of opportunities to network and be kind to everyone they encounter throughout the day because they can change the trajectory of someone else's day with a simple smile.

Reston Crossing

Reston Crossing will be built in three phases, and the Board of Supervisors approved its final development plans for the project’s first phase. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved changes yesterday, June 25, to the site layout for the massive 4.1.-million-square-foot Halley Rise development that will feature the first Wegmans in Reston.

Fairfax Peak

Alpine-X submitted a public-private partnership proposal to the county to build a 450,000- square-foot snow sports facility with an expected 1,700-foot ski slope. The proposal also envisions other amenities that could be added in the future, including a water park, a “gravity ropes course” and passive recreation areas. Besides strengthening Laurel Hill as a recreational destination, Fairfax Peak would allow local schools to add ski teams. The project would be environmentally sustainable as well. Fairfax Peak plans to incorporate green and energy efficient technologies in its buildings.

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