In Phase 2, the team is charged with co-designing change ideas with specific goals aligned with their vision. This process involves brainstorming, creative ideation, consulting with their coach, using strategies from the SPACE Framework for School Change, and collaborating to create an action plan. School leaders and educators at Menlo School attribute engagement improvements to several key changes implemented over an eight year period. These efforts were designed to foster a more engaging learning environment through multiple approaches piloted over time rather than one single change. 

space framework: supportive schedule + use of time

Supportive Schedule

By adjusting the schedule to have only four classes per day, students have fewer subjects to prepare for each night, reducing their overall workload and stress. Additionally, they have scaled back the amount of homework assigned, making it more formative and focused on practice rather than excessive repetition, which encourages full engagement.

space framework: Pedagogy that engages

Voice and Choice

In order to give students greater academic choice, the school built on their experiential learning opportunities with the addition of new hands-on, applied science courses as well as elective options for juniors in English and History.

SPACE FRAMEWORK: Authentic assessments

Meaningful Homework and Assessments

Over time, the school has shifted its approach to assessments to emphasize skills and proficiency rather than just content mastery. Students also have opportunities for retakes, revisions, and redemption, fostering a more supportive learning environment. 

space framework: climate of care

Increased Academic Support

Menlo School expanded their academic support program by adding additional staff, including an on-campus math and science tutor and a Middle School learning specialist. Students have greater access to support and are benefitting from an environment where they feel comfortable seeking help. Teachers can send students to get help when they have a free period, or students can drop in before, during, and after school in order to get additional resources for learning and skill development. 

space framework: Climate of CARE

Intentional Focus on Adult-Student Relationships

The school intentionally strengthened their Advocacy Program, which is the their form of advisory. During these regular meetings, groups emphasize school values, relationship building, and creating a sense of belonging.

space framework: Education for Everyone

Professional Development and Community Education

Prioritizing professional development and community education has helped to ensure that students, faculty, and parents are actively engaged in conversations around engagement. For example, the school hosted professional development to help teachers calibrate on the quality and quantity of homework, reinforcing meaningful learning rather than rote work.

Recent data from the past two years reveal positive shifts in student engagement, including a decrease in upper school students who report “doing school”; more students fully and purposefully engaged in upper school; and an increase in students fully engaged in middle school.

Measurable improvement in engagement for middle and upper school students