Iowa BIG, Cedar Rapids, IA

Iowa BIG is a collaborative high school program operating among several school districts in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Students choose from a pool of “initiatives” suggested by community partners or based on their own interests to address authentic problems and develop real solutions while earning core academic credits. Iowa BIG places a high value on experiential and contextualized learning—learning that can be applied to many different contexts, not just separated out by subjects and lessons. This means Iowa BIG focuses on meaningful and relevant experiences that allow students to learn academic content in a real-world context instead of through traditional means. Students simultaneously master and apply academic knowledge and skills while tackling authentic community needs and learning important business approaches like the Agile Mindset. Because Iowa BIG is a fully competency-based environment, each learner’s individual academic progress is carefully tracked and holistically assessed throughout each initiative.

School Type

Part-time/Program

School Context

Multi-District Partnership, Member of XQ Network

Dimensions

• Outcomes: Personalized learning experiences; Community-based learning
• Learner Experience: Community-connected experiential learning; Core and business elective credits
• Competency & Credentialing: Part-time model; Competency-based
• Wellness: XQ learner goals; Personalized yearlong student seminars
• Equity: Leadership and equity coaches; Meaningful projects and community connection; Focus on community culture
• Professional Learning: Teacher co-designed professional development
• Strategy: Pursuing full-day 9-12 magnet school; Currently supporting more than one campus
• Partnerships: Education Reimagined; XQ Schools; Multiple community-facing organizations, foundations and businesses in Cedar Rapids and Iowa
• Technology: Currently reporting marks to home school or district; Designed software to track and manage projects (utilize Agile principles) and manage assessment.

See More

• XQ: Iowa Big
• Education Reimagined Iowa Big
• Learner-Centered Iowa BIG Propels Jemar Lee