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When Brian Riley walked into a meeting at Cheltenham School District nine years ago, he had no idea he was about to lead a complete transformation of their educational approach. "We're doing this project-based learning thing," the superintendent announced, and suddenly Brian found himself pioneering a program that didn't yet exist.
This candid conversation reveals the authentic journey of implementing project-based learning (PBL) from the ground up. Brian shares how visits to High Tech High in San Diego shaped their vision, providing teachers with immersive experiences alongside PBL experts. Rather than forcing integration of all subjects simultaneously, Cheltenham's approach allows projects to dictate which content areas take center stage at different times - creating authentic learning experiences that mirror real-world problem solving.
The most powerful testament to their success? Teachers who declare they could never return to traditional education after experiencing PBL. "If we stopped offering PBL, they would need to leave the school," Brian explains, highlighting how the approach rejuvenates both teaching practices and student engagement. While approximately 150 students (about 10% of the school population) participate across four grade levels, the program maintains demographic representation that mirrors the entire school - ensuring accessibility for all learners.
What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Brian's transparency about their mistakes and continuous refinement process. From initially attempting to launch in two grade levels simultaneously to learning that not every project needs to incorporate all subjects, these lessons provide invaluable guidance for other districts considering similar innovations. Whether you're a PBL expert or just beginning to explore alternative educational models, this episode offers practical insights on creating learning experiences that prepare students for a world that demands more than textbook knowledge.

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