Middle school is a time of tremendous transition and change–physical, emotional, social and intellectual. In fact, after birth to age two, adolescence is the time in one’s life with the greatest period of growth. And while we have many systems and structures in place in the middle school that help students navigate these changes, our curriculum invites students to inquire into a rapidly changing, interconnected world and their place in it.

With an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning, educators frame units where students make connections across disciplines and apply relevant skills to take action towards solving real-world, complex issues. At the same time, they bring their own interests and lived experiences to the learning process, giving them ownership over what they are learning. Centering students in the learning process and guiding students towards meaningful transfer of skills and conceptual understanding, teachers using this essential method of instruction help prepare students for success beyond the classroom, thereby realizing the SAS vision and strategic goals.

So, how do we prepare our students and provide them with an opportunity to bring themselves into the learning? How do we offer them a voice into what they learn and how they learn it, and then act on their learning? 

Educators collaborate across disciplines to create learning experiences for students that are culturally responsive, flexible, contextualized in real-world issues and action-oriented through conceptual understanding transfer and skill application. 

1. Interdisciplinary learning helps students develop a deeper understanding of subject areas by focusing on conceptual understanding, rather than just content, allowing students to fully grasp complex ideas and apply them in meaningful ways.

2. It centers students in the learning process, giving them an active role in shaping their own education. Interdisciplinary learning allows students to have a voice in what they learn and how they learn it and helps to develop their critical thinking skills. This helps to engage and motivate students, and fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for their personal learning journeys.

3. Interdisciplinary learning allows for real-world application and problem solving, making learning more meaningful and relevant. It encourages action-oriented learning by focusing on real-world application and problem solving, so students can act on it and make a difference in their communities and the world.

4. It promotes collaboration among educators across disciplines, breaking down traditional subject silos and encouraging a more holistic approach to education.

5. Interdisciplinary learning creates learning experiences that are culturally responsive and flexible, taking into account the needs and backgrounds of all students.