2020 Schools

A few weeks ago I told you about a project that is taking place at a school called IIT High School. It is one of the four schools that are located in what was once known as Edison Tech in Rochester, New York. Students there have been working on a project that will result in the publication of a book about two local historical figures, Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony. The project has been able to garner support from the Mayor and our County Executive. There are many adults working in the background to run interference on the project but it has been been totally student driven. It has fostered collaboration and engagement with all the constituencies involved. Thus far it has had amazing results. At the most recent update students rolled out a draft of the text and illustrations. The students are now making decisions on how the book will be published. The collaboration between students, teachers, elected leaders and the public is amazing. Adults are getting ready to solicit donations to get the book published. If all goes well, the book will be distributed to all 3rd graders in Monroe County this spring. Plans are in the works to give the book a library code (ISBN) so it can become part of libraries across the country. After the initial publication there are plans to make the book available on demand on Amazon. This project has so much positive energy I hope it can be replicated by others.