World Savvy is a national nonprofit that partners with schools to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Since 2002, they’ve worked to make classrooms more engaging, inclusive, and globally connected, ensuring students graduate with the skills to collaborate, communicate, and lead.
“We want to gather input on what could be – and should be – in our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Karen Cheser as the event began.
The event was held at the Impact Career Innovation Center on the Durango High School campus. In attendance were about 50 district leaders, teachers, and community stakeholders who are passionate about education. But the focal point and positive highlight of the event was the kids – a chance for adults to listen and connect with students.
There were about 50 high school students from Durango High School and Big Picture High School. DHS students were “a balanced sample” of the student body, according to DHS Principal Jon Hoerl, which included representatives from the Student Council and the Elevation Program. They were invited to share what they like and don’t like about their schools.
Students sat in mixed groups with adults and were respectful, engaged, and honest during several table discussions.
“High school is fun-ish. Teachers are engaging; but sometimes school is boring. There’s a disconnect of ‘what’s the point’? The system doesn’t work as well as it could.”
Many students said they felt their school day is rigid, with little time for mental breaks or creativity. “You are surviving the day, going from one thing to the next, and counting down the hours,” said one student, “I’m sorry… that sounds kind of depressing.”
A recurring theme for students was the importance of educators who know them personally and encourage them to succeed. “The best teachers care about us as people.”
Other themes of the day included the importance of building hands-on lessons around students’ interests; curriculum that reflects relevant life skills that will be useful after graduation; and giving students choices instead of a rigid structure. Teachers shared that they valued the students’ ideas, but they also need time, support, and resources to make new lessons come to life.
KK Neimann, World Savvy’s Director of Professional Learning, facilitated the lively exercises and discussions of the day. “We put a lot of emphasis in schools about giving the right answers. But it’s really important to ask the right questions,” she said.
In one eye-opening exercise, Neimann asked the group to imagine if there were no bell schedules, grades, or content areas. What could happen if longstanding structures of education were replaced with something else? One student offered that having kids attend classes based on their level of mastery versus grouped by age could remove the issue of teachers having to differentiate, or adjust lessons for a variety of learners in the same class.
After many discussions and stimulating brainstorming, the event attendees were treated to a taco bar lunch prepared by DHS catering students.
Attendees left with a renewed sense of energy and purpose – and a call to action to take the first steps toward change. Insights gathered from the event could influence everything from curriculum design to classroom environments, ensuring education is more engaging and relevant for the next generation.
“Students know better than anyone what’s working in their education – and what’s not,” said Cheser. “The Changemaker Hub was all about giving them a real voice in shaping the future of our schools. When we listen to students and work alongside them, we create learning experiences that truly prepare them for life.”
The ideas generated from the event will launch the development of the district’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. “Once you know better, you do better,” said Cheser. “I’m going to lean into that and make sure change happens.”
