The Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21) and Ocean Lakes High School’s technology teachers Cecilia Hess and Scott Sonier presented at the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association’s (ITEEA) 2016 National Conference.

Hess and Sonier’s presentation was in support of OLHS’s P21 designation of Exemplar School. The session entitled, “What Great Schools Do – Learning from Exemplars,” emphasized collaboration, a 4Cs skill (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity) and how to make STEM learning meaningful, relevant and engaging for diverse students.

In 2015, Ocean Lakes High School was named a 21st Century Learning Exemplar School by P21. Ocean Lakes was one of 15 schools nationwide to earn the honor, and the school was cited for utilizing a balanced assessment approach to ensuring student growth over time.

This year, Landstown High School was also named a 21st Century Learning Exemplar School by P21. Now, Landstown and Ocean Lakes are two of just 60 schools nationwide (and the only two schools in Virginia) to earn this honor.