About The Project
With the support of the LEGO Foundation, the Active Playful Learning (APL) Project is bringing an evidence-based and integrated whole child approach of playful learning to elementary classrooms in a select number of states that better prepares our children for their dynamic futures.
A Partnership
In Virginia, the APL project is a partnership between the University of Virginia, RAND, and the Loudoun County Public Schools. It is designed to implement and examine an educational model that actively engages students in learning that is meaningful, iterative, collaborative, and joyful.
With the success of play-based pilot programs in the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Hampshire, researchers from across the US launched a multi-state study of active playful learning, funded by The Lego Foundation. As part of this research cohort, APL implementation is happening in Virginia, California, Texas, Illinois, and Oregon.
What the Active Playful Learning Project brings to your school
We use a schoolwide model to bring APL to Virginia elementary classrooms. In our APL schools, all K-4 teachers benefit by participating as coached or self-paced teachers. Both the coached and self-paced groups are valuable contributors to our research.
Coaching
Through a collaborative partnership, APL coaches and teachers develop and implement APL - based goals and classroom experiences to enhance student learning.
APL coaches visit coached teachers’ classrooms every two weeks to provide additional support through coteaching, modeling, and working directly with students.
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Coached teachers also participate in team-based professional development and receive classroom ideas and materials that align with VA math standards and LCPS math pacing/unit guides.
Self-paced APL
APL self-paced teachers participate in team-based professional development with an APL coach. To support implementation of APL in their classrooms, they receive classroom ideas and materials that align with VA math standards and LCPS math pacing/unit guides.
Participating teachers will be accredited between 30 - 90 PD credits for their participation in the APL project activities.
APL
Implementation
Type
Self-paced
Coaching-based
Professional Development
4-6 hours, flexible
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APL Resources
Digital resources, reflective videos, forum
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Classroom Materials
Ready-to-use lessons and activities aligned with VA math standards and LCPS math units; all materials for lessons and activities are provided
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APL Coaching
Biweekly in-person support through classroom visits and planning meetings
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Teacher testimonial
With transparency, when first hearing about APL my initial thoughts were, "Hmm...my classroom structure is already full of play; how is this going to help"? The saying is true, "there is always room to grow"! Utilzing APL Practices and The 6cs, I was able to add deeper rigor and engagement to my lessons. APL also taught me how I could use resources I already have in another way that enhanced active play. My classroom continues to be active, engaged, social, iterative, joyful, and meaningful...just on a new level!
Thank you APL Team!