Teaching Group Work: Building Student Collaboration and Agency

Many students arrive to University Park Campus School — an urban public school in Worcester, Massachusetts — with limiting beliefs about what their future could hold. Through group work, team problem solving, student-led meetings, low-stakes writing, and reflection, UPCS transforms students’ self-image, fostering young people who take ownership of their actions and lives and believe in the success of their future.

• From 2010-2015, students improved 52% between 8th and 10th grade on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) state test for Science and Technology.
• Rated silver in the U.S. News and World Report Best High Schools of 2015.
• Since 2012, 100% of graduates were accepted to college, 85% enrolled, and 80% are now on track to graduate within 6 years.