Leadership is often considered the primary skill of successfull people. Unlike specific content knowledge taught in a traditional educational experience that has little practical application in future employment, leadership competencies and learned behaviors are useful to everyone no matter what job a person pursues.
iLead 21 is different. This program is not about memorizing information or keeping up with a pacing guide. Rather, it is a practical experience designed to allow people to learn about, practice, and develop leadership skills and tools that will prepare them for higher education, careers, and life. In this app, participants will be introduced to and practice many leadership skills including team collaboration, problem solving, and overcoming barriers, among others.
Because iLead 21 emphasizes growth and development more than achievements and success, students develop the mindset that mistakes and setbacks often create the greatest opportunities for personal improvement; they learn how to convert these setbacks into positive outcomes. Built on the principles of problem-based learning, iLead 21 is ideal as a semester or year-long class within the school day; an advisor/advisee program; an after-school, career pathways, or home school program; a Student Council/National Honor Society curriculum; or a stand-alone leadership experience for individuals interested in collaborating virtually with others on various leadership projects.
The one who does the work does the learning. iLead 21 creates prolonged opportunities for learners to practice leadership skills and encourages participants to appreciate set-backs and failures, for in that struggle, authentic and valuable learning occurs.
If This is Program is New to You, Here's What We Recommend:
For Public/Private Schools:
Start with no more than 2 iLead teams in a school
Create a team of no fewer than 5 and no more than 18 students. Carefully select your iCoach; make sure this person is familiar and comfortable with having students doing the work.
Consider athletic coaches, music/art teachers, and teachers who use Problem-based Learning (PBL).
Market iLead in your school prior to starting the program and allow the students and iCoach to APPLY to be accepted, rather than force them to do it. Personal interest and motivation are critical to a person's success in iLead 21.
Have teams meet at least 1 - 1 1/2 hours per day, 4 -5 times per week for one semester OR 1 - 1 1/2 hours per day, 1 - 2 times per week for a school year.
For Homeschools:
Should be used with a group of no less than 5 and no more than 18 people, guided by one iCoach (adult) who is comfortable working on hands-on, student-directed projects.
Team members should be able to meet for 1.5 hours at least twice per week for a full year, or 4-5 times per week for a semester.