Different by Design: Increasing Student Engagement Through Creative Use of Time

Karissa Bell

Deborah Parizek and Sarah Pazur are transforming the use of time at their respective schools in southeastern Michigan through an innovative concept called "intersession." 

Intersession is a period that lasts four or five days and happens post-assessment, after quarters one, two, and three. During this time, members from the community give special presentations to students, who also participate in special projects and workshops. 

"Our goal is to develop small high school and innovative learning programs that are based on our original charter school model," said Parizek. 

Both women are associated with the Henry Ford Learning Institute, a nonprofit started by the Ford Motor Company that works with small charter schools to develop innovative learning programs. Pazur teaches at the Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies, an art and design college and career preparatory school in Michigan. She recounted how students and teachers alike have gained immense satisfaction from intersession periods. 

Past intersession activities have included Green Week workshops and academic coaching and support. Students have also attended presentations from high-profile members of the community and gone on field trips. 

Though the program is still in its infancy—it's only been around about 18 months—it's already showing promising results such as higher attendance rates during intersession weeks, said Pazur. 

Some in attendance at Saturday's ticketed session in the Marriott were skeptical of the program's purported value. 

"How do you ensure that the High School Content Expectations are taught?" asked one woman. "The state of Michigan is only going to look at one measure [MME scores]. It's all about the achievement." 

Though some in attendance had doubts, Parizek and Pazur emphasized that the value of the program lay in inspiring and motivating students. And they stressed that similar types of activities and events can be implemented at any school, not just charter schools. 

"Part of the reason why we have this week is to remind all of us that learning is not all about grades," said Parizek. "We don't want to kill the spirit that comes when we could learn."