3DE: JA High School

3DE is an innovative approach that is transforming the high school experience.

However you are hearing about us and are interested in more – contact pat.morello@ja.org for more information!

In a 3DE model, the learning experience is re-engineered to be authentically connected to the world that exists beyond the classroom walls. By giving education real-world context, this program empowers, inspires and better prepares students for life after graduation. The 3DE learning model incorporates the Four Cs.

Cohorts
Teachers and students are grouped into small cohorts, which builds a sense of comradery and trust. 3DE coursework is supported by an interdisciplinary team of five to eight teachers. This self-contained structure helps students boost their confidence and engagement.

Cases
Learning and curriculums are built around real-world, real-time business case challenges from regional and national companies. Students then use core subjects like math and English to solve the cases. This approach connects students with local business professionals and makes lessons more relevant, memorable, and engaging.

Collaboration
3DE encourages student collaboration through small group discussions and facilitated debates. This approach boosts social and emotional skills and closely mimics the real world.

Competencies
By centering an interdisciplinary curriculum, including core academics, around case challenges, 3DE doubles the learning opportunities of a traditional classroom. The 3DE model helps students develop valuable 6 core competencies by encouraging creativity, cultural agility, critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving and self-direction.

The numbers speak for themselves

47 Schools
With 3DE programs in the 2023-2024 school year.

+34%
Increase in Graduation Rates
Based on the matriculation of 3DE students from 9th grade, compared to the 2017 graduation rates at those respective schools.
Aggregate averages across schools.

-42%
Fewer Cases of Chronic Absenteeism
Measured as the number of students with 10+ unexcused absences as compared to school peers, indicating increasing levels of
engagement. Aggregate averages across schools.

95%
First Year Persistence
Indicating a high degree of “stickiness” with 3DE families and students, even in communities with historically high transiency.

Your business partnership can transform our region.

Because real-world case challenges form the core of the 3DE model, participation from regional businesses is essential. Businesses and local professionals are initially invited into the classroom to introduce case challenges and provide background on their company. As the projects come along, they come back to check in with students during the challenge, observe students’ final presentations and select a case challenge winner.

3DE strengthens our regional economy by:
• Helping businesses build relationships with potential future employees.
• Giving graduates both a diploma and a certification.
• Fueling skills that drive economic competitiveness.
• Generating thousands of workforce-ready graduates.
• Improving talent retention in our region.
• Reaching ALL students, not just the highest achievers.
• Exposing students to a variety of real-world career pathways.
• Preparing students for a rapidly changing economy.
• Expanding students’ opportunities after graduation.

To learn more about 3DE and get your business involved, check out the resources below.

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