📚 Top Educational Trends of 2024
At WHPS, Research Drives Learning
One of the reasons I love WHPS so much is because we are small and agile, and I have the privilege of working with a passionate group of educators who are always willing to try new strategies that help children learn best. It’s exciting to see new research and trends that either already align with our program or are easy for us to test out and integrate in ways that benefit our students.
At WHPS, we don’t just read about the hottest trends in education—we bring them to life. From curriculum design to classroom culture, we transform cutting-edge research into meaningful practices that make learning come alive. The trends gaining momentum in 2024, including insights from Edutopia’s Most Significant Education Studies of 2024, reflect WHPS’s core values: fostering growth, curiosity, and student success.
See How New Research Links to WHPS’s Program
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Research Says: Teachers who combine high expectations with genuine care help students develop confidence, resilience, and a drive to succeed. When students feel supported in reaching ambitious goals, they stay motivated and grow, even in the face of challenges.
At WHPS: Our teachers are "warm demanders," creating an environment where every child feels empowered to succeed. Through personalized goal setting, teacher looping in upper grades, and celebrating progress (no matter how small), WHPS helps students build trust, persistence, and self-confidence to achieve their fullest potential.
We also leverage the Workshop Model to meet students where they are, allowing teachers to give individualized feedback, celebrate small victories, and guide students toward meaningful progress. This dynamic approach helps students stay motivated while building the skills they need to take on bigger challenges with confidence.
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Research Says: When students are engaged and active participants in a classroom, the environment becomes more positive and productive for everyone. Research highlights the power of student-created norms in promoting focus, respect, and collaboration.
At WHPS: We ensure every student feels seen and heard by co-creating classroom norms that foster ownership, respect, and a sense of belonging. This dynamic approach leads to engaged, happy learners and a collaborative classroom culture where everyone thrives.
Our Reader’s Workshop program is a perfect example of how WHPS stays at the forefront of educational innovation. This evolving curriculum is one of the only programs I’ve experienced that continuously incorporates the latest findings from neuroscience and even action research conducted in real classrooms with real students. These insights allow us to refine instruction, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of all learners and delivers lasting impact.
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Research Says: Neuroscience shows that literacy success depends on a balanced approach: combining phonics with comprehension, literature, and creative expression. Students thrive when foundational skills are integrated with deeper learning experiences.
At WHPS: We blend precise phonics instruction with a love of literature, ensuring students develop the technical skills to read fluently while fostering a lifelong passion for storytelling, critical analysis, and self-expression. WHPS’s literacy program, grounded in neuroscience, equips students to become confident, curious readers who love learning.
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Research Says: Outdoor learning offers surprising benefits, including reduced stress, improved focus, and even better vision. Time spent in nature boosts creativity and supports overall well-being, making outdoor education a cornerstone of modern teaching.
At WHPS: From our outdoor classrooms and hands-on field trips to our unique Science & Nature Center (home to over 75 animals), WHPS connects academic skills with real-world exploration. This hands-on learning inspires creativity, critical thinking, and a deep sense of wonder—all while supporting student well-being.
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Research Says: When students explore the nature of their mistakes and collaborate to address them, they engage more deeply and develop critical thinking skills. Teachers who treat errors as opportunities, rather than failures, inspire confidence and resilience in students.
At WHPS: We embrace mistakes as a vital part of the learning process, turning them into stepping stones for success. One of the best examples of this is found in our students’ Leadership Notebooks, where they reflect on challenges, analyze what went wrong, and celebrate their breakthroughs—those moments when perseverance transforms a setback into a success. This practice is deeply woven into the fabric of WHPS, helping students build self-awareness and a growth mindset.
This research also emphasizes the importance of teachers guiding students to investigate the thinking that led to a mistake or misunderstanding. At WHPS, this approach is seamlessly integrated into our Workshop Model and the collaborative peer partnership work that happens in our classrooms every day. Together, these practices foster critical thinking, resilience, and the confidence to tackle challenges head-on.
Bringing Research to Life at WHPS
These trends aren’t just buzzwords at WHPS—they’re the foundation of how we prepare children to thrive as confident, creative, and compassionate learners. By staying agile and integrating cutting-edge research into every part of our program, WHPS continues to set the standard for a world-class education tailored to each child’s unique potential.
