What is 3DE?
3DE is an innovative high school model that brings professionals from high-demand industries into the classroom for project-based learning and case studies. Local and national partners provide real challenges their businesses are facing. These challenges will require students to use skills they are learning across high school curriculum, including math, language arts, social studies, and science. Students will collaborate to apply their academic knowledge and offer solutions to the problems while developing interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Students work in small groups to research, analyze, and develop solutions to a case challenge. Partner industry professionals come into the school to coach students twice during each case challenge. At the end of each challenge, students present their solutions to a panel of judges from the industry and receive feedback

How will 3DE fit into my student's schedule?
All 9th-grade students at Como Park Senior High School and Washington Technology Magnet School will be automatically enrolled in a 3DE course starting in fall 2024. Case studies will be incorporated once per week into required classes.

What will happen during this school year (2023-24)?
During the current school year, a small group of administrators and staff will work with 3DE and Junior Achievement to determine implementation plans and ensure both schools are prepared to successfully launch the program next fall. Incoming 9th-grade students and families will learn more details about the program during the school choice season this winter.

Why 3DE? 
3DE engages in project-based learning which is built on students applying their academic skills to real-world problems, while also developing interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Junior Achievement has launched this innovative initiative in other states, and SPPS is excited to launch this program for our students and enhance our career curriculum offerings. 3DE in high schools across the nation has demonstrated improvements in attendance, graduation rates, academic assessments, and college enrollments. 3DE teachers and students alike report an improved educational experience. Learn more about the program at janorth.org/programs/3de.

This method of instruction also incorporates culturally responsive instruction by supporting students to learn independently. 3DE case studies offer authentic opportunities for students to utilize the content they are learning in class, which supports information processing. The classroom environment is designed so that students can push through their limitations while also receiving support from their teachers, 3DE leaders, and volunteer coaches from businesses. Students are positioned as partners in learning and hold themselves and their peers accountable.

How will 3DE affect existing magnet programs (Academy of Finance, BioSmart)?
3DE programming will enhance what our schools are already doing and will not replace any of the schools’ existing programs. Como and Washington’s magnet programs (Academy of Finance and BioSMART, respectively) as well as AP and concurrent enrollment classes will continue to be available to students.

Are there plans to expand this program?
Each year, Como and Washington will add 3DE for the next grade level until the program is fully implemented across all four years. SPPS’s ultimate goal is to expand 3DE to all of our high schools.