Deeper Learning is the ability to understand and address the complex elements of a subject or topic and to draw connections within and across contexts—whether that means the same class, another discipline, students' community, or the broader world.
The following videos aim to showcase the effective use of high-quality instructional materials and culturally and linguistically sustaining practices aligned with DESE's Educational Vision . Each video highlights targeted and foundational elements of instruction and pedagogy as outlined in the Deeper Learning Guidance Tool . While the components of Deeper Learning are interconnected, not every video is expected to cover all aspects of deeper learning. Instead, these examples focus on strong daily instructional practices and strategies that foster the learning conditions necessary for deeper learning.
Literacy: Pre-K — Animal Adaptations
Watch as this class uses pre-taught vocabulary and previous learning about animals to discuss how different species take care of their babies.
Literacy/SLA: K–2 — Literacy Centers
Watch as students in a bilingual classroom engage in literacy centers to expand their knowledge and share their thinking about grade appropriate topics.
Literacy/ELA: Grade 1 — Procedural Writing
Watch as students write procedures to plan a birthday party.
ELA: Grade 3 — Collaborative Discussions (Fables)
Watch as students engage in student-led book groups in a dual language classroom.
ELA: Grade 5 — Themes in Poetry
Watch as students discuss a poem about culture and ways to adapt to new experiences.
ELA: Grade 5 — Relationships in Informational Texts
Watch as students analyze an informational text about the impact of plastic on the Environment.
Math: Grade 1 — Solving Story Problems
Watch as students identify and use different strategies to solve equations. Through multiple opportunities for discourse, students explain their thinking and choice of strategy to their peers.
Math: Grade 5 — Rounding Decimals
Watch as students create a budget for dinner with a friend at a local restaurant.
Math: Grade 6 — Area Composites
Watch as students use their knowledge on solving expressions and geometric shapes to design a golf course.
Math: Grade 6 — Solving Rate and Ratio Problems
Watch as students use their knowledge on rates and ratios to determine which store has the better deal on household products during Black Friday shopping.
History: Grades 10–12 — Resolving Issues in the Community
Watch as students plan for outreach out to local elected officials as they combat the drinking water crisis at their school.
Last Updated: May 12, 2025
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