What is GT Block?  GT Block is a cross-curricular course that all IA freshmen take to introduce them to fundamental concepts and skills in all three IA CTAE pathways (ENG, HS, IT).  The course is designed to introduce and help begin familiarizing students with important skills and practices for being a successful student, how to engage in and interpret research to understand its usefulness in the design thinking process, develop an understanding of looking at the bigger picture, the world at large and then narrowing that vision down to contribute to improving life and continued learning through empathy and collaboration, and learning what interests align with which pathway to possibly begin the pursuit of a career in that field.  It is a two-period class.

How do the students get all three pathways?  Students rotate sometimes daily, more consistently weekly between the three pathway teachers in their assigned pod to learn pathway specific content, how that can relate to the other pathways and contribute to the unit project.

How many students in each pod?  There are approximately 75 students in each pod with each pathway teacher having an average of 25 on any one day.

What will the students be learning?  Students learn fundamental or introductory concepts and skills related to each pathway.  You can briefly mention a couple of these for your pathway if you want (I would keep it super general!).

What are the assignments like?  Most of the assignments in GT Block are project-based group projects that students develop doing research and the design thinking process to address, solve, or improve upon a challenge or problem related to the main concepts being covered in each unit using knowledge and skills from all three pathways for the solution.

How many assignments or grades will there be?  Each unit has a major assignment as the summative final project along with a differing number of minors and practice assignments to help the students master the content.

What do the students need for class? There is no textbook.  Basic things like pencils, pens, paper, organizing materials, and a calendar or some way to keep track of assignments and due dates.  All the supplies for projects will be provided. Students are welcome to purchase other things for their projects at their own expense.  All the course materials (handouts, PowerPoints, etc.) will be accessed through the course in Canvas.