Empowering Student Ownership at Northwest Independent School District

Challenge

Within the Northwest Independent School District, a significant challenge emerged – the need to craft an engaging educational experience that not only developed professional skills but also nurtured character-building attributes. The district recognized the importance of preparing students not just academically but also for their roles as responsible, self-reliant, and engaged citizens, emphasizing comprehensive character development as a key component.

Solution

The solution arrived in the form of QUEST, a program that seamlessly merged professional skill development with comprehensive character building. QUEST provided an engaging and immersive experience where students had the opportunity to practice the "4 Cs" – communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, all while emphasizing character-building qualities like integrity, empathy, and resilience. Through dynamic gameplay, students were not only problem-solving and honing their professional skills but also cultivating essential traits that would serve them well in life.

QUEST became a holistic platform that enabled students to explore and develop the skills necessary for success in the modern world while instilling the values of responsible citizenship, self-reliance, integrity, empathy, and resilience. It was more than just a program; it was an experiential journey that fostered well-rounded individuals equipped with both professional competencies and a rich character foundation. In the Northwest Independent School District, QUEST became a transformative approach to education, preparing students not only for their careers but also for life itself.

Results

• 93% of students rated their QUEST experience as extremely positive!
• 86 % of students said they learned that collaborating & communicating with others is useful.
• 86% of students believe they increased their ability to solve problems by playing QUEST.

Quotes

“Student engagement in QUEST is more magnetic!” - Facilitator

“I love the multisensory experience of the game format and the plethora of opportunities the game provides for students. For example, SEL, problem solving, productive struggle, and teamwork.” - Facilitator

“Students are engaged, learning about multiple topics, exposed to other students in a way that they don’t get in a normal classroom, and increasing their critical thinking and creativity.” - Facilitator

“I learned how to be a good leader of a group.” - Student

“I liked QUEST because it showed how to survive and work with other people and learn how other people solve or do things.” - Student