How can Indiana school districts offer fun, innovative and creative instruction that motivates students while closing achievement gaps and accelerating students’ learning?

School of Education students spent a Saturday in April answering that question via the Case Challenge: Mind the Gap Mystery, a team competition that had them review a case ahead of time and then prepare and present recommendations to a panel of judges. Recommendations from the teams may be implemented in school districts around the state this summer.

Ultimately, the goal was to challenge future teachers to prepare creative and innovative programming for a summer learning program while closing the achievement gap and accelerating student learning.

Juniors Grace Barrett, Celeste Ovelton, Marlena Leininger and Claire Fletchall placed first. Their project, “I Am First,” focused on expanding multiculturalism.

Freshmen Jessica Missey and Joshua Pereira placed second. Their project, “TEAM,” focused on decreasing bullying and adding social workers to classrooms.

Thanks to a generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Johnson, first place winners received $1250, while second place received $500.

Four alumni board members, Jake Allen, Jim Roberts, Stacy Yeoman and Julie Henkel, served as judges, and all had wonderful things to say about the experience, while two faculty members from the Kelley School – Michael Morrone and Dawn Wisher – were instrumental in helping get the Case Challenge off the ground.