ACTION RESEARCH LEARNING ORGANIZATION
Millennium is an Innovation Lab School for Developmental Science. The school itself evolves by continuously applying and evaluating cutting-edge research to refine our approaches. Faculty engagement is central, with regular observation, reflection, and professional development integrated into our weekly schedule.
COLLABORATION WITH LEADING INSTITUTIONS
Launched in Fall 2016, after three years of intensive research, Millennium began collaborating with renowned researchers from institutions like Columbia University, Stanford, and UC Berkeley. These partnerships keep us at the forefront of educational innovation, allowing us to continuously update our curriculum and teaching methods with the latest findings in adolescent development.
What is an Innovation Lab?
As a dynamic environment for testing and developing novel teaching and learning ideas, an educational innovation lab serves as an incubator for new educational models and strategies, informed by the latest research in fields like neuroscience and psychology. Our lab’s collaborative approach means we consult with experts from various disciplines, allowing for real-time learning and adaptation. This ensures that everything we do reflects current scientific understanding and meets students’ evolving needs.
INNOVATION PROCESS
Millennium employs an innovation cycle based on action research to develop and review program elements. This process involves stakeholders, like educators and learners, to improve practices and address issues.
The process
- Identify a problem or area for improvement
- Collect and analyze data
- Develop and implement strategies based on this data
- Gather new data to assess the effects of interventions
- Make adjustments based on ongoing evaluation
Action research is distinguished by its continuous feedback loop, making it dynamic and adaptive. By directly involving those affected, it promotes change while enhancing participants’ understanding and capabilities. At Millennium, we use this process with students and with faculty, fostering a collaborative environment of continual learning and development.
STUDENTS AS CO-CREATORS
Students are integral to creating and improving their learning environment. They design their own projects and assessments, and participate in action research, evaluating successful and unsuccessful methodologies. This participatory approach enriches learning and empowers students as architects of their education. This model fosters a vibrant school culture where students are motivated by autonomy and their impactful role in shaping both academic and personal development.
Commitment to Innovation
As we refine our methods and deepen our understanding, Millennium remains committed to pioneering innovative educational practices. Our goal is to prepare students to become thoughtful, capable, and responsible future leaders.
millennium institute
Millennium School was founded with the vision to influence education beyond its immediate community. As an Innovation Lab, it develops and validates new educational methods that promote well-being. The Millennium Institute, our dissemination arm, shares these innovations with other educational institutions.
SUCCESSFUL INITIATIVE
One notable initiative is the Millennium Forum, a peer-coaching protocol for enhancing professional skills and resilience. This program has benefited hundreds of educators and school leaders nationwide, with research showing its effectiveness in reducing burnout and improving well-being. Its success has led to growing demand, including adaptations for parent groups.
FUTURE INNOVATIONS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Millennium anticipates future innovations in Guide certification protocols, integrated competencies and assessments, Quests, Mindfulness curriculum, and parenting programs. Both students and faculty are integral to designing and evaluating these programs, ensuring they are community-driven and meet real educational needs. A dedicated part-time staff implements the Institute’s work, aiming to create far-reaching impacts on educational practices.
We improve education practices and promote well-being for all schools.
our STRATEGIC PLAN
In Fall 2021, we developed Millennium’s first strategic plan through an inclusive process involving our entire community: students, alumni, parents, advisors, staff, and trustees. This collaborative effort resulted in an ambitious plan that aligns with our mission “to design and share methods of education that advance well-being.”
These goals establish priorities for Millennium’s growth over the next five years. Acknowledging our organization’s youth, we aim to clarify and articulate our programs while building a foundation for their development and ensuring their lasting impact on both students and adults. The plan also addresses the operational and financial conditions necessary for achieving these goals.