If you could change anything in education, what would it be? My passion is examining these questions with others and seeing people’s faces light up, feel the energy in the room jump, and learn that when it comes down to it we have many more similarities than differences in what we think makes the best learning. 

We all believe the best learning is not sitting at a desk just listening to a teacher. The learning we love most is when our curiosity is sparked, we like how we are learning, we are confident in what we are doing, and we get to go as fast as we want or slow down when needed. 

Knowing this and talking about it are one thing, seeing it in action is another. For years, I listened to people talk about all the things we can do to reimagine education, but I was continually frustrated that it was all talk. SHOW ME. Show me schools actually doing it. That is Quest! Quest is living many of our dreams. 

Nicki Slaugh and her team are creating an experience—not just doing school. 

I worked with Nicki to bring 22 educators from our Summit schools to see what I call REAL learning in action. Our day began with a red carpet welcome that I hadn’t expected. Music was playing, and students with sincere enthusiasm welcomed us as we entered. That positive energy continued throughout the day. Students were learning at the pace they needed to in multiple ways. There was a true community culture, and teachers loved what they were doing. Students had autonomy and purpose in their learning. They were not just a part of the school; they were truly the heart of the school. 

Staff prepared an incredible day for us. It was more than I hoped for—and exactly what we needed. Our visit showed our educators possibilities—what my school team likes to call “what ifs”—that make you excited to teach in a day when being a teacher has become more and more challenging. 

Do you want to regain your excitement for teaching or learning? Visit Quest! 

Thank you, Nicki and everyone at your school for re-igniting our love of learning and teaching. 

Lisa Cutler, Principal
Summit Academy Schools

The engagement of students was off the charts. Students were engaged and dialed in, they were articulate in what was going on in the classroom and could explain the structure of the classroom. 

We saw a lot of student choice and multiple options that also kept the rigor at a high learning level. Students don't come to school with that kind of enthusiasm for learning. 

The system at Quest has developed assessment capable learners and students have risen to the high expectations. 

I loved the collaboration among the faculty and staff and the positive attitudes they all had towards their students and each other. I could tell that they rallied around each other in order to make sure everyone was successful. They are a great example of collective teacher efficacy. 

The synergy was evident with teachers and staff and Mrs. Slaugh is an excellent instructional leader with a clear vision. 

Thanks again Quest Academy! You are an inspiration to what school still can be!

Mr. Blair Albrecht, Principal
Nebo View Elementary

The staff members truly know and support each student. I had heard a few teachers say they knew what level each of their students were at and what they were working on academically, but I didn’t think that was possible. How could a teacher who has a hundred students know exactly how each was progressing and what the next steps were? After spending a day in the classrooms, I found it true. Their dedication and methodology allow them to know and support EACH of their learners. 

Quest is a technology-utilizing school whose staff are friendly, energetic experts in personalized learning. They approach education through mastery-based learning and student agency. This means each student is empowered to take ownership of their unique learning adventure. Educational objectives are “quests” to be mastered. If you walk up to any student and ask, “What’s your quest?”, They will tell you what they are currently learning, why they are learning it, and what steps they still need to take to master the concept. 

Because the students meet regularly with teachers to design their learning pathways, they have both ownership and awareness. Not just of where they are, but how to get to the next level. 

Multiple times a week, students are involved in goal setting and progress monitoring. They meet with teachers for feedback, to discuss the next steps, and to jointly create the necessary structures for support. This develops within the young people a sense of accountability as they set out on each learning adventure. 

Quest Jr. High has an amazing school spirit and culture where everyone shares a vision of each student’s success. Their friendly teachers and staff create an atmosphere of support, with every student investing in one another's learning process and developing true camaraderie. Learning and achievement are celebrated. In this particular school, academics are cool! Because of this caring community, students look out for each other. They hold each other accountable for learning. 

While in one classroom, I asked a student how he would support an off-task peer. Without any hesitation, he told me that 1) he would ask the friend what he/she was working on 2) he would ask him/her what support they needed 3) he would either mentor the student through the task or find someone else who could, and 4) he would encourage him/her by reminding the friend how awesome they are and that they could do it! 

Because students can set their unique learning goals, they are allowed to move ahead as soon as they are ready. No more bored early finishers! We met a couple of students who proudly proclaimed that they had finished their grade-level curriculum and now were working one or more levels above their grade. This kind of learner agency allows both advanced and struggling students the chance to succeed. 

Teachers here have a passion for fostering student success. In every classroom we visited, teachers were working one-on-one with students or in small groups. Pupils were receiving the individualized attention that young scholars need. Meanwhile, other class members were collaborating and innovating to solve real-world problems, working with community partners through technology, or were busily engaged in their personalized learning quests. These innovative activities allow students to have meaningful participation in the community and prepare to become world citizens. 

When discussing learning maps, one might hear “practice, practice, practice, prove it”. This is an interactive method that involves students having instruction, and then multiple opportunities to practice the concept before they take a mastery test, which is called a “prove it”. Students are excited to take these tests. It is viewed as a celebration for scholars to show what they know! And most students feel confident they will achieve mastery going into a “prove it” because their practice has been tailored to their strengths and their learning modalities. This is a very effective approach to learning, as it allows students to truly master the content before moving on to the next concept. 

Quest’s students are amazing. They are confident achievers. They are innovative problem solvers. They are community-minded young leaders. They are exactly the kind of learners with the potential to change the world.

Tours through the school are regularly given by the student council. But they aren’t the only ones who are polished and prepared to tell others about their amazing school. You can stop anyone, in any class, with questions about the school, their quests, and what their next steps are. They readily answer. When asked what they like about school, the most common response was the teachers and Principal Nicki Slaugh. Why is that? Those young people know they matter. They know they are respected and even loved. They know their school is focused on Every Student. Every Day. No Matter What. 

Thanks for letting us come learn from you.

Chrys McCumber, Teacher
Odyssey Charter School