The XQ Super School Bus rolls into Pittsburgh to re-think and re-invent high schools

It’s a match made in education heaven: The Pittsburgh stop of the XQ Super School Bus tour was timed to coincide with Remake Learning Days.

The tour’s mission is to rethink high school education and keep a dialogue going among innovators within communities across the country.

First off, what’s the XQ?

We’re all familiar with an IQ and how an Intelligence Quotient is no longer the be all and end all for success. IQ measures how information is processed and it can change. Then, there’s an EQ, an Emotional Quotient, which measures how well kids can collaborate and work with others.

XQ is a new model of learning for high schools. XQ: The Super School Project launched in September 2015 as an open call to rethink and redesign the next American high school. Thousands of School Builders and tens of thousands of supporters from all 50 states united in the challenge.

Since then, the XQ Super School Bus has been crossing the country, stopping at cities to prompt discussions about how to give high schools the tools needed to become super schools.

The bus itself is a focal point, but it is more than a mere symbol. Kids can step inside to participate in the interactive features.

The theme varies from city to city. In Pittsburgh, the topic looks at gratitude towards teachers. Kids can go into a booth and record messages about teachers who make a difference and how that’s tied into rethinking high school. Those will be turned into fun GIFs that can be shared across social media.

The XQ Super School Bus will make three Pittsburgh stops on May 17, 18, and 19 (see schedule below).

But more exciting for parents and educators is a changemaker session, which brings together Pittsburgh innovators to pitch the different ideas they’re working on to improve student outcome. Some of those participating include creative minds from Youth Leading Change, Career Tech Charter, Citizen Science Lab, and Global Minds.

Imagine exciting, innovative high schools that empower kids, cultivate curiosity and encourage them to think big. Getting the discussion started is the first step to remaking Pittsburgh high schools into XQ Super Schools.

Noon-2 p.m. May 17: XQ Bus and Super School Event featuring activities for families, students, and community members. Market Square, Downtown

6-8 p.m. May 17: The XQ Changemaker Session brings together Pittsburgh innovators working to improve student outcomes with local business and community leaders. Society for Contemporary Craft, Strip District

10 a.m.-1 p.m. May 18: XQ Bus and Super School Event. Jeron X. Grayson Community Center, 1852 Enoch St., Hill District

10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. May 19: XQ Bus and Super School Event: The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Highland Park