Blending Art and Academics for Student Success

In this episode of Principals of Change, we journey into the unique world of New York City’s High School of Fashion Industries with Assistant Principal Derek Stampone. Known as the "Hogwarts of Fashion" by The New York Times, this public high school offers over 1,600 students the opportunity to major in subjects ranging from Fashion Design to Software Development, all within a 10-story building in the Garment District. Lee from SmartPass explores how Derek and his team tackle the challenges of merging artistic pursuits with rigorous academics and highlights the innovative steps they’re taking to keep education relevant in today’s world.

Derek shares the inspiring history of the school, reflecting on its transformation from a seamstress-training institution to a modern high school that still honors hands-on learning while preparing students for college and careers. He discusses how the school’s unique academic programs—like financial literacy for business majors and geometric design for fashion students—equip students with both the practical skills and the critical thinking abilities they’ll need in any future path.

Listeners will learn how Derek’s leadership prioritizes student voice in decision-making, with policies that reflect students’ input and data-backed adjustments. He describes how teacher-student teams are shaping school policy, including the recent shift in lunch privileges to better motivate and include all students, particularly those who face challenges with attendance or disabilities.

The conversation also covers the impact of technology, particularly AI, on students’ learning experiences. Derek emphasizes the value of in-person collaboration and critical thinking skills in an age where technology often provides shortcuts, and he shares his concern that students might lose the joy of learning if the focus shifts solely to convenience.

Key Takeaways:

1. Preserving Tradition While Embracing Change:
   Derek explains how the High School of Fashion Industries has evolved over its nearly 100-year history, offering students a blend of tradition, hands-on experience, and cutting-edge skills.
2. Student-Centered Policy-Making:
   Through initiatives like teacher-student teams, Derek’s school amplifies student voices, leading to policies that consider real student experiences and promote inclusivity.
3. Bridging Creative and Academic Skills:
   The school is setting a new standard by aligning core subjects with students’ creative interests. Examples include integrating financial literacy and geometric design into the math curriculum, and offering a science elective in textile chemistry.
4. AI and the Future of Learning:
   Derek voices both excitement and caution regarding AI in education. He underscores the importance of critical thinking and the risk of relying on tech shortcuts, which may hinder deep learning and student engagement.

Memorable Quotes:

• “We’ve come a long way since our days as a school for seamstresses, but our hands-on, creative spirit has stayed with us through the decades.”
• “When you bring students together in classrooms to engage critically with things that matter to them, they learn those skills to become critical thinkers.”
• “AI offers shortcuts, but learning isn’t just about getting it done. It’s about becoming thinkers, creators, and caring individuals.”
• “Seeing students from all boroughs come together here is magical—it really does give us that Hogwarts feeling.”

Additional Topics Explored:

• The process of developing unique academic offerings that reflect student interests and align with New York’s distinctive culture.
• The challenges and rewards of integrating software development into a traditionally art-focused curriculum.
• How post-pandemic shifts are fostering more meaningful student engagement and community building in schools.

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