Vibrant Learning Experiences

​​​​​​​​​Vibrant Learning Experiences (VLEs) are at the heart of Kentucky’s United We Learn vision. Defined by the Kentucky United We Learn Council, VLEs represent powerful moments when learning is meaningful, engaging, and connected to real life. They move beyond traditional classroom instruction to spark curiosity, creativity, and collaboration—preparing students with the skills they need to thrive in school, work, and life.

On this page, you’ll find the council’s definition of Vibrant Learning Experiences, along with real examples of how communities across the Commonwealth are bringing this vision to life. From classrooms to community projects, these stories highlight what’s possible when learning is authentic, student-centered, and deeply connected to the world around us.

Click here for a printable version of the examples​​

​Relevant, Authentic Learning Through Environmental Inquiry​

​Tates Creek High School (Fayette County) - Educator: Cathy Sammons

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​Student-driven Inquiry Aligned with Science Standards and Competencies:

• Community experts facilitated activities on waste management 
• Students analyzed real environmental data and engaged in scientific practices such as evaluating evidence and designing solutions
• Developed critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and civic leadership

Real-World Impact:​​

• ​Students demonstrated mastery of science concepts through community solutions
• Recycling plastic bags into park benches
• Creating blogs to educate residents on proper recycling practices
• Producing podcasts promoting sustainable transportation alternatives​

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Joyful Learning Through Tabletop Role-Playing Games​ ​​

Marnel C. Moorman Middle School (Shelby County) - Educator: Justin Gadd​

​Learning through Play and Storytelling:​

• ​Uses Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) to create immersive, experimental learning aligned to Shelby County's Profile of a Graduate skills (responsible collaboration, effective communication, critical thinking, etc.)
• ​​​An Oregon Trail campaign engages students deeply in westward expansion and Manifest Destiny through role-playing scenarios and collaborative decision-making

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​Student-Centered Experiences:

• ​​Students develop teamwork, problem-solving and strategic decision-making skills while using creative writing and math within historical contexts​

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Partnership with Families and Communities Through Learning Exhibitions​

Bardstown Elementary (Bardstown Independent) - Educator: Melissa Kyser

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Showcasing Student Learning to Authentic Audiences:

• Students shared their learning and writing about a day in the life of an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS)
• Students chose an artifact of their learning from the unit focused on understanding human impacts on Earth systems and outer space to share at the Exhibition Night

Real-World Community Connections:

• ​Parents and community members asked questions of students about their learning, prompted by their own curiosity and support materials provided by the school
• To prepare for the Exhibition Night, students and parents attended a stargazing event as part of a partnership with a local planetarium

Image Caption: Melissa Kyser and her students stargaze during
an after school “St​ar Party” to observe the night sky and 
celestial bodies they were studying during the ISS unit.

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Honoring Cultural Wealth, Gifts, and Interests Through Local History and Creative Expression​

Rowan County Senior High School (Rowan County) - Educator: Lindsay Johnson

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Meaningful Community Engagement:

• Students engaged in round-table discussions at Morehead University with diverse local leaders (county magistrates, city council members, university professionals, etc.)
• Explored ways to actively participate and contribute to their community, aligning with Rowan County’s Portrait of a Learner competencies​​​

Local History and Creative Expression:​

• ​​​Students examined historical archives from a local historian, gaining insights into Morehead local heritage
• Transformed historical documents into original poetry with support from Morehead State University English students​

​​​​​​​​​Image Caption: Rowan County Senior High School students
conduct round-table discussions with community members 
hosted on​ Morehead State University’s campus.​

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Relevant Learning Through Agricultural Curriculum and Community Partnerships​

Second Street School (Frankfort Independent) - Educator: Dana Newland

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Hands-On Agricultural Learning with Integrated Curriculum:

• Students engage in growing lettuce, herbs, radishes and microgreens
• Activities include seed planting, compost exploration and aquaponics system maintenance
• Lessons align with Kentucky’s science, math and reading standards
• Incorporates cooking, tasting local foods and gardening to enhance learning

Community and Nutritional Impact:

• Students collaborate with local farmers and cafeteria staff to introduce fresh produce into school meals
• Students participate in food preparation, such as baking with harvested butternut squash

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Personalized Products: Student-Published Book on Community Stories​

South Marshall Middle School (Marshall County) - Educator: Kelly Locker

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​Student-Created and Published Book:​

• "Out of the Rubble" captures firsthand and community stories of the 2021 tornado through fiction, poetry and informational writing
• Students presented the book to Gov. Beshear who invited them to share at the Capitol during the 2026 legislative session
• Proceeds from book sales will fund the trip, reinforcing a civic learning experience rooted in authentic writing

​​Real-World Literacy Skills:

• Students engaged in the full writing and publishing process, from drafting and editing to cover design and marketing
• They learned to use research and writing to meet rigorous learning goals through relevant, real-world tasks that build confidence and purpose​​

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