The Importance of Modeling Student-Centered Professional Learning
Creating student-centered learning environments is no easy task. Teachers often do not receive enough quality professional learning to provide them with the time to design student-centered learning environments. The major difficulties are that they lack the opportunity to actively provide choice and voice in their school systems and they are put under too much pressure… Read More ›
Scaffolding Grit
This article makes the case for rethinking ideas about grit and growth mindsets in the classroom. “Grit”, made popular in the education realm by Angela Duckworth’s research, in simple terms means the perseverance of effort over the long-term. The author makes the argument that everyone has the potential to be “gritty”, but it must be cultivated… Read More ›
A School Leader’s Student-Centered Resources for Next Gen Educators (Part 3 of 3)
This is the third and final installment of our “Student-Centered Resources for Next Gen Educators” series. Be sure to check out part 1 and part 2. What does an actual school leader use to inform their work as they implement student-centered practices, instruction, and professional development for their staff? This Student-Centered Learning Podcast series gets to the heart… Read More ›
Levers2Learn
Levers2Learn is a web-based research report which shares findings on barriers to, and enablers of, deeper learning in high schools. The Business Innovation Factory Student Experience Lab (SXL) and The Hewlett Foundation interviewed educators from the Deeper Learning Network which brings together more than 500 public and charter schools dedicated to providing deeper learning experiences nation-wide. Throughout the report short video clips of… Read More ›
Online Courses for Credit Recovery in High Schools
This report, prepared by The University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute for the Nellie Mae Education Foundation (NMEF) examines promising practices for online credit recovery programs. These programs help underserved students achieve a diploma through a more personalized approach with the flexibility to work anytime and anywhere and progress based on mastery. This report draws on a study of… Read More ›
Big Bang: The International Conference on Student-Centered Learning
This conference is a convening of hundreds of educators, advocates, thought leaders from around the world, and students, focusing on student-centered learning. The organizers believe that in order to have discussions about the future of student-centered learning, it is essential that students themselves play a key role; not just as attendees, but as designers, presenters,… Read More ›
Hiring: The Very First Step to a Flourishing School Culture (Part 3 of 3)
Read part one and two of this series. My advice to those seeking to establish a thriving culture in their schools at the same time that they promote high academic achievement for our most underserved students: Hire well. Transforming the adult learning community isn’t all that difficult when you hire adults who aren’t afraid to be human with… Read More ›
Student-Focused Learning in Springdale, Arkansas
This four-part blog series from CompetencyWorks, explores the exemplary student-centered work in the Springdale School District, in Arkansas. The articles explore innovations happening in the district, and many lessons, challenges, and learnings that might inspire other district and school leaders and educators. The final blog of the series provides a student perspective. Using student’s own words,… Read More ›
Technology Counts 2017
Technology Counts 2017: Classroom Tech: Where Schools Stand is Education Week’s 20th annual report on education technology. The report’s feature story reveals concern that technology is not being used to its full potential in K-12 schools across the country. It points to continued gaps in access to broadband networks and inadequate teacher training which raise… Read More ›
Creating a School Culture Where Students and Teachers Both Flourish (Part 2 of 3)
Read part one of this series. Encourage and practice being human with all of your staff Simple, right? Maybe not at first, but we’re all human, in this work for a reason, and it’s worth examining our hearts and minds at the beginning of each day to make sure our students’ interests, equity, and a healthy community… Read More ›
The MyWays Initiative
MyWays is an initiative of Next Generation Learning Challenge (NGLC). It is an effort to synthesize a broader, deeper definition of student success: success for learning, working, and living in the fast-changing world facing today’s youth. The initiative seeks to help school communities address big questions in education today by: Fully understanding why a changing world requires reimagining… Read More ›
The Next Generation of Differentiation: The Path to More Powerful Personalization
As education continues to change, so does our definition of differentiation. In this webinar, Madeline Ahearn, Curriculum Administrator in Eugene School District 4J in Oregon, will explore how personalization has evolved in her district and how new innovative technologies have supported increased opportunities to personalize learning. The webinar will cover: Personal learning strategies beyond basic… Read More ›