Relationships First: Creating Connections that Help Young People Thrive
This report looks at the importance of building strong relationships to create a thriving student-centered culture. It includes an overview of the Search Institute’s Developmental Relationships Framework which defines the elements of an effective relationship, as well as the actions and dispositions adults should display, written from the student perspective. It examines results from a 2016… Read More ›
Digital Portfolios in the Classroom
In this webinar based on his new book, Digital Portfolios in the Classroom: Showcasing and Assessing Student Work, author Matt Renwick shows how digital portfolios—dynamic collections of authentic information from different media—can capture student thinking and progress and help clarify assessment data. Participants will gain knowledge about the different types of portfolios, approaches, tools and… Read More ›
Personalized Learning, the Navajo Way
This article, from the perspective of a principal, superintendent and mentor of indigenous schools for over forty years, looks at personalized learning and student choice with the lens of cultural responsiveness. The author describes personalization at STAR (Service To All Relations) School, a K-8 School in Navajo Nation, which is grounded in Navajo values with a keen… Read More ›
Welcoming Schools Starter Kit
This brief, Welcoming Schools: An Inclusive Approach to Addressing Family Diversity, Gender Stereotyping and Name-Calling outlines a comprehensive, LGBTQ-inclusive approach to creating respectful and supportive elementary schools for all students and their families. Developed by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, it includes many resources, tips, and strategies such as: A checklist for a welcoming and inclusive… Read More ›
Personalized Learning with Matt and Courtney
This podcast is hosted by Courtney, a K-12 instructional coach in Maine, and Matt, a district administrator and former math teacher. They explore the dos and don’ts of learner-centered proficiency-based education in personable, plain, jargon-free language and offer practical advice from practitioners to practitioners. In the first episode, they lay out some basics for the… 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 ›
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 ›
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 ›