This Pennsylvania District Knows Transformation is a Human First Endeavor
In this article district leaders from Salisbury Township School District, a small public district in PA, detail the first 4 years in their shift to become a student-centered district. They outline their efforts to engage all stakeholders in the visioning process and to provide ongoing deep professional development. This short case study is a great… Read More ›
Pittsburgh-Area Students Tackle Community Challenges in Learn and Earn Program
This article describes a summer learning program in the Pittsburg, PA area. Through the Learn and Earn Program, students conducted research projects in about 15 neighborhoods across the city. They surveyed residents on issues of importance to the community, such as factors contributing to crime rate, feelings about local businesses, and trash problems. Students had… Read More ›
Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)
CAST is a nonprofit research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Developed by CAST, UDL is a widely recognized framework to guide the design of learning experiences to proactively meet the needs of all learners. The organization conducts research… Read More ›
Youth Participatory Action Research Hub
This site features a curriculum to empower students to begin Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR). Through YPAR young people are trained to conduct systematic research to improve their their communities and the institutions intended to serve them. The YPAR Hub, a partnership between the University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco Peer Resources, houses the… Read More ›
Transforming Teaching: What University Presidents and Deans of Colleges of Education Need to Know about Modernizing the K-12 Educator Workforce
This issue brief outlines how university presidents and deans of colleges of education can use their influence to advance changes in the teaching profession to support more student-centered learning. In particular, it challenges institutions of higher learning to: Diversify the educator workforce Modernize teacher preparation Promote continuous professional learning and development This brief builds on… Read More ›
Measuring SEL
This collection of resources can help schools, districts, and states determine how to measure students’ social emotional learning (SEL). Compiled by the Center on Standards and Assessment Implementation (CSAI), a partnership between WestEd and the Center on Standards and Assessment Implementation (CRESST), it includes overviews of relevant ESSA regulations, links to guiding documents, and a… Read More ›
5 Truths for Building a Successful Data Culture
This article describes five qualities often seen in schools that use data effectively to drive improvement. At these schools, leaders set the tone to build a positive culture around the collection and use of data. Teachers participate in conversations around data and use formative assessment in real time to improve teaching practices. This article is… Read More ›
Getting Started with Culturally Responsive Teaching
This article demystifies culturally responsive teaching. Becoming more culturally responsive begins with getting to know students well. The author lays out a roadmap for teachers who want to jump in. It includes ideas to confront implicit bias, build classroom culture that fosters student belonging and ownership, and revamp curriculum to make it more relevant. This… Read More ›
The National Standards for Quality Online Learning
More and more students are taking part in some type of online learning. To guide educators, families, and students, the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance and Quality Matters have created new national standards for virtual education. This is the first revision of these standards, originally written the Aurora Institute (formerly known as iNACOL), in ten years. … Read More ›
Helping Students Track Their Learning
This article explores how to help students become “assessment capable” learners, monitoring their own content understanding. Assessment capable learners can assess both where they are and where they are going. This article outlines how one history teacher used a common technology tool, Google Docs, to improve formative assessment and build students’ ownership of their learning… Read More ›
Assessment Resources Bundle
Since the Students at the Center (SATC) research paper Assessing Learning was released, the literature on student-centered assessment practices has continued to grow. More and more, schools, districts, and states are using assessment as an opportunity for growth and learning, as well as a way to elevate student voice and leadership. This selection of resources… Read More ›
How Do We Teach Kids to Assess Themselves?
This article discusses the importance of student self assessment to build student agency over learning and help both teacher and student track progress over time. It describes several methods of self assessment including: Rubrics Portfolios Data notebooks Graphic organizers Tech tools to synthesize multiple ideas Any teacher can use the tips for implementation and links… Read More ›