Resource Round-Up: Learner Agency
Learner agency is the initiative and ability to act in a way that produces meaningful change in oneself or the environment. It’s also an important part of student-centered education. Below is a list of resources that can help educators promote learner agency so that students feel empowered to solve problems, make changes and construct the way learning happens in their classrooms and schools.… Read More ›
Resource Round-Up: Teaching Jim Crow South and the Lynching Era
Many educators are trying to advance social justice in the United States, which involves a large learning curve for many White Americans who want to be allies. During COVID-19, it’s hard to travel places and resources to do so may be limited. So, we’ve compiled resources that can help anyone, anywhere, be able to visit and learn from an immersive experience on Jim Crow South. While… Read More ›
A Need to Evolve: The Impact of Strained Education Systems
Education systems’ capacity to address the complex problems they face is limited. Will new approaches and funding address looming challenges? Or will systems continue to rely on inadequate approaches and structures? KnowledgeWorks’ Lillian Pace, vice president of policy and advocacy, and Rita Pello, program manager for impact and improvement, join Jason Swanson, director of strategic foresight, to… Read More ›
Greater Cincinnati Remake Learning Days
Remake Learning Days Across America is an innovative learning festival for families and youth. Taking root in more than 17 regions, these hands-on and engaging events are designed for kids of all ages at libraries, schools, tech centers, museums, play spaces, community centers and more. KnowledgeWorks and the Catalytic Fund are excited to be sponsoring Greater Cincinnati Remake… Read More ›
Video Examples of the Prioritized Educator Competencies
The following video resources, culled from online databases, journal archives and articles, show the prioritized educator competencies in action. These competencies have the most leverage in transforming classroom practices to be personalized, student-centered and more equitable. The prioritized competencies intersect across domains and highlight the practice of continuous improvement. Footage includes: Fellow teachers demonstrating key techniques… Read More ›
Maintaining an Equity Focus During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Principal Arria Coburn and classroom teacher, Ellen Foley, sat down with us to reflect and discuss what it’s been like to keep schools and classrooms student-centered and focused on producing and sustaining equitable outcomes. Arria Coburn is a principal of the Springfield Renaissance School, a 6-12 EL Education School in Springfield, Massachusetts. She’s serving her… Read More ›
Sustaining Student-Centered Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Principal Arria Coburn and classroom teacher, Ellen Foley, sat down with us to reflect and discuss what it has been like to ensure schools and classrooms are student-centered, engaging and full of learning. Arria Coburn is a principal of the Springfield Renaissance School, a 6-12 EL Education School in Springfield, Massachusetts. She’s serving her sixth… Read More ›
Let’s Hear It from the Next Generation! Virtual Panels with Mastery Collaborative Youth Advisors
What do middle and high school students wish all adults magically knew about them? You’re invited to a conversation with Mastery Collaborative Youth Advisors, cohosted by the Mastery Collaborative (MC), CompetencyWorks, and KnowledgeWorks on April 22, 2021, from 3:30 – 5:30 PM EST. Please join as NYC public school students speak out about these topics and more: sense of… Read More ›
Reflections and Resources for Educators Facilitating Youth-Led Research
After concluding the youth-led research project, YARI, Director of the Youth Development Master’s Program at Rhode Island College, Victoria Restler, sat down to reflect on what educators, mentors and graduate students involved in the project learned from working with youth. What is your biggest takeaway from your involvement and role in the YARI project? I… Read More ›
Promising Practices and Recommendations for Designing Dual Enrollment for Students from Special Populations
In Dual Enrollment for Students from Special Populations: Improving College Transitions for English Learners, Students with Disabilities, Foster Youth and Young People Experiencing Homelessness, JFF explores promising practices and recommendations for designing dual enrollment with the assets and needs of these students at the center. Interest in dual enrollment opportunities in California is at an all-time high, enough… Read More ›
Report on Promising Practices to Accelerate Learning for Students with Disabilities
What are proven, effective models and considerations for student populations who have been historically marginalized, especially students with disabilities? A new report from the National Center for Learning Disabilities looks at just that, with emphasis on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected opportunity gaps for those students. The student-centered approaches they found to work include:… Read More ›
Your Struggles are Systemic and Valid: Reflections from a Youth Researcher of Color
Humans have an inherent desire for everything we do to mean something – to be bigger than ourselves. In reflecting on my time with the Youth Action Researchers at the Intersection (YARI) project, I wanted to accurately depict this project in a somewhat professional manner: write down data and draw up organized charts. But in truth, this has been messy,… Read More ›