Fuse Architects Take Off in 2017
What if the best way to make decisions about education technology starts off with not thinking about technology at all? This is the approach the Fuse Architect project took as they began their work this past spring. Rather than jumping into product selection, Fuse Architect participants spent the first phase thinking much more broadly.… Read More ›
Partner Collaboration Key to Highlander Institute’s Vision for Fuse Architect Success
As the Highlander Institute embarks on its Fuse Architect initiative with NMEF, six LEAs and seven high schools, collaborations with external partners are in the forefront. In this blog, we highlight key partners working with Highlander Institute to help make the vision for student centered learning and integrated learning systems a reality for participating… Read More ›
The Underutilized Potential of Teacher to Parent Communication: Evidence from a Field Experiment
This paper documents the findings of a study performed in which teachers and school administrators in a summer high school credit-recovery program sent weekly one-sentence messages via text message, email, or phone call to parents regarding their children’s performance. The findings show that communication between the school, teachers, and parents is imperative for the success of the children. Source Organization:… Read More ›
New School Climate Tool Facilitates Early Intervention On Social-Emotional Issues: Bullying And Suicide Prevention
This article discusses a need to develop a more preventative approach, foster pro-social attitudes and a positive school climate, in order to be able to identify and support the students with hidden bruises as well as intervene with pre-bullies early in their school careers. For the most part, students’ social-emotional concerns start small; if left untreated, though,… Read More ›
Highlander Institute Seeks Systems Change through Fuse Architect Initiative
How do you move from a vision for integrated learning systems to classrooms where multiple education technology (edtech) tools seamlessly work together to support student-centered learning? With a new award from NMEF, the Highlander Institute is tackling that question through a multi-phased project called Fuse Architect. To kickoff Fuse Architect, Highlander Institute rigorously vetted… Read More ›
Virtual Viewpoints Podcast: Paula Dillon, Barrington Public Schools
This episode is the third in our series documenting the Integrated Learning Systems project, a collaboration between the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, the Highlander Institute, and several other Rhode Island-based stakeholders endeavoring to design and pilot systems that promote student centered learning. In this episode, we’re talking with Paula Dillon, the Assistant Superintendent of Barrington… Read More ›
Integrated Learning Systems Grant Initiative Webinar Series: Episode One
In the introductory episode of the Integrated Learning Systems Grant Initiative Webinar series, Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, Highlander Institute, and the Nellie Mae Education Foundation discuss the details of the Integrated Learning Systems grant initiative which is focused on designing student-centered learning environments across Rhode Island.
Integrated Learning Systems to Support Student-Centered Learning
At the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, we’re committed to creating more equitable and effective education systems — so that all New England students are ready for college and career. In our research, we’ve found that among New England high school students, roughly only half are ready for post-secondary education — meaning they can enter a… Read More ›
International Association for K-12 Online Learning (Aurora Institute)
This organization works to improve student access to personalized, mastery-based educational opportunities through quality online, blended, and competency learning programs. This membership organization advocates for relevant policies and educates policy-makers; develops national quality standard, supports development and implementation of new learning models; and builds communities of practice. The site includes many resources for school and… Read More ›
New York City’s School of the Future from Edutopia’s Schools That Work Series
This group of tools documents the assessment work at School for the Future, a 6-12 grade school in Manhattan. The school has shown success by using authentic assessments to gauge students’ understanding of fundamental concepts and development of critical thinking skills. The assessment guide foster teaching and learning in positive ways. Formative assessment helps teachers… Read More ›
Assessment in 21st-Century Classrooms
This free online learning course is designed for teachers to learn more about assessing 21st century skills. The course follows three teachers to see what assessment of 21st century skills looks like in action. It examines the ways purpose influences assessment choices and which instruments and methods to use. It also explores how to embed… Read More ›
Keeping Pace with K-12 Digital Learning: An Annual Reivew of Policy and Practice (2014)
This report documents the state of digital learning across the country. First the authors report on the types and prevalence of digital learning programs across the nation, including statewide fully online schools, state virtual schools offering supplemental courses, course-choice programs offering supplemental courses from a variety of providers, schools that blend online with more traditional… Read More ›