Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration
Dear Educator,
We are in the 3rd and final week of the Evolving Education Book Club, and this week is all about the question, “How can we create the enabling conditions to shift to a learner-centered paradigm?” In our live conversation with Kaleb Rashad, we discussed our willingness to challenge the status quo and what is possible when our view of learning expands beyond an industrial model of school within the constraints of a traditional system.
For this week’s Bright Spot, I want to highlight the impact of those who are being brave, stepping out of their comfort zone, and challenging the status quo to create the conditions for meaningful change.
With Gratitude, Katie
I'd love to hear from you! Reply to this email to share your Bright Spot this week!
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
The Challenge-Based Learning Process
Last week, I got to visit Rosa Parks Elementary in Middletown Public Schools (Ohio) on a Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools visit. I was honored to be there last May to work with educators to launch their focus on Challenge-Based Learning, and there was excitement about the possibility along with anxiety about trying something new. It was amazing to come back months later and see what students are doing, how teachers are embracing new learning models, and how administrators are removing barriers and celebrating the process!
My bright spot for this week is the agency that students displayed as they greeted us in the halls, shared their learning in so many ways, and taught us all the new things they had learned. Teachers created the space for learners to showcase their progress and learning:
1st graders performed their cheer and taught us about Middie Pride.
3rd and 5th graders assisted us in making dog toys for their upcoming project.
3rd graders walked us through the Challenge-Based Learning process and engaged us in conversation about different habitats.
My time visiting Rosa Parks Elementary served as a reminder that young people have amazing ideas and insights and are capable of solving big problems. I am grateful for the educators who embraced their own vulnerabilities and created the conditions for these learners to rise.
What learning experiences are you looking to bring to your school or district? Connect with us to collaborate to make it happen.
Below are some professional learning resources to support a shift to learner-centered models in your learning community.
1. The Prepared Project.This week, NGLC published a report poised to reshape the narrative on schools. It identifies three key preparedness factors that served schools navigating pandemic related change. Read now.
2. Host a book club! Access recordings from our Learner-Centered Collaborative Evolving Education Book Club. Hear from guest speakers, and spark ideas and conversations in your learning community. View recordingshere.
3. Shifting to learner-centered. In my latest blog post, I uncover 4 key shifts at the heart of learner-centered change in schools. Learn what they are, why they matter, and how to ignite the change process. Read now.
LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!
How are you igniting the shift to learner-centered in your context?
Use #LCBrightSpots to share your experiences on social media!
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Learner-Centered Collaborative, 49 Stevenson Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
