Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration
Dear Educator,
At a time of unpredictability, there is a tendency to hold tight to what we know and what is comfortable. Yet, in the midst of challenge, there are opportunities to hone in on what matters most. In Evolving Education, I urge that now is the time to create a new normal. It’s time to move forward from practices that don’t best serve all learners and educators, and to prioritize what matters most: relationships, connection, purpose, flexibility, agency, and authentic learning.
Looking to learners will allow us to see what’s working, what’s challenging, and, ultimately, what’s possible. To ensure that all of our learners thrive, we’ll need to use insight from our own experiences, research from the field, and new tools and approaches to adapt our practices. In this week’s issue of Bright Spots, I want to highlight a district that has put whole child learning and development at the forefront to create a new normal.
With Gratitude, Katie
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
Innovative Collaboration for Whole Child Success
Over the past four years, educational leaders and administrators at Menlo Park Community School District have been working to create a framework that embraces the priorities of the district.
As a result of their innovative leaders, internal and external collaboration, and learner-centered leadership, the Whole Child and Development Framework has allowed everyone to align on a common vision and intentionally work together to create a school district that prioritizes and develops the whole child.
As shared on the Menlo Park Community School District website, The MPCSD School Board and Leadership Team have developed a Whole Child Learning & Development Framework that outlines the five strategic elements that reflect the priorities upon which the district focuses its time, energy, and resources. The design of the Framework reinforces our district’s belief that healthy and collaborative relationships and integrated well-being are foundational to the success of our more academic and cognitive efforts: learner-centered, competency and evidence-based, and meaningful work. The success of the framework will be measured by asking how well every child is engaging, achieving, and thriving.
When all resources, development and conversations are grounded in the same goals and language, I have seen how quickly teams can move to create the impact they desire.
Interested in integrating a whole child learning and development framework in your learning context?
2. Resources to run your own PL session. Access resources from TxLx to run your own professional learning session on "Measuring What Matters." Recording and resources from the live session co-hosted by Learner-Centered Collaborative, Educate Texas, and Getting Smart is now available for free on the TxLx blog. Access here.
3. Free professional learning tool. Dive into the characteristics of effective professional learning communities and access tools for success in this guide to running effective PLCs. Download the tool here.
LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!
How are you supporting whole child success? Use #LCBrightSpots to share your experiences on social media!
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