BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

Dear Educator,

New beginnings can be an exciting time to dream big and seize new opportunities. We have had the chance to work with a variety of new schools to design their “Framework for the Future” including their vision, mission, and values. We have defined the learner profile, and aligned both success indicators and the learning model. I love that each is as unique as their community and context; however, at their core, they all identify with a learner-centered approach.

Last week, Devin and I had the opportunity to visit Swift Water, a new elementary school in the Peninsula School District that we worked alongside. In this week’s issue of Bright Spots, I want to highlight how they are bringing their vision to life.

With Gratitude,
Katie

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

Moving from Vision to Action

To go beyond the vision that a small design team developed, Swift Water educators spent time developing a shared understanding of what the vision meant to each of them and how they could bring it to action in their classroom or role.

As we walked the building, you could feel the energy radiating in the hallways. I was in awe of how they had brought the vision to life in a variety of ways. We explored the open collaborative spaces, classroom libraries with a variety of book choices, maker spaces for design challenges, and open classrooms which made learning visible. We are excited to witness the impact Swift Water has as these teachers embark on a new year committed to their learner outcomes and creating learning experiences that align with them.

Snapshots from our visit to Swift Water Elementary School.

Whether you are a new school, or a school with long standing traditions, each new year is an opportunity to bring people together and bring your vision to life. I’d love to hear how you are moving from vision to action.

Interested in discussing how you can bring your vision to life in your learning community? Let's connect!

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Below are some resources to support you in moving from vision to action in your specific context.

2. Empowered Teachers Empower Students. Interested in learning about common trends in schools that are bound to become more common in the next decade? Read more about what I have learned from visiting a variety of diverse schools in 5 Key Practices in Learner-Centered Schools.

3. Define Your Vision. Watch Simon Sinek discuss the power of Leading with an Infinite Mindset. What is your just cause?

LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!

How are you bringing your vision to life in your learning community?
Use #LCBrightSpots to share your experiences on social media!

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