Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration
Dear Educator,
I have been spending a lot of time working with our Learner-Centered Collaborative partners on how to align their vision and mission with tangible outcomes and success metrics. I love this work because of the important and powerful conversations that continue to emerge as we interrogate around what is and isn’t measured and how to better align metrics to prioritize what matters most.
My Bright Spot this week is a simple, yet powerful, strategy for gauging student well-being.
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
Gauging the Student Experience
Student surveys, teacher surveys, and empathy interviews are powerful and effective tools we often use to gauge the student experience and well-being. However, they can often be time consuming which can prevent people from seeking input. I love this simple question my colleague recently shared as one of her favorite ways to quickly measure student well-being:
Do you have at least 2 adults on campus who believe in and support you?
It might seem like a simple question, but research from the Search Institute highlights that when young people have strong relationships with caring adults, they are more likely to be engaged at school, and more motivated to succeed academically.
Asking this simple question can help you understand which of your students feel like they have caring adults who believe in them, and which students you can focus on to build these relationships and ensure that each learner is seen, known, and growing into their fullest potential.
Interested in exploring how you can create a sense of belonging and forge inclusive communities in your context? Let's connect!
Below are some resources to empower educators and district leaders to implement authentic learning experiences in the classroom.
1. Why relationships matter so much. This article from the Greater Good Magazine makes the case for why every student needs caring adults in their life.
2. Building a rapport with students. A high school English teacher discusses the logistics behind meeting with each student individually—and more importantly, why it’s a good idea. Read the full article here.
3. Connection over content. In my blog post, I discuss the importance of prioritizing 1:1 connections and building relationships with students to foster a sense of belonging in the classroom.
LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!
How are you creating a sense of belonging in your classroom?
Use #LCBrightSpots to share your experiences on social media!
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