BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

Dear Educator,

Two years ago, my second book, Evolving Education, was released. I wanted to write the book to build off of my first book, Learner-Centered Innovation, and share the many great examples that I had seen and align them with concrete strategies and inspiration to expand teachers’ thinking about what could be possible in their classrooms and schools. 

The pandemic threw off the timeline and gave me (and the world) a new perspective on what really matters most. Seeing what was working, what was challenging, and what was possible, pushed me to restructure what I was going to write. Evolution in education is about using insight from our own experiences, research from the field, and new tools and approaches to adapt our practice to best meet the needs of learners. I find that this comes down to three essential questions, which is how I organized the book:

1. What are our aspirations for learners? 
2. How might we design the most meaningful learning experiences?
3. How might we create the enabling conditions to shift to a learner-centered paradigm?

Writing this book was deeply personal, yet I have heard time and time again that the stories resonate with many educators. I love hearing other people’s connections and stories of their own experiences in education which is why I hope you share your Bright Spots with me as well. I am always honored when people read and connect with what I write—so, thank you! 

With Gratitude,

We want to hear from you! Share your Learner-Centered Bright Spot with us here.

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

Reading, learning, and evolving with colleagues

I met with the leadership team from a District in Iowa that is kicking off the school year with a district-wide book study on Evolving Education. What I love the most about their process is that they have lead teachers who read the book first and then facilitate small group conversations. This approach allows for everyone to read and discuss the same big ideas, while also having impactful small group discussions, accountability buddies and feedback loops as they read, discuss, and try new ideas. It is so cool to see a district reading and discussing Evolving Education but of course, this model can be used with any book!

Learning is more fun and impactful when we have opportunities to connect, inspire, and try things out together. 

Here are some ideas for how you might structure a book study and learn together.

Whole Staff

Each staff member reads independently and comes together to debrief using the questions provided or by adding their own. Setting a regular time (possibly weekly or monthly) to connect helps facilitate discussion. You could also carve out time during each staff meeting to share ideas and reflections. 

PLC or Team 

Teams read independently and then debrief in pairs on what they have read. After reading a section, the team discusses and selects specific strategies to apply in the classroom. At the next meeting, participants will reflect on the strategies that they applied in the classroom focusing on what worked, what didn’t work, and why.

Create Your Own Community

If your school or small team isn’t reading this book, you can create your own community of colleagues from other schools and districts. If you are looking for people to read and learn with, let me know!

Protocols for Discussion

I love using protocols to facilitate conversations. The use of protocols ensures that all voices are heard. There is opportunity for open conversation, dialogue and reflection. Consider using one of the following protocols from the School Reform Initiative to guide your discussion: Four A’s, Final Word, and Jigsaw.

How do you and your colleagues learn together? What are your favorite protocols? Share with me on social using #LCBrightSpots.

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Explore resources for reading, learning, and evolving together. 

LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!

How do you and your colleagues learn together? What are your favorite protocols?

Share your #LCBrightSpots on social media!

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