BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

October 12, 2023

Dear Educator,

This week our team, led by Marlon Styles, hosted our first in-person convening for our 2023-24 Connections cohort composed of 7 district teams from diverse contexts across the United States who are looking to create more learner-centered experiences in their districts.

We visited 4 different schools in San Diego to validate the journey each district is on, spark new ideas about what is possible, and dream, discuss and plan for next steps. On day two we visited Illumina, a global biotech company, to learn about the mission-based work they are doing to “unlock the human genome.” Connecting the learning experiences of young people to the world of work and the skills that are most critical was both eye-opening and inspiring. 

With Gratitude,

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

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

Agency, a throughline from classroom to career

While there were so many Bright Spots over the two days, what stands out for me across the schools and the workplace is agency. 

Agency was evident among a young group of boys identifying as readers and proudly showing me their collection of Dog Man books, a middle schooler giving feedback to his peers, and the high school students sharing their journey to know themselves, align their interest with career paths and pursue mentorships that could support them. These learners had purpose and they were willing and able to work hard in service of their goals. 

The educators we talked to felt a sense of agency as they were charged with rethinking their practices to create new and better models of instruction, assessment, and mentorship and they lit up as they talked about what they were learning and the impact they were having. 

Similarly, the employees at Illumina talked about having a deep commitment to their work and why it mattered and they had a sense of agency as employees that allowed them to tackle hard problems, work together, and keep learning to create innovative methods and tools that can impact the world. 

Principal Nerel Winters interviewing students about what makes Cajon Valley School District's Bostonia Global special.

Seeing the throughline of agency across these diverse spaces reinforces that it is not only possible to create learning environments that create the conditions for learner agency, it’s critical to our mission as educators to ensure learners are prepared to navigate their journey in and out of the classroom.

As the Connections cohort closed out our time together, the best comment was from a superintendent who shared,

“Our leaders walked in here saying ‘here we go again. This is going to be just another thing that we have to do.’  Because of LCC, 48 hours later, my team is saying ‘this is something we MUST DO!’  So thank you all.”

Another testament to the power of agency at all levels.

How are you creating opportunities for learner agency in your learning community? Reply to this newsletter to share or tag me @katiemartinedu and #LCBrightSpots on social.

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Resources to help foster learner agency so learners are seen, heard, and known and can engage in school and the world as their best selves.

LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!

How are you fostering agency?

Share your #LCBrightSpots on social media!

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