Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration
September 21, 2023
Dear Educator,
I was reflecting with my colleagues this week about what some call “day two,” that hard messy space that comes after the new exciting vision process, or the launch, or the energy of back to school when you are tasked with the work to make it happen.
As Brené Brown put it, "It's funny because day two or whatever that middle space is for your own process is when we're in the dark, the doors close behind us, we're too far in to turn around and not close enough to the end to see the light."
Although it can be hard to trust the process when you are in the middle, those who have the courage to show up, work together, and bravely test new ideas in service of growth not perfection are paving the way forward. If you are in this messy middle, you are not alone!
This week I want to share a protocol that can be helpful when you are stuck or looking to find the right next step.
With Gratitude,
We want to hear from you! Share your Learner-Centered Bright Spot with us here.
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
The Consultancy Protocol
Protocols are helpful because they give structure and constraints that allow for creativity. The consultancy protocol is one of my favorites when I am looking for feedback and other perspectives to help me see the possibilities that are not yet clear to me. National School Faculty Reform highlights that:
“A Consultancy is a structured process for helping an individual or a team think more expansively about a particular, concrete dilemma. Outside perspective is critical to this protocol working effectively; therefore, some of the participants in the group must be people who do not share the presenter’s specific dilemma at that time. When putting together a Consultancy group, be sure to include people with differing perspectives.”
This modified version can be used in small groups or even with a partner to help think through a dilemma and identify a next step or ideas to test out.
As we look to evolve our practices, the journey is not always a clear and linear path. There are twists and turns and there will be challenges, but the vision of creating schools where all learners know who they are, thrive in community, and actively engage in the world as their best selves, is worth it.
I’d love to hear what dilemmas you are working through and, if you try this protocol, what you come up with. Reply to this newsletter to share or tag me @katiemartinedu and #LCBrightSpots on social.
RESOURCE ROUNDUP
More resources and thought provoking ideas to support courageously taking on challenging (and messy) work.
1. Webinar with Santa Ana Unified. Get a first-hand account from district leaders on how they envisioned and created dynamic learning environments that prioritize the aspirations of each learner. Register today for the first session in our Learner-Centered Leadership Forum on 9/27.
Registration is free. All registrants will receive the recording.
2. Getting from School-Centered to Learner-Centered. Hone your understanding of what learner-centered education is, why it matters, and how to get there in this practical and insightful blog post.
3. Radical Candor podcast.This episode about The Science of Failing Well shows us how to frame failure “as a source of information, as a part of our personal development, and as an experience shared by everyone.”
4. School-wide design sprints.See how Macon Early College began using the design process as a way to plant the seeds for a more learner-centered culture.
LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!
How are you courageously taking on the hard work that leads to change?
Share your #LCBrightSpots on social media!
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Learner-Centered Collaborative, 49 Stevenson Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
