BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

August 1, 2024

Dear Educator,

Many of us are feeling BIG emotions as we transition out of summer and gear up to be back in school. We are definitely feeling it in my house, and I wanted to remind you (and me!) that it is ok and very normal to be feeling excited, stressed, overwhelmed, and hopeful (among other emotions) all at once!

As our learning communities come back together—administrators, teachers, and students—making time to create an inclusive community should be an integral part of the learning design. This week, I want to highlight one of Learner-Centered Collaborative's partners who worked with internal and external stakeholders to design and facilitate a back-to-school plan that intentionally built connectedness, coherence, and culture.

With Gratitude,

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

Connection Before Content

South San Francisco USD launched the school year with their admin team and, instead of filling the days with updates and logistics, one of the major design decisions was to model the district's values, desired outcomes for learners, and learning for the leaders they want to see in the classroom. I deeply believe (and see time and time again) that educators create what they experience, which is why the design of your leadership and professional learning is critical to achieving your vision.

The SSF team began their work together connecting on personal and professional levels, creating experiences that built coherence around their shared values, portrait of a graduate, and strategic priorities. Not only did the administrators feel more connected and excited about the shared vision, they reflected on their own leadership and how they can lead the way in their own work. Here are a few of my favorite reflections:

• "I used to think campus culture grew organically, now I think culture can be encouraged toward ideals."
• "I used to think the principals needed to have all the answers, and now I think students and teachers can co-create classroom learning experiences."
• "I used to think that the Portrait of a Graduate was an impossible dream, and now I think we can do it!"

Given what we know about the influence our emotions and environments have on learning, it seems clear that creating an equitable and inclusive learning community shouldn’t be an add-on. It is foundational to learning and living our lives to our fullest potential.

How is your learning community kicking off the new academic year? Share your story here.

STRATEGIES FOR CONNECTION AND LEARNER-CENTERED PD

Explore the resources below on connecting with educators and learners to kick off your school year with the right tone.

📖 5 Powerful Practices to Develop Learner-Centered School Leaders.
"Young learners deserve school leaders who are poised to be effective “architects of learning” at their sites, creating the conditions for all learners to know who they are, thrive in community, and actively engage in the world as their best selves." Learn about the practices.

🛠️ 10 Strategies To Get to Know Your Students and Create an Inclusive Learner-Centered Culture. "Although the expectation at the beginning of the year (or semester) was always to cover the syllabus and get to the curriculum, I have never regretted making the decision to minimize the policies and maximize the time I spent building relationships." Find your favorite strategy.

✨ To Engage Students, Focus on Connection Over Content. "We have to recognize that if students aren’t connected to their teachers, one another, and the work they are doing, we won’t have the conditions where learning is likely." Read more.

LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!

What are your learner-centered Bright Spots?

Share your #LCBrightSpots on social media!

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