BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

March 7, 2024

Dear Educator,

We just wrapped up the final convening of our first Connections cohort in Nashville and Logan County, KY, and I’m on cloud nine!

Since September, educators from seven districts have been exploring, testing, and validating bold, learner-centered ideas to address problems of practice that are unique to their communities.

Every virtual and in-person session, including the learner-centered district and industry visits we made together, was designed with each district’s challenges front and center. With their validated ideas and artifacts of inspiration, they have set a new course for what comes next in their learning communities. I couldn’t be more excited to see them bring their ideas to life.

It is nearly impossible to pick just one bright spot this week, but a highlight for all of us was getting to experience Defenses of Learning across multiple grade levels at Logan County Schools. More on that below!

With Gratitude,

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

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

Defenses of Learning In Action!

Five years ago, Logan County Schools adopted their Profile of Success based on local business and community input. Today, it is the anchor for all seven buildings in the district. It is deeply embedded in the culture and measured in their local accountability model.

Although students are working toward the desired competencies across all grade levels and in various classes, students “defend” their learning in 3rd, 5th, 8th, and 12th grade.

As we watched the defenses of learning, three key things stood out to all of us: learner confidence, authentic learning experiences, and the way learners could articulate what they were learning and how it helps them develop the skills necessary to thrive in life (not just school).

• We watched 3rd graders talk about what makes them empowered learners; namely, working hard to be “fact fluent” and using multiple strategies in and out of school to learn.
• A 5th grader reflected on his effective communication skills when working in small groups.
• Middle schoolers showcased their solution finding skills within the context of their social studies class.
• Innovative high schoolers shared the businesses they created to sell healthy, yummy slushes.
• And, a senior shared his aspirations to become a lineman and serve his community; emphasizing how he is well-prepared with certifications and experiences that have set him up to take the next step with confidence.

The defense of learning is not just a presentation, it is the culmination and celebration of the broader skills and competencies students are developing and an opportunity for students to reflect and take ownership over their journey. As one of the leaders highlighted, “It’s amazing to see what kids are capable of when you give them opportunities and raise the bar.”

Do you do Defenses of Learning with your students? Reply to this newsletter to share examples or tag me @katiemartinedu and #LCBrightSpots on social.

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

We've curated these resources below that feature big and small ways to bring more authenticity to learning experiences. 

1. Logan County Schools Hosts Defenses of Learning. The Defenses of Learning we witnessed this week made the local news! Watch the story here.

2. Logan County Defense of Learning Resources. Ready to bring Defenses of Learning to your district? Check out the exact rubrics and resources Logan County uses across all seven buildings.

3. Cultivating Meaningful Learning Experiences in Hawai'i. Learn what Defenses of Learning look like at SEEQS, our most recent featured webinar guests.

4. ICYMI! Dr. Stephanie Buelow, Associate Professor of Literacy Education at the University of Hawaii, joined me on the latest episode of The Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast.

LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!

What are your Defenses of Learning Bright Spots?

Share your #LCBrightSpots on social media!

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