As educators, we are socialized into the profession in various ways. For most of us, that socialization occurred within a compliance-based, industrial model. Shifting professional learning from compliance to empowerment is a critical lever in meeting the needs of our diverse students.
For some time, I have been unpacking the professional development experiences of educators and the impact on their practice. And, it is so clear that if we want to change how students learn, we must change how educators learn. This week, I am so excited to share how Learner-Centered Collaborative is leveraging a competency-based approach to support beginning teachers and transform the professional learning experience.
With Gratitude,
Designing Competency-Based Professional Learning
My colleague Meg and I have spent the last two days working with new educators and their mentors in Lindsay Unified School District. It has been amazing to connect with them, unpack their experiences, and learn about their aspirations for learners as they begin their careers.
Each educator started with a self-assessment and will be selecting an online course that aligns with their goals. No matter what course they select, they will experience learning that is personalized, self-directed, and competency-based.
We have intentionally designed all of our courses to feature each of these three principles throughout. Below is bit more detail on each one:
1. Personalized Goals and Learning Plans
Our course self-assessment empowers educators to define their goals. By self-assessing their strengths and opportunities for growth with respect to their desired professional competencies, they can craft a personalized learning plan.
2. Self-Directed Learning
Educators have diverse expertise and preferences about how and what they learn. The courses are aligned with our framework and provide clear learning goals while allowing for voice and choice that empowers teachers to develop and apply new knowledge in ways that suit their needs and builds on their strengths.
3. Competency-Based Demonstrations of Learning
We believe strongly in moving from assessing professional development by the number of hours teachers have attended to prioritizing the application and impact of the desired learning in practice. With this approach, professional learning shifts from something we do to educators to an improvement process that impacts learning for all.
Is your district providing energizing professional development experiences? We'd love to hear your example. Share your story here.
Resources to advance your learner-centered practice
🎙️ Bridging Technology and Curriculum: Unlocking the Power of Aligned Learning throughout a District (with Dr. Lilia Náñez). "We have to see kids every single day. Every single student needs to feel like they are seen, like they are heard, like they matter." Listen to the latest episode of The Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast.
📖 Measuring What Matters: Our Journey with Logan County Schools. "At Learner-Centered Collaborative, we believe meaningful change in education begins with a clear vision and community engagement. Our partnership with Logan County Schools exemplifies this approach as we’ve worked together to redefine success for their students and empower the entire learning community." Learn more about their journey and what you might bring to your own school or district.
🖥️ WEBINAR: Competency-Based Assessment: From Measuring Seat Time to Demonstrating Learning. "In this session, educators will explore innovative ways to assess student learning through real-world demonstrations and exhibitions. Discover best practices, tools, and strategies to implement these assessments in your classroom, ensuring students not only learn but thrive." Register here.
Learner-Centered Collaborative, 1611 S Melrose Dr., STE A #334, Vista, CA 92081
