November 7, 2024

Dear Educator,

I am still elated by the great conversations and connections I had Saturday through Tuesday at the Aurora Institute Symposium. It was one of my favorite conferences in a very long time!

The aspiration of learner-centered schools was central to everything—the keynotes featured young learners and breakout sessions addressed practical solutions, shared challenges, and inspired hope and action.

Learner-Centered Collaborative facilitated a pre-conference workshop to dig into the Competency-Based Reporting Playbook written by my colleague, Bryanna Hanson. This workshop was definitely my Bright Spot of the week!

With Gratitude,

Seeing Learners as More Than a Grade

Throughout the day's workshop, we discussed why moving to a competency-based system is necessary, the challenges that exist (some real and some perceived), and what a variety of schools across the country are already doing, so we could see what is possible.

Clark Street Community School was one of many schools highlighted, but they played a special role during our workshop because two of their high school students, Everest and Ruby, were with us in person, and I had the opportunity to facilitate a student panel with these two amazing learners.

They shared who they are as people, their favorite projects, and how learning is meaningful and authentic. They love school because of their teachers, the community, the meaningful work they get to do, and the regular feedback they receive related to their learning progressions (not grades).

Everest shared that he, like many other high school seniors, is applying for college. However, instead of a typical transcript with his GPA and courses, he submits his Mastery Transcript which features a personal statement, three projects that highlight what he knows and can do, and his learning record.

It was amazing to hear the depth of what these learners know about themselves, the content they've engaged with, what they've accomplished, and the goals that motivate them. It is clearly a system focused on learners (not percentages) and such a powerful example of what is possible!

Do you have an example of how competency-based systems are changing how your students relate to learning? Share your story here.

Resources to advance your learner-centered practice

📖 One Educator’s Journey to Authentic Learning: Building Trust, Empowering Learners. "I learned that when we trust our students, empower them to take ownership of their learning, and open our classrooms to real-world connections, the results can be extraordinary." Learn about the four shifts you can take toward more authentic learning.

👩‍💻 Plan With a Competency-Based Approach. "This course will support educators in designing meaningful and aligned assessments that truly measure the desired learning outcomes, co-define success criteria through a variety of styles of rubrics with learners, and build in cycles of iteration." Enroll today.

🖥️ WEBINAR: The Power of Storytelling in Building Engaged Learning Communities. "Gain practical tips and insights for using storytelling to connect with your audience, celebrate the successes of your community, and effectively communicate your strategic vision. Leave with the tools to transform your educational blueprint from a document into a living, breathing narrative that inspires and motivates." Register here.