BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

May 16, 2024

Dear Educator,

Whether you are a classroom educator, building or district leader, or a community member who supports education, you know there are many influences that impact the outcomes of youth and learning in and out of the classroom. As our world evolves, a rich learning ecosystem that includes diverse opportunities and access for young people to explore, learn, design, and expand their horizons is necessary for thriving in life beyond school.

Last week, I had the honor of joining 200 educational leaders in Pittsburgh (AKA: “Kidsburgh”) for the Forge Futures event. Through shared visits to schools, community spaces, and higher education institutions, we experienced an amazing learning ecosystem that serves as an inspiring model for what is possible in communities around the world.

With Gratitude,

P.S. If you're ready to contribute to the learning ecosystem in your community, check out what Innovation Cohorts can do for you and your colleagues.

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

What Learning Ecosystems Look Like: Pittsburgh Paves the Way

Remake Learning, a longstanding network of in-school and out-of-school experiences for learners, is one of the most robust learning ecosystems I have engaged with. The members include a diverse cross-section of “artists, designers, classroom teachers, learning scientists, early learning educators, administrators, principals, mentors, professional learning facilitators, out-of-school time programs, universities, libraries, museums, nonprofits, edtech startups, and more.”

Because of the connections, more learners have access and opportunities to learn in meaningful ways in and out of school. I loved seeing the career pathways at Duquesne City Schools and the out-of-school spaces for art and career development at the National Robotics Center. These innovative alliances reshape how learners discover and prepare for their future careers, exploring initiatives based in schools, out-of-school partnerships, and innovative partnerships with higher education.

What opportunities can you forge in your community to expand the learning ecosystem? Reply to this newsletter to share examples or tag me @katiemartinedu and #LCBrightSpots on social.

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Explore the resources below that celebrate the impact educators have and can have on the young people they serve.

1. Resource: The Pittsburgh Principles. This booklet shares the principles that have guided Remake Learning’s stewardship of the Pittsburgh learning ecosystem. The Pittsburgh Principles are for ecosystem stewards looking for inspiration and ideas for starting, strengthening, or sustaining learning ecosystems in their own communities. Dive in.

2. Resource: The Big Idea. Built in partnership with educators, youth, families, and community members from across the country, Education Reimagined offers The Big Idea as a place to begin imagining what the future of learning could look like and make possible through the lens of learning ecosystems. Start exploring.

3. Article: Superintendent’s View: Designing a Learner-Centered Ecosystem in Kansas City. Liberty Public Schools has designed a learner-centered ecosystem focusing on personalized learning experiences for all students. Their work is paving the way for what Kansas City (and Missouri writ large) might aim to achieve in years to come—emphasizing competency-based learning and real-world experiences for. Read here.

LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!

What are your learner-centered Bright Spots?

Share your #LCBrightSpots on social media!

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