BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

March 28, 2024

Dear Educator,

On Monday, Devin Vodicka and I got to host school visits in San Diego with almost 40 educators from Muhlenberg, Kentucky.

I love school visits and always learn something new. Seeing an elementary, middle, and high school in one district (Vista Unified) allowed us to see the uniqueness of each school along with practices at each level that honored and developed the strengths, interests, and values of all learners in the system.

Throughout the day, the Muhlenberg team saw so many great things that validated what is already happening in their schools, pushed their thinking about what is possible, and inspired them to head home and make some shifts for their learners.

My bright spot this week highlights a mindset from one of the educators that we can all learn from and embrace as we grow and evolve.

With Gratitude,

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

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

When You Know Better, Do Better

Stepping into a new space with different rules, buildings, and practices is a lot to take in. As we walked from class to class and reflected on what we saw and what they wanted to try, there were many conversations about the legacy of rules and practices and whether or not they best serve learners.

We noticed the agency, ownership, and engagement of young people that countered the narrative of “kids these days” who lack motivation and discipline. We talked to kids who eagerly shared their projects—especially one middle schooler who made a fart sound machine. We all laughed and had to try it. We saw and experienced joy that was deeply rooted in meaningful learning tied to clear outcomes.

What blew me away was the response of the team visiting. One educator said, “Our kids deserve these experiences, too.” I think there is so much power in this statement.

In the face of something new, we have choices in how to respond. It’s easy to come up with all the reasons why something won’t work in our own schools or districts. It’s hard to look at something new and different and remain open.

When this educator saw new and different practices at Vista Unified, she embraced the possibility of evolving her practice because she believed her kids deserve it. As Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” This educator was and is ready to do better when better presents itself.

Are you open to seeing better and bringing better to your learning community? 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 more examples of how we can take big steps toward our learner-centered visions.

1. These Pennsylvania Educators are Ready to Make Change Happen. This past fall, we launched two Innovation Cohorts in Pennsylvania. Discover what it looked like bringing 23 educators from four neighboring districts to advance their learner-centered practice, together. Read here.

2. The What, Why, and How of Learning Walks. Learning Walks, a Learner-Centered Collaborative favorite, provide an opportunity to view learning in a classroom without an evaluation or judgment mindset. Learn how to conduct Learning Walks in your community. Read here.

3. Strategy: Bring Students to the Table for School Decisions. Inviting students to participate in school or district-wide decisions by being on the board, a part of a student government, or on an ongoing advisory council gives them a direct way to influence decisions that affect them and their peers. Explore here.

LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!

What are your learner-centered Bright Spots?

Share your #LCBrightSpots on social media!

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