This month, we've been writing extensively about equitable & inclusive learning, the power of small learning communities, and building learner-centered cultures.
In July, we published our Competency-Based Reporting Playbook—a months-long project that curated the latest research and real-world application of learner-centered, competency-based assessment practices.
But, we aren't stopping there! Thanks to the reception this work has received from the broader learner-centered community, we have been invited to lead an all-day pre-conference workshop on competency-based reporting at Aurora Insitute Symposium 2024!
While we wait for November to come around, let's dive into August's learner-centered insights, tools, and resources. This month, we focused on highlighting the power of equitable & inclusive learning practices, small learning communities, and establishing a learner-centered culture at all levels of your learner-centered system.
Enjoy! The Learner-Centered Collaborative Team
QUICK HITS
📖 5(ish)-minute reads for those in-between moments
FEATURED BLOG: Why Mindset Matters in Cultivating Learner-Centered Change (4-minute read)
"When this small change succeeds, it confirms your intuition, encouraging you to try another. As this cycle continues, you gradually shift your mindset about what is possible for learners." ~Meg Parry
3 Key Elements for Cultivating a Learner-Centered Culture (3-minute read)
"In our pursuit of transforming education and centering learners by design, we must get the culture right." ~Devin Vodicka
Slow Down to Go Fast: 6 Pillars to Prioritizing Community and Relationships (4-minute read)
"By focusing on building a strong community early on, we set the stage for accelerated student achievement and a more dynamic, collaborative learning environment." ~Kelly Williams
12 Ways to Breathe Life Into Your Portrait of a Learner (4-minute read)
"Integrating the Portrait into all aspects of school life creates a shared vision that shapes the entire learning community." ~Katie Martin
What Happens When You Let Learners Lead? (6-minute read)
"We trust our educators, and the educators trust us." ~Macie & Natalia, 7th-graders
DEEP DIVES
Long reads, listens, and views for those topics you can't get enough of
FEATURED PODCAST: Embracing Competency-Based Education with Liz Perry and Bryanna Hanson (64-minute listen)
"How can we re-create assessment, grading, and reporting structures to really think about learning as something that takes time, comes from intrinsic motivation, and builds empowered learners?" ~Bryanna Hanson
WEBINAR: Amplifying Student and Community Voices to Transform Learning and District Decision-Making (56-minute watch)
"The opportunity here was learning, directly from students, what they were loving about their districts, what was challenging, and how the learning community could collaboratively respond to those needs." ~Jesse Ross
TOOLS & RESOURCES
Bringing learner-centered practices to life
FEATURED TOOL: Enabling Conditions & Culture Self-Study (access here)
Ready to transform your educational system? This self-study tool helps you evaluate and enhance the key conditions that drive success in learning environments. By assessing your current state and identifying areas for growth, you can take concrete steps toward creating a learner-centered ecosystem.
This BINGO card is a great tool for back-to-school or throughout the year and each link is filled with curated resources that help bring learner-centered experiences to life in your classroom.
The Promise of Micro-credentials and Learning and Employment Record Technologies for Youth and K-12 Schools (access here)
Recognition technologies, such as learning and employment record (LER) technologies and competency-based micro-credentials, have emerged as promising solutions for capturing and advancing recognition of all the skills learners have.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Connecting with learner-centered educators in-person and online
FEATURED EVENT: Aurora Institute Symposium 2024 (register here)
November 2-5, 2024 | New Orleans, LA
LCC WEBINAR: Competency-Based Assessment: From Measuring Seat Time to Demonstrating Learning (register here)
September 24th, 12pm PT | Virtual Event
Learner-Centered Connections School & Industry Visit (learn more)
