Deeper Learning Digest: Highlights From Deeper Learning 2018
April 06, 2018 02:28 pm
Did you miss the Deeper Learning 2018 conference in sunny San Diego last week? We have the highlights, including key takeaways and a deeper dive into this “powerful adult learning” opportunity from Getting Smart. Plus, news on Louisiana’s proposal to join six other states and pilot a new, innovative, high-quality assessment under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Beyond a Conference: Why Deeper Learning 2018 is Different
What happens when you have over 1,300 educators from around the world together to dig deep, connect with each other, and work together to better support deeper learning outcomes for students? A powerful adult learning opportunity called the Deeper Learning 2018 conference.
Through deep dives, interactive workshops, innovative makerspaces, and more, the annual event created a space for educators to “unpack the historical underpinnings of compulsory schooling and reflect on existing systems… [and share] examples of schools and educators that are making progress and rethinking what learning can and should like for young people,” writes Emily Liebtag for Getting Smart.
Liebtag sums up two critical pieces at the core of the conference:
- That deeper learning work starts with understanding who our students are, truly hearing them, and focusing on creating equitable and powerful learning experiences for them.
- This work is imperative.
Beyond these messages, there were components of this gathering that set it apart from other conferences. What makes this experience different?
#DL2018 Highlights from Twitter
As you can imagine, Twitter was overrun with incredible messages, photos, and videos of all the action during Deeper Learning 2018. Here are some highlights, but check out #deeperlearning or #DL2018 for more.
Its been #AWESOME #deeperlearning! S/O to these strength-based educators! Looking forward to supporting your work w/ #passionandpurpose. #gotstrengths #deeperlearning2018 #DL2018 pic.twitter.com/s8gioY1Ezz
— Patrick Dela Cruz (@MisterDelaCruz) March 30, 2018
We must first know our students’ stories and believe in their greatness. And everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. All you need is a heart full of grace. #deeperlearning #dl2018 #hewlettlistens @Carlos_Moreno06 #mlk
— Neha Singh Gohil (@nehasgohil) March 28, 2018
Great to see leaders from @CasaViewES @FPCailletElem @marshprep @j1229 and Sanger presenting their learning during #deeperlearning exhibitions! #DL2018 pic.twitter.com/3vfUPaaJOA
— Personalize Dallas ISD (@PersonalizeDISD) March 29, 2018
We don’t need to give students a voice because they already have one…we need to decentralize our leadership roles so they can try them on to see the leaders they’ll become…@MichelleSadrena #wow #DL2018 @GPSchools #deeperlearning
— Susan Howey (@HoweySunu) March 28, 2018
“I didn’t want education to help me escape poverty, I wanted it to teach me how to end it.” @JDuncanAndrade #DL2018 pic.twitter.com/tXXqpJjt9I
— Jennifer Ghidiu (@JenniferGhidiu) March 30, 2018
”What unites us in this movement is the belief that students can do beautiful work” #deeperlearning #dl2018 @RonBergerEL asks us to be grounded work & “beautiful actions.”
— Laura McBain (@laura_mcbain) March 28, 2018
What is the relationship between Deeper Learning and Equity? Equitable conditions and Deeper Learning are interrelated. Students need to know they are a part of a larger community of care. @gia_envision #deeperlearning #dl2018 #shareyourlearning
— Mari Jones (@mariljones) March 28, 2018
There were also some amazing videos and images of deeper learning in action at High Tech High, where the event was hosted.
When you walk into a school as a teacher and get more ideas then you can handle and you haven’t talked to anyone, you know you are at @hightechhigh . Loving the chance to attend the #dl2018 conference. pic.twitter.com/3UxFc4rfUC
— James Eady (@MrJamesEady) March 29, 2018
High Tech High in SAN Diego, so cool and heartening to see so much student work on display. #dl18#deeperlearningpic.twitter.com/RdBbgPuaVX
— Brett Wood (@brettmaverick63) March 27, 2018
Strengthening Deeper Learning Through Assessments in Louisiana
Louisiana hopes to join six other states and pilot a new, innovative, high-quality assessment under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The Louisiana Department of Education submitted a proposal to the U.S. Department of Education for a streamlined English and social studies assessment that would align with the knowledge and books taught in Louisiana classrooms, writes the Leesville Daily Leader. The innovative assessment pilot “aspires to help students achieve deeper learning and improve reading comprehension.”
Coming Soon: Learning Policy Institute Briefing on Performance Assessments
Photo by Allison Shelley/The Verbatim Agency for American Education: Images of Teachers and Students in Action
If you’re in the Washington, D.C. area, don’t miss Learning Policy Institute’s April 12 briefing on Capitol Hill focused on using performance assessments to advance educational equity and transform teaching and learning.
The event will feature an all-star panel that will share information on how performance assessments are currently being used in K-12 and higher education, how these assessments drive deeper teaching and learning, and how they can increase access in postsecondary admission, placement, and the advisement process.
The ‘Deeper Learning Digest’ is a bi-weekly roundup of articles, blog posts, and other content around deeper learning. Be sure to follow @deeperlearning on Twitter, @deeper.learning on Instagram, and like Deeper Learning on Facebook to stay up to date on all deeper learning news.