Deeper Learning Digest: Working Together for Student Success
September 22, 2017 04:07 pm
This week’s digest features highlights from a deeper learning gathering in Detroit, new data on student success in New Tech Network schools, a story on student-centered learning, an upcoming webinar on using Title I funds for deeper learning, and more.
Deeper Learning Gathering in Detroit
The Hewlett Foundation held its annual un-convening on deeper learning (HUDL) in Detroit last week, bringing organizations and leaders in the deeper learning community together to learn from each other and from Detroit-based education groups and community members. Alliance President Bob Wise shared some of his experiences during the HUDL, including meeting a Detroit parent who used her struggles of navigating a complex and chaotic education system on behalf of her sons to become an advocate for Detroit’s schools and communities. Learn more about her story and the HUDL here.
Here are some highlights from the HUDL on Twitter:
Extraordinary buzz & high emotions in the room as the #deeperlearning community discusses our WHAT & WHY for tackling #equity in our work. pic.twitter.com/jbzTeTsWST
— Rebecca E. Wolfe (@rewolfeJFF) September 11, 2017
“When you know your ‘why,’ your ‘what’ has more impact as you move toward your purpose.” #deeperlearning
— TJ Bliss (@tjbliss) September 11, 2017
James Baldwin: “Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.” #DeeperLearning
— Marc Chun (@HFMarcChun) September 11, 2017
The ladies of #deeperlearning & gov take flight @rewolfeJFF @AlissaPeltzman @lmcgslover @LexiBarrettJFF @BobWise48 pic.twitter.com/nnf1b4fuJE
— Catherine Brown (@Catbrown66) September 13, 2017
The intersection of poverty and place matters #DeeperLearningpic.twitter.com/m0Vu2ZvQdp
— Odelia Younge (@Odelia_DP) September 11, 2017
New Tech Network Students Headed for Success
New Tech Network released its 2017 Impact Report, and the findings show that the school’s model is preparing students for success in college and the workplace. In addition to the higher graduation and college persistence rates shown below, the report found that students who attend deeper learning network schools have “higher levels of interpersonal and intrapersonal competencies, such as: collaboration, academic engagement, motivation to learn, and self-efficacy.”
Alliance President Bob emphasized the importance of these skills, especially when it comes to employability. In response to the NTN report, he said, “What was important in academic outcomes twenty-five years ago versus what Fortune 500 companies are looking for today has flipped. Core academic knowledge is important, but you have to be able to do something with it. New Tech Network schools exemplify this approach to teaching and learning and graduate students with the skills employers are seeking.”
Student-Centered Learning, Explored
Stephanie Malia Krauss, director of special projects at Jobs for the Future (JFF), explores student-centered learning through the lens of her six-year-old son. Krauss discusses her child’s interest in baseball stadiums through JFF’s framework which focuses on student-centered learning that is not time-bound, is competency-based, and is personalized. Krauss walks through each of these elements and applies specific components of her son’s learning experience to each principle.
Webinar: How Can Title I Funds Emphasize Deeper Learning?
Join the Alliance, Center for American Progress, and California Office to Reform Education (CORE) for a webinar next Wednesday, September 27 on using Title I funds to promote deeper learning. The webinar will address how state and local policymakers and district and school leaders can use deeper learning as the framework from which to design their plans to meet ESSA requirements, specifically those provided by Title I, Title II, and Title IV.
This webinar is part of a series on deeper learning. The other webinars in the series include Advancing Positive Learning Mindsets Through Deeper Learning and How States and School District Leaders Can Assess Deeper Learning, both available to view now.
Attn: Education Leaders. Here’s a Guide to Help Advance Deeper Learning in Schools
The Alliance recently debuted toolkits designed to demystify deeper learning and help education leaders create the conditions that support it. The toolkits support state and district leaders as they explore whether to launch a deeper learning initiative or move toward one; strengthen or expand existing practices aligned with skills that prepare students for the future; and commit the resources, political support, and expertise necessary to ensure success.
Registration Now Open for Deeper Learning Conference 2018
It’s that time again! Registration is now open for the Deeper Learning practitioner conference at High Tech High in San Diego, California this March. The event will be the sixth annual gathering of powerful educators focused on creating more opportunities for students to learn deeply.
Deeper Learning Photos
The deeper learning photo gallery features nearly 300 original print-quality, royalty-free images of teachers and K–12 students of all ages and backgrounds. The images are openly licensed stock photos, meaning they can be used by educators, journalists, non-profit organizations, and others.
See the gallery at deeperlearning4all.org/images.
Photo by Allison Shelley/The Verbatim Agency for the Alliance for Excellent Education
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 and like Deeper Learning on Facebook to stay up to date on all deeper learning news.