Equity and Student-Centered Learning: Emphasizing Inclusion of Our Most Vulnerable Students

Equity and Student-Centered Learning:
Emphasizing Inclusion of Our Most Vulnerable Students

Panelists:
Avril Smart Goggans, Ph.D., Research and Engagement Manager for Future Ready Schools, Alliance for Excellent Education
Ace Parsi, Director of Innovation, National Center for Learning Disabilities
Winsome Waite, Ph.D., Vice President Practice, Alliance for Excellent Education

On August 14, 2019, Future Ready Schools® held a webinar on the issues surrounding the implementing of digital learning initiatives with equity in mind.  It covered questions like: how do educators ensure that policies and procedures from their plans—specifically around developing empowered learners–translate to practice?

Panelists described the characteristics of student-centered learning, and the importance of applying an equity lens when planning and implementing digital learning. The National Center for Learning Disabilities’ Ace Parsi explained the importance of including the needs of students with disabilities in plans for personalized student-centered learning environments.  he also shared common barriers that impede their full engagement. Winsome Waite related research from the Alliance for Excellent Education’s work on the Science of Adolescent Learning (SAL) describing environmental factors like community values, poverty, prejudice, and inequity that can influence classrooms, schools, and student learning, especially among historically underserved and marginalized students. The session concluded with recommendations for school and district leaders about important considerations when designing their student-centered learning efforts.

The panelists also answered questions on:

  • What skills should education leaders ensure that they are imparting on students that will empower them to take charge of their learning?
  • What should educators focus on to create a healthy and positive school culture?
  • What strategies can support the inclusion of students in the decision-making process surrounding digital learning planning and implementation?

Please direct questions concerning the webinar to ldossin@all4ed.org. If you are unable to watch the webinar live, please register to receive the video archive directly in your inbox.


Future Ready Schools® is a project of the Alliance for Excellent Education (All4Ed), a Washington, DC–based national policy, practice, and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that all students, particularly those underperforming and those traditionally underserved, graduate from high school ready for success in college, work, and citizenship.  www.FutureReady.org

Follow FRS on Twitter (twitter.com/FutureReady); Facebook (facebook.com/futurereadyschools); and the FRS Leadership Hub (futureready.org/hub).


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