Nearly one hundred members of #VaLIN Cohort 2 signed up to participate in the July 23rd Summer Pathways Culminating Collaboration. But the story is more than the fact that, with everything educators have going on right now, people came together in service of purposeful learning, equity, and engagement and connection. The story is, who you […]
Since my first year as a teacher in 1998, the month of June has presented a natural point of reflection and iterative design. In June, details of the recently completed academic year are fresh and tactile. Inspiration for what could be in the fall is intrepid and energized by the prospects of a rejuvenating summer. […]
What does it mean to be an educator? In January of this year, our answer to that deceptively simple question would have been quite predictable. Since March, though, we have witnessed so many educators in our profession reveal a more nuanced and humbling elaboration beyond anything we could have ever imagined. To be an educator […]
This four-part series on Deeper Assessment began with a high-level overview of using backwards design to decide what we really want students to know and do. Prioritizing learning outcomes is a common first step in designing a guaranteed and viable curriculum that prepares students beyond “the test.” Prioritizing standards helps determine vertical scope to prepare […]
Across the Commonwealth, school districts seeking to make learning experiences more authentic and purpose-driven for their students are exploring the intersection between and among career preparation, curricular outcomes, and community engagement. To that end, several VaLIN Innovation Teams are designing and facilitating systems to define career pathways, establish high-interest academies, and/or expand community partnerships that […]
Co-authored by: Dean Shareski, Victoria Caruso and Julie Foss When a product becomes a verb it’s likely a pretty good sign for that company. Today we “Google” an idea, ask for a “Kleenex” and “Photoshop” a person into a picture. You can now add “Zoom” to that list. Whether you use Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, […]
Co-authored by Craig Bennett and Gaynell Lyman Across the nation educators are asking deep questions about the essential knowledge, skills and dispositions that prepare learners to be life-ready. In Virginia, these discussions are leading #VALIN Innovation Teams to design learner profiles, empowered learning frameworks, and skills progressions that inform learning and teaching practices. As we […]
Advanced Learning Partnerships is delighted to welcome Julie Foss as our newest Education Consultant. Julie is not new to ALP, as she has been integrally involved leading innovation across the country with us for the past two years. We couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to leverage her experiences to strengthen our internal team. […]
As educators across the country respond to this spring’s circumstances, the weight of the challenges facing our communities can sometimes feel unbearable. Moreover, trying to operate as a school district in these stay-at-home conditions can also contribute to a sense of isolation, as if we are each and all navigating this situation on our own. […]
Editor’s note: This post was originally published on Julie’s blog. At ALP, we have been truly inspired by our partner districts and how folks have come together in service of people during this unsettling time. Being intentional is hard under normal circumstances. Being intentional when we are being asked to engage in rapid innovation, borne of […]
