Bright Spots is a weekly source of learner-centered inspiration featuring examples of best-practices happening in schools and districts today. In each edition of Bright Spots, I share research, strategies, and examples about what is possible and actually happening for learners. Bright Spots inspires and encourages a shift to a more learner-centered paradigm. Browse this collection to read past editions of Bright Spots and explore what you missed!

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2024

March 2024: Defenses of Learning in Action

February 2024: The Workshop Model  |  Belonging, trust, and flourishing in education  |  Permission to Try AI  |  Doing authentic work that matters, matters

January 2024: Give your goals a scorecard  |  Who is doing the thinking in your classroom?  |  Little kids solving big problems  |  Learning by Teaching

2023

December 2023: Keeping the Kids the Main Thing  |  Making the most of entrances and exits  |  Goal-setting and reflecting throughout the year

November 2023: A learner profile explained, by students |  A scorecard that measures what matters  |  What Students Wish Parents Knew  |  Designing with Learners

October 2023: Making Meaningful Connections  |  Agency, a throughline from classroom to career  |  Outcomes from an innovation cohort  |  A groundbreaking research partnership

September 2023: A true turnaround story  |  Career and Technical Education  |  The Consultancy Protocol  |  Participation Strategies

August 2023: Reading, learning, and evolving is better with colleagues!  |  Guiding your students into the new year  |  Back to School Bingo  |  Modeling a culture of joy

July 2023: The Evolving Role of the Educator in the Age of AI  |  Shifting professional learning from compliance to empowerment  |  Prioritizing Play  |  Getting to know learners

June 2023: End of Year Reflection Protocol  |  Turning Ideas Into Action  |  Growing connections with our students and our own children  |  The power of reflection and how to ensure it happens  |  The power of a network

May 2023: Celebrating 100 Bright Spots  |  Learning From Mistakes  |  Believing in Learners  |  Celebrating Learning at the End of the Year  |

April 2023: Competency-based Assessment and Reporting | Best Middle School Practices |  Universal Vision for Learners  |  Inextricable Link of Engagement and Belonging

March 2023: 7 Norms for Collaboration | Student Hosts | A Joyful Middle School Experience | Learner-Driven Action Research | Flexible Seating and Spaces

February 2023: Micro-Schools | Protocols for Collaboration | Sparking Collaboration with Learners | Hear from a Learner-Centered Teacher

January 2023: The Power in Observing Colleagues | Guiding Students Towards the Future | Integrating New Learning Models | A Broader View of Success

2022

December 2022: Moving from Survive to Thrive | Rising to Our Goals | New Year Intentions

November 2022: Micro-Credentials for Professional Learning | The Power of Classroom Visits | Connecting Students to the World

October 2022: A Competency-Based Approach | Connecting With Those Who Lift You Up | Cultivating Authentic Leaders | Sharing Impactful Practices

September 2022: Engaging with Parents | Design for Learning | Empowering Educators as Learners | Learner-Centered is Not a Free-For-All | Personalized Learning Plans

August 2022: Evolving in Practice | New Beginnings in Our Practice | New School Year, Meaningful Connections | Putting Vision into Practice

July 2022: Using Models for Ideas | Collaboration at the Heart of Our Work | 365 Days of Learner-Centered Collaborative | What’s possible with Online School

June 2022: Empowering Educators | Meaningful Connection | Leading by Listening | Education is a Team Sport | Using Digital Tools

May 2022: Celebrating Teachers | Sparking Agency in Learners | Let Learners Demonstrate Their Learning | A Moment of Connection and Healing

April 2022: Meeting Learners’ Needs | Listening to Learners | Creating Space for Learners to Shine | One Year of Bright Spots

March 2022: Collaboration Through Community | Professional Learning | Learners Rising | Profile of a Graduate | Empowering Teachers

February 2022: Develop Student Agency | Sense of Belonging | Celebrating Our Colleagues | Get Curious in Class

January 2022: Happy New Year | Meet Learners Where They Are | Conversations to Actions | Learning With and from Others

2021

December 2021: Beyond the Classroom | Give Learners What They Need | What We’ve Learned This Year

November 2021: Connect Aspiration with Practice | Whole Child Learning | Intention and Reflection | A Message of Gratitude

October 2021: Empathizing with Learners | Re-thinking Assessment Strategies | Reimagining Technology | Rise by Lifting Others

September 2021: Transforming Vision to Action | Reimagining the Learning Process | Measuring What Matters | Celebrating Students’ Success | The Future of Education

August 2021: Celebrating Learners | Evolving Education Book Release | Authentic Learning Experiences | Fostering Learners’ Curiosity

July 2021: Collaborating for a Learner-Centered Future | Shaping Learner Outcomes