Critical Race Theory Takes Center Stage

While Critical Race Theory (CRT) has overtaken the media and become heavily politicized in recent years, this academic concept that examines race as a social construct is more than 40 years old. This year’s opening keynote “Unraveling Myths About Critical Race Theory in Education” explored the debate over CRT and unraveled myths and misconceptions that challenge the opposition and featured Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw, Co-Founder & Executive Director of The African American Policy Forum and leading scholar of CRT, and Jonathan Cox, Vice President of the Center Policy Analysis & Research (CPAR) at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF). 

The conversation started with a light-hearted, five-question quiz to determine if the audience members held beliefs aligned with critical race theory (CRT). This approach brought the controversial topic into focus in a humorous and thoughtful way. The speakers then delved into the basics of CRT, emphasizing it as a recognition of historical and current injustices. They discussed the importance of incorporating CRT into academic and political discussions as a vital move toward justice. This integration is seen as a crucial step in upholding the constitutional rights of Black individuals and other marginalized communities.

CRT provides a framework for examining how systemic racism has shaped institutions and perpetuated inequalities in society. While 23 states—impacting 22 million school children—have passed legislation that limits the way race and racism can be taught, teaching CRT in schools can help students develop a deeper understanding of historical and contemporary issues related to race, privilege, and power dynamics. This knowledge empowers educators and students to critically analyze and challenge systems of oppression, ultimately fostering a more just and equitable society for all. 

Anti-CRT legislation has been introduced in 46 states, but blocking CRT from being taught in schools not only limits students’ exposure to diverse perspectives but also impedes progress toward achieving racial justice and equality. It’s essential to prioritize inclusive education that equips students with the tools to navigate and dismantle systemic inequalities, ultimately fostering empathy, understanding, and social change. Tackling CRT and a few of the misconceptions surrounding it pulled attendees in and allowed them to see how their own actions, thoughts, and assumptions could and possibly should be stretched if we are truly in the business of being learners as so many of us profess. 

Unrestricted Knowledge

In addition to anti-CRT legislation sweeping the nation, literacy and book bans also continue to be a locus of debate. According to data from the American Library Association (ALA), a record 4,240 unique book titles were targeted for censorship in 2023, a 65% increase over the 2,571 unique titles targeted in 2022 and a staggering 128% increase over 2021 numbers. Since many book bans are happening in states where CRT is being rejected, it is no surprise that 47% of the books targeted for censorship were titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals.

The African American Policy Forum (AAPF) hosted a powerful installation called “Books Unbanned”. The interactive exhibit was stationed outside of the main auditorium to share the history of banned books, boost critical cultural literacy and to empower attendees to defend the freedom to learn, read, and teach history. AAPF provides free copies of titles such as All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brandon Kiely, This is Your Time by Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges, and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margret Atwood to attendees. 

This exhibit exuded actionable ways to embed freedom to learn in community. The open shelves lined with both classic and contemporary titles were a powerful call to educators about the sense of urgency of protecting learners’ right to diverse and reflective reading options. 

Unite Against Book Bans held a session titled “How to be a Freedom Fighter,” with author Angie Thomas (whose novel The Hate U Give has found its way on banned book lists), a student advocate, a librarian, and community organizer where they examined how censorship harms communities and threatens democratic principles. Attendees learned proven ways to engage their communities, defend intellectual freedom, and support educators and librarians.

In addition to those featured at SXSW EDU, several other organizations have collaborated to help educators and community members fight book bans locally and nationally:

• PEN America has accumulated important data, resources, and a place to report book bans in your community.  
• The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) developed This Story Matters, a book rationale database where you can search for and contribute rationales for banned books.

Spencer Russell led another standout keynote illuminating the dire condition of the nationwide literacy crisis. Out of the gate, Russell delivered a sharp blow by sharing that over two million students in 4th grade are reading below grade level and how it will impact their formal learning experiences, career choices, and America as a whole. Crescendoing, Russell shared the number of adults who read below a 3rd-grade reading level (the number? 52 million!). Russell’s passion for literacy started after he learned some hard lessons as a teacher. It motivated him to empower caregivers and parents in their own literacy journeys and for young people. He created Toddlers Can Read, where he provides resources to support literacy development. 

The keynote offered five short ways to make a difference in the lives of anyone who wants to support developing a more literate world. In the event you don’t have time to watch the powerful address, here are the steps: 

1. Know the research
2. Stop theorizing, start teaching
3. Keep it simple
4. Partner with parents/caregivers
5. Get started now

Protect Literacy and Learning

Fighting censorship in schools requires a collective effort to uphold the principles of academic freedom and intellectual diversity. When facing challenges such as book bans and anti-CRT legislation, there are several proactive steps that educators, parents, and advocates can take.

• Education and Advocacy: Educate the community about the importance of diverse perspectives in education and the harmful impacts of censorship. Advocate for policies that promote intellectual freedom and inclusive curricula.
• Engage in Dialogue: Foster open and constructive dialogue with stakeholders, including school boards, administrators, and policymakers. Highlight the value of exposing students to a variety of viewpoints and critical thinking skills.

• Defend Access to Information: Oppose book bans and challenges to educational materials by defending access to diverse literature and resources. Support librarians and educators in their efforts to provide students with access to a wide range of ideas and perspectives.
• Mobilize Support: Build coalitions and mobilize support from community members, educators, and organizations that value intellectual freedom and equity in education. Work together to oppose censorship efforts and promote inclusive learning environments.

By taking proactive steps to fight censorship in schools, we can uphold the principles of academic freedom, foster intellectual diversity, and ensure that all students have access to a well-rounded education that prepares them for active and engaged citizenship in a diverse society.

The post Banned Books, Critical Race Theory and Literacy at SXSW EDU appeared first on Getting Smart.

• Operators: Organizations that establish and oversee charter microschools, which may or may not have distinct school codes, and manage their day-to-day operations.
• Intermediaries: Often referred to as model providers, these are entities that build networks of affiliates, facilitating the establishment and support of various microschool models. These affiliates can include public school districts, nonprofit private schools (both new and converting), and homeschool parents.
• School within School/Part-time Programs: This group represents schools that are located within an existing school and often utilize the co-located school code. They often represent both full and part-time options and are sometimes referred to as programs. This group also represents part-time programs and pathways that operate across schools, districts, and even networks.
• Incubators: Incubators in the context of microschools, are mentor organizations or schools that offer established, comprehensive frameworks and resources to support individuals or groups looking to establish and operate their own microschools. 

In the Fall of 2023, the A Big Push for Small Schools grant program launched and is focused on fostering a network of microschool leaders, by offering grants to propel the development of these innovative learning environments with an emphasis on operators looking to scale their high-quality models. 

As part of our initiative, we launched a Community of Practice (CoP) to convene a group of dynamic microschool leaders and learning providers. In our first CoP, we chose to focus on the emerging category of microschool incubators. In this incubator CoP, the emphasis on open dialogue allowed for the exchange of innovative solutions and ideas. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of the participants fostered a solid foundation for collective learning. Through the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and innovative approaches, this dynamic group has contributed to further defining the microschool landscape.

In the dynamic landscape of modern education, incubators are emerging as pivotal players. These entities are not just supportive resources; they are the torchbearers of innovation and personalization in the educational sphere. Let’s delve into understanding the multifaceted role they play.

What are Microschool Incubators?

Incubators are specialized institutions or organizations that facilitate the creation, design, and development of microschools. These are small, community-focused educational settings that offer a personalized learning environment. Small, easy-to-pivot, responsive, and relational, microschools meet the need for learning environments to be ever-evolving to better empower the learners and families they serve. 

Many incubators are birthed out of successful microschools or microschool networks. They model organic growth from within. Incubators are a backbone of support for many microschools, offering a range of services from sharing best practices to providing hands-on assistance in setting up new schools. Microschool incubators, however, are more than just support systems; they catalyze change in the educational sector. By prioritizing learner-centered approaches and embracing innovation, incubators are paving the way for a future where education is more adaptive, personalized, and relevant to the needs of modern learners. 

Core Functions of Microschool Incubators

Our CoP identified the following areas as the core functions for incubators in the small school space:

• Resource and Best Practice Sharing: Incubators are repositories of knowledge and experience in the microschool arena. They guide curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and school management, ensuring that emerging microschools have access to tried and tested strategies.
• Flexibility in Approach: While the methods and strategies may vary, the core objective remains constant: to provide learner-centered education that aligns with successful graduate profiles. Incubators are flexible in their approach, their leaders reminding us that it is very important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution in education.
• Human-Centered Design and Iteration: The concept of human-centered design is central to the philosophy of Incubators. This approach prioritizes the needs and experiences of learners, ensuring that educational models are constantly iterated upon to meet these needs better.
• Fostering Real-World Learning: Incubators emphasize learning that is grounded in real-world experiences and meaningful engagements. This approach ensures that education is not just about content delivery but about preparing learners for the challenges of the real world.
• Personalization and Learner Agency: Recognizing that each learner is unique, incubators advocate for personalized learning paths. They encourage microschools to provide learners with agency, allowing them to have a say in their learning process and to engage with content that resonates with their individual needs and interests.
• Responsiveness and Support: Incubators are known for their agility and responsiveness. Focused on the goal of helping microschools provide learners with agency, they quickly adapt to the needs of their clients and microschool families, students, and educators. Incubators do this by providing timely support and interventions to ensure the smooth functioning of these educational entities.
• Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool: A distinctive aspect of Incubators is their willingness to embrace failure as part of the learning and development process. By constantly evolving and being open to experimentation, they embody a mindset of growth and continuous improvement.
• Nurturing Innovation and Agility: Incubators are adept at nurturing innovative ideas and are equipped to pivot when necessary. This agility allows them to stay ahead in the ever-changing landscape of education.
• Belonging and Inclusion: At their very core, incubators are committed to fostering learning environments that thrive on the sociocultural, socioeconomic, and learning diversity of their respective communities. As such, a sense of belonging and commitment to inclusion are shared values for incubators.

Meet our Incubator Community

Here’s a brief snapshot of the organizations who contributed to the CoP, each bringing their unique backgrounds and experiences. 

• The Institute of Self-Directed Learning is dedicated to reshaping traditional educational paradigms, empowering learners to become self-directed and independent. By fostering environments that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and freedom in learning, we aim to equip youth with the skills needed for success in an ever-evolving world. Of the many schools they’ve cultivated, The Forest School nurtures skills, habits, and mindsets for meaningful lives through innovative practices including place-based and experiential learning, flexibility, and community partnerships, creating a unique educational experience.
• La Paz Global serves as a visionary incubator for inclusive and innovative education, aiming to provide high-quality opportunities that cultivate global citizenship. With a focus on empathy, understanding, and critical thinking, La Paz Global envisions a future where learning communities prioritize collaboration, compassion, and knowledge, empowering individuals to contribute to a more equitable, just, and sustainable world.
• Mysa Microschool serves as an innovative incubator for modern education, employing research-informed teaching practices transferable to public schools. With a philosophy aligned with Montessori, Mysa embraces a place-based learning model, creating nurturing communities where students explore their strengths and contribute meaningfully to the world. 
• One Stone goes beyond traditional education, serving as a dynamic incubator for student-driven innovation across 20 high schools in the Treasure Valley. Rooted in empathy and design thinking, One Stone empowers students to explore passions, enact real-world solutions, and revolutionize learning, fostering a generation of changemakers. Lab51, an urban microschool in Boise, ID, extends this innovative approach globally, emphasizing student-driven governance, competency-based learning, and a growth transcript to cultivate a mindset for meaningful work and global impact.
• On Track Academy & Pratt Academy, are pioneering choice high schools by Spokane Public Schools. With Pratt Core and Pratt North serving grades 9-12, the academy offers small class sizes, technology-based courses, and project-based learning. Focused on student-directed education and mentoring, Pratt Academy creates a supportive community, emphasizing restorative practices and individualized learning plans.
• Primer Microschools, located in Miami, FL, fosters creativity and independent thinking. Founded to free the next generation, Primer empowers educators to launch personalized, passion-driven microschools. The innovative practices of Primer include small-group settings, mixed-age learning, personalized learning supported by in-house technology, and a focus on goals over grades.
• Springhouse Community School, Nestled in rural Pilot, VA, Springhouse envisions a world where all life thrives. Founder Jenny Finn’s commitment to Sourced Education principles creates a transformative learning environment. Springhouse’s innovative practices include place-based learning, experiential education, and a focus on social justice, addressing the unique needs of each learner by building competence and confidence.
• Da Vinci RISE High is shaping the future as an aspiring incubator by providing a model that emphasizes project-based, real-world learning. Their collaboration with industry and higher education partners ensures a curriculum that prepares students for diverse pathways, aligning with the principles of microschools. Additionally, RISE’s small school environment fosters a sense of community and personalized learning, reflecting the microschool philosophy of individualized education within a supportive community.

Join the Microschool Movement: Stay Tuned for Our Next Community of Practice!

As we gear up to launch our next Community of Practice, a dynamic gathering of thought leaders, microschool innovators and learning providers, we encourage you to stay tuned for updates. Be the first to explore cutting-edge insights, exchange ideas, and contribute to the transformative dialogue within the microschool landscape. Your participation will elevate your educational initiatives and contribute to the collective growth of the microschool movement. Subscribe to our updates and drop Victoria an email to be included in our next CoP.

The post The Role of Microschool Incubators: Nurturing the Future of Education appeared first on Getting Smart.

It’s a hub for learning new skills, experiencing technological advancements, and networking with leaders and peers in the field. Keynoted by Bill Nye, this event will feature numerous Getting Smart regulars such as Tom Vander Ark, Erin Mote, Amada Bickerstaff and Sabba Quidwai.

Additionally, the program is packed with education leaders, entrepreneurs and difference-makers including:

• Yusuf Ahmad, Playlab
• Aaron Cuny, AI for Equity
• Jhone Ebert, Nevada Superintendent 
• Bodo Hoenen, NOLEJ
• Alex Fortran, aiEDU
• JD Larock, NFTE
• Maria Langworthy, CampusEvolve
• Jeff Livingston, EdSolutions
• Jason Raush, PLTW
• Jeremy Roschelle, Digital Promise 
• Taylor Shead, Stemuli
• Katrina Stevens, The Tech

Sessions to Look Forward To

Tom Vander Ark and Sabba Quidwai are going to be tag teaming a number of sessions at this event including:

Irrelevant or Irreplaceable: The Superpowers That Will Shape Your Contribution in an AI World

As the lines between human and machine capabilities continue to blur join us to help answer: 

What are the skills and mindsets that define our human advantage? This isn’t just a technology question, it’s a human question that gives everyone the opportunity to redefine their role and impact in an AI world. We’ll share where AI is now, where it is headed in the future, and the qualities that will make you irreplaceable. 

Is There a Different Way: A Design Thinking Approach to AI Integration 

How might we design systems that are human-centered and technology-driven? In this session you’ll learn how four organizations used a design thinking approach to AI integration to turn information into innovation. Learn how they fostered an environment where teachers, students, staff, and leaders cultivate the mindset and skills to embrace AI as a collaborative partner, enhancing creativity, building trust, and amplifying their human advantage. This session not only invites you to envision deeply human-centered systems—where technology strengthens empathy and connection—but also encourages you to bring your questions and engage directly with the transformative potential of AI in education.

Supercharging Real World Learning With AI. How gen AI helps learners co-author community connected projects.

Discover how generative AI is revolutionizing real-world learning by enabling students to co-author projects that deeply connect with their communities. Hear how two schools are using technology not only as a tool for learning but as a partner in creating meaningful, impactful work. We’ll share how it empowers learners to design projects that reflect their skills, ideas, and aspirations, enabling them to build dynamic portfolios that showcase their unique contributions to real-world challenges. We’ll explore the ways in which generative AI amplifies students’ abilities to innovate, collaborate, and make a difference, preparing them for a future where their education directly contributes to college and career readiness, and the advancement of their communities.

Supercharging Teaching With AI. How gen AI can help teachers design and support powerful learning experiences 

More than just a tool, AI can become an integral member of your educational team, freeing up your time to focus on what matters most: building meaningful relationships and rediscovering the art and joy of teaching.  With your new Educator’s AI Toolkit, designed to infuse generative AI seamlessly into your workflow we will practice innovative strategies to elevate assessments from papers to engaging project-based experiences and turn traditional lessons into dynamic learning adventures. Your take-home toolkit will make AI a collaborative partner enhancing both your professional skills and your students’ learning experiences.

Why This Matters

This event couldn’t be coming at a better time. A survey from EdWeek shows that most educators are still not using AI despite it being an increasingly accessible and powerful tool with radical potential.  

Sites like Teach.AI offer resources to introduce AI into schools and districts, and organizations like Michigan Virtual are creating helpful resources and roadmaps for upskilling their teacher force. We’re living in a new world and it’s time to get in the shuffle and start playing. AI for Education from Amanda Bickerstaff offers helpful guides and prompts to get educators in the sandbox.

The post There’s Something In the AIR: The Brave New World’s Fair appeared first on Getting Smart.

Here is the latest list of can’t-miss education conferences for your 2024 planning:

FETC

January 23-26, 2024; Orlando, Florida

FETC is the largest national independent EdTech conference discussing tech trends, strategies and best practices for student and school success. This annual event will focus on the Future of Education Technology and gathering a group of dynamic and creative education professionals from around the world for an intensive and highly collaborative event exploring new technologies, best practices and pressing issues.

BETT

January 24-26, 2024; London

With almost 30,000+ attendees from 123+ countries, representing 600+ leading companies and where 5,000+ people connect, BETT is the world’s largest EdTech conference. Taking place in London, BETT believes in creating a better future by transforming education. This conference is premium, inclusive and game-changing. At every level of education, the themes for BETT  are based on the real needs of the education community, from the tech-nervous newbie to the cool geeky early adopter. BETT themes at the heart of education.

TCEA

Feb 3 – Feb 7, 2024;  Austin, TX

Spanning five days with over 700 sessions and workshops, TCEA is the largest state convention and exposition in the US. TCEA’s Convention & Exposition is the place to meet industry peers, collaborate with other educators, and build a tight-knit, professional learning community. 

Digital Learning Annual Conference

February 26-28, 2024; Austin, TX

DLAC aims to bring together practitioners working on real change and is designed for a wide range of attendees, including educators, companies, non-profit organizations, researchers and state education agencies.

AASA National Conference on Education

February 15-17, 2024;  San Diego, CA

This year’s Conference highlights the crucial role that public school superintendents play in creating a supportive, inclusive, and empowering educational environment that meets the diverse needs of all students. By keeping the students at the center of everything we do, we can work together to create a better future for them and for society.

At this conference, researchers, educators and practitioners will experience personal growth, enjoy time for connections and find joy in discovering new research and strategies. 

Green Schools Conference

March 5-7, 2024; Santa Fe, NM

The Green Schools Conference (GSC) brings together everyone involved in creating and advocating for green schools, with a focus on those leading their schools and school systems toward whole-school sustainability. Attendees explore interdisciplinary content in general sessions and collaborate with peers to address specific challenges, exchange best practices, and enhance green school initiatives nationwide.

SXSW EDU

March 4-7, 2024; Austin, TX

The internationally recognized SXSW EDU will include four days of sessions, workshops, learning experiences, mentorship, film screenings, policy discussions and so much more all aimed at impacting the future of teaching and learning. The event will host hundreds of sessions and speakers and continues to stand out as a true thought leadership summit. Check out our live podcast from SXSW EDU 2022 and some of the conversations we recorded at SXSW EDU 2023

We are excited to be a media partner at this event, as well as the co-presenters on a number of sessions! 

CUE Conference

March 21-24, 2024; Palm Springs, CA

At the 2024 Spring CUE Conference in Palm Springs, educators will unite to ignite inspiration, foster connections, and explore cutting-edge teaching techniques and educational technology for their classrooms.

CUE is the largest and oldest EdTech conference in California and is targeted towards educators and EdLeaders looking to advance student achievement by using technology in the classroom. The conference has been a go-to event for educational innovation for almost 40 years and provides a best-value, three-day experience for thousands of educators.

Carnegie Foundation Summit on Improvement in Education

March 24-27, 2024; San Diego, CA

Since 2014, the Summit on Improvement in Education has developed a vibrant learning community by engaging diverse groups of educational professionals—such as school and district leaders, staff from charter management organizations, leaders in state departments of education and professional organizations, entrepreneurs, faculty from higher education organizations, students, parents, and community leaders—in service of addressing complex problems and issues of inequity in educational outcomes.

Deeper Learning Conference

March 26-28 2024; San Diego, CA

Deeper learners from around the world gathered for this beautiful reminder of why educators do this work, and of the limitless potential of schools to be places of hope, healing, and inspiration. DLC has been running incredible gatherings for over a decade! Here’s a recap from our time at the DL2018.

School Climate and Culture Forum

Multiple Dates; Multiple Locations

The Summit offers 4 or more topic-specific conferences so you can learn from experts and colleagues throughout North America. These multi-day events provide an opportunity for administrators, teachers, counselors and other educators to learn about new insights and strategies for reaching and teaching students.

NSBA (National School Boards Association)

April 6-8, 2024; New Orleans, LA

The NSBA Annual Conference and Exposition is the one national event that brings together education leaders to learn about best governance practices, gain insight into child development and learn about new programs and technology that can help enrich student learning. This event is one of the few—if not the only—places where school board members from around the country can receive the training necessary to address the instructional needs of students and how to improve the efficiency of district operations.

CoSN

April 8-10, 2024; Miami, FL

CoSN is the conference to attend if you’re a district tech director or leader to reimagine, redesign and renew. Attendees should be prepared to renew your commitment to advancing digital learning and let the Three “R’s” serve as a collective Call to Action. 

ASU+GSV Summit

April 14-17, 2024; San Diego, CA

This annual conference is the “only conference during the year where you’ll have access to the smartest and most influential Learning & Talent Tech minds from around the world.” The three-day event will host world class speakers in business, entrepreneurship, higher ed and education innovation. Here is our recap of the 2021 summit.

SMU +GSV Mission Summit

May 22-24, 2024; Dallas, TX

The SMU+GSV Mission Summit is an event to accelerate ideas that combine “purpose and profits”. Capitalism needs a refresh. It is our belief that the leading companies of tomorrow will have the ambition of a for-profit and the heart of a non-profit. Join global leaders from across investment, government, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy communities to shape the future of business.

ISTE

June 23-26, 2024; Denver, CO

As the “epicenter of edtech,” ISTE Is where educators and school leaders go to learn about new tools and strategies. This event boasts endless learning opportunities perfect for industry reps, teachers, tech coordinators/directors, administrators, library media specialists and policymakers.

PBL World

June 24-27, 2024; Napa Valley, CA

PBL World is a multi-day Project Based Learning conference presented by PBLWorks. This event brings together educators – K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, school and district leaders – who want to begin and advance their Project Based Learning practice, and connect with a community of their peers. 

ASCA Annual Conference 

July 13-16, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri

Join thousands of school counseling professionals in Kansas City, Mo., for the premier school counseling professional development. Learn, network and re-energize yourself.

Uncharted Learning National Summit 2024

July 16-17, 2024; Chicago, IL

Uncharted Learning’s member schools and guests gather in Chicago’s tech and food hub, the Fulton Market Neighborhood, for two full days of entrepreneurship-focused, master-class-style workshops and events. The festivities conclude with the 2024 INCubatoredu National Student Pitch and Student Showcase on July 17.

JFF Horizons

July 22-23, 2024; Washington, DC

Expect to envision new ideas and capture insights through our workshops, panels, and interactive discussions at this event where more than 1,000 leaders, funders, innovators, workers, learners, and more will share their expertise. Leading thinkers and innovators transforming the education and workforce systems will join forces at this annual summit.

Big Picture Learning Big Bang

July 22-25, 2024; Memphis, TN

Big Bang is Big Picture Learning’s annual conference on student-centered learning, an intergenerational collaboration where students, educators, leaders and partners come together as equals to learn from one another and from our host community. In a nutshell, it’s a celebration. Check out our podcast about our recent Big Bang attendance. 

PLTW Summit

October 3-5, 2024; San Diego, CA

PLTW Summit will continue to be offered every two years in the fall. Mark your calendars for time to connect with STEM educators from across the country where you’ll be a part of transformative professional development approaches and connect with Master Teachers, PLTW partners, classroom vendors, and peers.

Aurora Symposium

November 3-5 2024; New Orleans, LA

Aurora Institute’s annual conference is the leading event for K-12 competency-based, blended and online learning. With hundreds of sessions, it brings together experts, EdLeaders and educators to explore next-gen learning for K-12 students. Here are 10 reasons to attend.

National Rural Education Association Conference

October 31-November 1, 2024; Savannah Georgia

The Rural Schools Conference has been designed to create an environment for collaboration and innovation with a diverse community that includes, national experts, K–12 and higher education practitioners, leading researchers, policymakers, and philanthropic leaders. The goal is to help communities innovate and leverage local assets to create meaningful learning experiences for rural students.

Big Picture Learning: Front Range Leadership

December 2024; Colorado

The annual Big Picture Learning Leadership Conference aims to empower leaders to build strong connections with individuals, communities, and networks to enhance, sustain, and elevate their work. Leaders engage with peers through school tours and advisory sessions to discover valuable tools, innovative ideas, and resources for effective implementation. The ultimate objective is for leaders to rejuvenate and strengthen themselves, enabling them to lead with love, care and vulnerability. 

National Alliance of Black School Educators

Date coming soon…..

The National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) is the nation’s premier non-profit organization devoted to furthering the academic success for the nation’s children – particularly children of African descent and host an annual event with over 50 years of leadership and learning. 

HipHopEd Conference

Dates and Location TBD

The annual HipHopEd Conference is a unique event that brings together educators, school leaders, students, and community members to explore the intersection between hip-hop and education. This conference is the premier event in the field of hip-hop and education, and it is dedicated to advancing innovation, scholarship, and practice.

At the HipHopEd Conference, participants engage in workshops and keynote sessions that showcase the latest research, practices, and trends in hip-hop education. The conference is designed to create a space and community where hip-hop educators can gather, connect, and collaborate to reimagine education. Practitioners and scholars present workshop presentations and peer-reviewed papers that exemplify the conference theme. The HipHopEd Conference is not your traditional education conference; it includes student performers and highlights the creative elements of hip-hop culture. 

Education Leaders of Color National Convening 

TBD

At the EdLoC conference, bright spots where change-makers, entrepreneurs, and cross-sector collaborations are dismantling systemic barriers and transforming life trajectories in our communities are on the stage. Presenters and attendees will have space to demonstrate, discover, and discuss how their organizations, programs, advocacy, and/or models are supporting young people and communities of color in earning more, building wealth, and thriving.

Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!

The post Can’t Miss Education Conferences in 2024 appeared first on Getting Smart.

AI Integration Framework

Their AI Integration Framework breaks the progression of adoption into three distinct stages, investigating, implementing and innovation. 

Progression Stages:

• Investigating involves initial exploration and understanding, with limited AI applications.
• Implementing sees schools actively integrating AI, with a focus on ethical considerations, targeted learning activities, and foundational AI infrastructure.
• Innovating signifies a mature AI adoption, with advanced applications, comprehensive policies, and holistic assessments using AI. The innovating column also emphasizes how AI can support bolstering student ownership.

The framework then applies these stages across a variety of fields: Leadership & Vision, Policy Considerations, Instructional Framework, Learning Assessments, Professional Learning, Student Use of AI, Business & Technology Operations, and Outreach. Each is a great opportunity for innovating in new ways. 

Planning Guide for AI

Supplementing the framework, they have released a planning guide for AI which starts off with four distinct directives for school leaders to responsibly engage with AI: engage in planning, make it local, dedicate a team and address potential concerns. Throughout, they make the case for using AI as an augmentation tool, not a replacement tool, and suggest that it can support “uniquely human tasks,” “promoting student agency” and developing “new learning models.” We also appreciate the call for helping students to both understand and utilize the technology. Each section is then followed by a suite of potential risks of adoption and integration, which seeks to anticipate some of the potential pitfalls and roadblocks of the coming transition. 

Additionally, the team has announced a series of workshops, courses and trainings to support school leaders in their adoption, their understanding and their ability to form their own strategies for embracing the new learning landscape.

All of these contributions add to the great information emerging from orgs like TeachAI and AI for Education.

A Statewide Culture of Innovation

This is not the first time Michigan Virtual has led the charge toward innovation. For 25 years, the statewide virtual school has partnered with school districts. They sponsored The Future of Learning Council (FLC), a cohort of 40 unique school districts and learning organizations.

“The Council members are thought leaders who represent a powerful ‘coalition of the willing’ who embrace change and recognize the value of flexible, personalized, and competency-based learning systems that are high-touch and high-tech. We are excited to provide the administrative backbone and meeting facilities to support the Council’s functions,” said Jamey Fitzpatrick, President of Michigan Virtual.

For more on the transformational change happening in Michigan:

The post One State’s Approach to AI Integration and Rapid Reskilling appeared first on Getting Smart.

When I was younger, I didn’t entirely know what I wanted to do. I often spent time playing school because I really enjoyed learning. I also loved animals and thought that maybe I might choose a career that involved working with animals. Helping others is something that I learned from my parents and I always sought opportunities where I could help others in any way that I could. 

What led you to the world of education and how long have you been in it?

I recall as a junior at Penn State having an interesting conversation with my guidance counselor. I was a student in the School of Liberal Arts and had taken the required courses and many focused on the French language and culture because that was one of my strong areas. I recall the conversation when my guidance counselor told me it was time to declare a major. I did not have a clue about what I wanted to do. They suggested going into education, because of my interest in helping others. I also have several members in my family who are involved in education and so I dove in without realizing that I might make it a long-term career for myself. I have been teaching since the last century, which is something I like to tell my students and other educators.

What are you hoping your students to “feel” when they walk into your classroom?

I want my students to feel welcome and safe in our learning space and to know that I am there to support them for whatever it is that they need. I want them to be excited about learning and know that I really do care about them and want to do the best for them during the year and beyond. With the way that I design my classroom, I want all students to know that they can come in anytime and that I am there to listen, guide, support and be a mentor for them as they navigate all of the challenges that can come with learning.

What strategies do you recommend for creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment for your students?

In hindsight, the key lies in building relationships. From day one, invest in getting to know your students, their interests, and needs. Engage in meaningful conversations and allow them to get to know you better. Fostering mutual understanding enables the creation of a positive and inclusive space. It’s essential to strike a balance between learning and enjoyment, shared challenges, and celebrate the big and small accomplishments. To achieve this, it is a priority to provide a comfortable learning environment. It’s okay to have fun, laugh together, experience challenges and learn together. 

As the rise of new technology continues to play a significant role in education, how do you strike a balance between digital tools and traditional teaching methods in your classroom?

I always think about what I’m trying to do. What is my purpose for using a specific method or a digital tool in my classroom? Sometimes with the content covered in my class, I know that students need additional examples beyond the ones that I’m providing for them. They need activities that are interactive or provide different ways for them to engage with the content. To do this, I often rely on some digital tools that are very versatile and that provide me with access to information about where students are in the learning process. I also want to use the time that I save by leveraging some of the tools, to spend with students working with them one-on-one, in small groups or as a whole class.

In today’s rapidly changing world, what skills do you believe are most essential for students to develop in order to thrive beyond the classroom, and how do you incorporate these skills into your teaching approach?

I started to realize a couple of years ago that even though I want students to love learning Spanish and maybe even become Spanish teachers or explore careers where they need these skills, I also need to take advantage of opportunities to help prepare them for whatever it is they decide to do in the future. When looking at social-emotional learning (SEL) skills or reviewing the Job Skills Outlook from the World Economic Forum, I look for ways to help students to build these skills in my classroom. I try to provide a variety of opportunities for students to collaborate, communicate, to work through challenges in learning, to connect with others and to leverage some of the different technologies that are available. I have to help prepare them for the different ways they may be engaging in work in the future.  I am always about embracing new ideas and diving into risks in my classroom. I think it’s important to talk with our students about why we are choosing a certain method or a tool and how we think it will impact them. It’s also important to make time to gather feedback from them to understand the impact. Was it positive, or negative and how can we improve from there?

Parents play a crucial role in a student’s education. What strategies do you suggest for fostering a strong teacher-parent partnership throughout the school year?

It is important from the beginning of the year to set up a way for parents to communicate with you. I always recommend using a survey to ask parents what their preferences are when it comes to communication. Do they prefer email, phone calls or a messaging tool for example? Do we have our class materials available on a class website so families can access it? Also, be consistent with providing information to families so they know about the learning that is happening in your classroom. Are there any events or projects coming up, and how can they become more involved in the learning experience of their children? Keeping communication open is essential because we know that the more the families are involved and engaged in learning, it helps to promote student academic achievement.

What’s one message you have for fellow school leaders?
My advice is to not be afraid to take some risks with new ideas or new tools. There are so many choices out there that can really help to enhance the learning experience of students but also to keep us learning ourselves. We want our students to not be afraid of challenges in learning and what better way than to show that we are also risk-takers. Dive into learning with them, show them that we are not afraid of making mistakes and how we learn from those mistakes. So if there is a topic that you’ve been interested in but I’ve been hesitant to try, I say this is the perfect time to do it. Involve your students in the process and learn with and from them and enjoy the school year. I am all about getting teachers to dive into AI and not worry about being an expert, we just need enough to get started!

What is your one hope for the future of education?

My hope for the future of education is that educators will be receptive to evolving ideas and technologies. We are in the best position to guide our students into whatever the future brings. I hope that we all realize that we are constantly learning and must keep on learning, making mistakes and pushing ourselves so that we can provide the best for our students.

The post An Education Journey: A Q&A with Rachelle Dené Poth appeared first on Getting Smart.

High school students on NAF’s Student Advisory Council collaborated on the design and playtesting of KnoPro. From the very beginning, student and teacher voices have been at the center of what makes KnoPro so unique and effective for high schools across the country.  

NAF Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Dughi, said, “After a year of successfully piloting and iterating with our network and partners to bring KnoPro to life, the time has finally come! We know that the future is now, and we are thrilled to celebrate this launch. The world today is technology- driven and it is critical for NAF to be at the forefront of innovative thinking in support of all students. We can’t wait to witness the impact that KnoPro will have on the next generation of talent on their journey to becoming Future Ready.” 

KnoPro includes monthly challenges where students participate on a team or solo by helping solve a pressing industry or community problem. The first challenge, sponsored by NAF partner, Lenovo, called the Future Ready Tech Challenge kicks off on October 2. 

Daily SkillBuilders are 10-15 minute real-world activities designed to increase students’ “future ready” skills, including critical thinking, collaboration, and communication, and earn them points and prizes. 

NAF works with large corporations, small businesses, and nonprofits, to identify real problems their industry is facing, build engaging content, and tap into the creativity of young minds to be a part of the solution. Business partners can become a KnoPro mentor or competition judge. These KnoPro experiences help students build both technical and future ready skills that continue to be requested by employers across industry lines and are not only important for high school students, but for other employees to be exposed to potential job opportunities within their organization, and to continue as lifelong learners.

A KnoPro pilot teacher shared, “I would recommend KnoPro 100%. I like that it’s open to everybody. I love that KnoPro provides my students with creative ways to solve problems. I appreciate how they could incorporate technology into other fields like Health or Finance. KnoPro enables students to explore their career ambitions.”

KnoPro is the latest development in client projects, a trend in work-based learning: 

• The Real World Learning initiative, sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation, sponsored in metro Kansas City includes 85 high schools in 35 systems that are adding client projects and entrepreneurial experiences.

• Purdue Polytechnic High School prepares learners for STEM-related postsecondary programs and high-tech careers through a series of client projects. Every eight weeks, PPHS students are presented with a real-world challenge. Project challenges are designed by staff in partnership with industry partners in the areas of healthcare, energy, transportation and philanthropy. Students team up with fellow classmates and work together through a five-step design thinking process to develop a solution. Partners provide guidance on project prototypes, serve as panelists for student presentations and provide feedback on project pitches.

• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation will be launching the Employer-Provided Innovation Challenges (EPIC) initiative this fall. EPIC aspires to scale high-quality work-based learning experiences through a national network of partners that provide authentic, employer-led problem-based learning experiences to high school and postsecondary learners.

• The Knowledge Society is a 10-month youth accelerator program operating in six cities and online. TKS learners work on real problems with global companies and are supported by mentorship, internships, hackathons and a resource-rich platform.

The post KnoPro from NAF Expands Access to Work-Based Learning appeared first on Getting Smart.

CAPS, as a next-generation career accelerator, serves five suburban high schools in the Kansas City area, offering profession-based learning opportunities. Here, students embark on a journey into their future, immersing themselves in a professional culture where they actively tackle real-world challenges, utilize industry-standard tools, and benefit from mentorship by actual employers—all while earning high school and college credits. Within the six career strands encompassing bioscience, accelerator, business technology and media, engineering, human services, medicine and health care, CAPS students engage in client-connected projects and cultivate self-directed entrepreneurial experiences.

One of the remarkable benefits of participating in CAPS is the significant increase in social capital for students. As they actively engage with professionals, employers, and mentors from various industries, students expand their networks and establish valuable connections within their communities. These connections not only provide them with insights into potential career paths but also serve as a source of support and guidance.

The success of the CAPS model quickly gained recognition. In 2014, the increasing number of visitors signaled widespread interest in this innovative approach that seamlessly blends career education with college preparation, creating personalized pathways deeply connected to the community. By 2018, dozens of affiliated programs had sprouted regionally and across the nation.

The CAPS Network community shares core values that underpin its success: Profession-based Learning, Responsiveness, Self-Discovery and Exploration, Professional Skills Development, and Entrepreneurial Mindset.

CAPS success inspired the Kauffman Foundation sponsored Real World Learning initiative. As a result, there are 85 high schools in metro Kansas City adding internships, client projects and entrepreneurial experiences.  

In 2021, the CAPS Network became an independent nonprofit supporting profession-based learning. With more than 100 affiliate locations in 2023, CAPS Network was recognized by HundrED as a leading global innovation. 

CAPS Graduates Experiencing Benefit 

There are more than 40,000 CAPS network graduates. Last fall, a survey of more than 1,000 of them showed that CAPS programs have significant influence on students’ professional growth. Over three-fourths reported an overwhelmingly positive experience. CAPS alumni are equally bullish on the role that their programs had in preparing them to find a job or enter college. And more than 7 of 10 said their CAPS experience directly contributed to their current success 

CAPS Alumni highly agree that they learned essential and durable skills and built confidence. The top ten reported benefits of the CAPS program are shown below (on a scale of 1 to 5).  

CAPS alumni appreciated experimenting with careers before investing in college. They appreciated being encouraged “to step out of their comfort zone” and “find themselves” through their exploration. More than 8 of 10 alumni said they were currently receiving scholarships and almost a third were receiving honors/awards. 

The survey unequivocally demonstrates that CAPS has played a pivotal role in helping learners not only find their professional paths but also build connections and community ties that continue to fuel their growth and success, significantly increasing their social capital along the way.

The post CAPS Network Students Gain Skills and Scholarships  appeared first on Getting Smart.

In an era quickly being defined by technological advances and hyperconnectivity, the traditional educational landscape is transforming. Creating a learning ecosystem where K-12, higher ed, industry, and community collaborate to provide students with the tools they need to thrive is essential. How might we design a road map for Washington schools, where every learner, regardless of zip code, is on a pathway to productive citizenship? It starts with curating, connecting and catalyzing the development of New Pathways and all of us have a part to play.

The New Pathways Convening can guide us toward a future where education is not confined to a classroom but is a dynamic and continuous journey. It calls upon the entire community to shape an educational landscape, with equity at the center. All students need to be given the access and opportunity to explore their full potential.

Why Washington State? By showcasing the inspiring work already underway in Washington State, the convening seeks to inspire attendees and catalyze a movement that amplifies the impact of innovative educational practices. By bringing attention to local success stories and national exemplars, the conference aims to inspire education leaders, policymakers, community programs and stakeholders across the region to embrace and implement New Pathways.

As the convening unfolds, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with thought-provoking panels, tour exemplar pathway programs, participate in facilitated design sessions and network with stakeholders. By curating, connecting, and catalyzing the development of New Pathways, this convening is setting the stage for a brighter tomorrow. Let’s come together, learn from each other, and pave the way for a purpose-driven learning ecosystem that empowers every student to thrive!

We can’t wait to gather and design with you. To register your team’s key stakeholders for the October 19-20 New Pathways Convening in Tacoma, WA, visit the registration page here. Have questions about the event? Send them to marissa@gettingsmart.com.

The post Paving the Way for Pathways: Connecting Local Schools and Businesses in Tacoma, WA appeared first on Getting Smart.

“We’ve invested a lot of time and energy to learn what really works in terms of getting kids to play an active role in planning their future,” said ASA CEO Jean Eddy. “And one thing that consistently comes back is the reality that kids need to be engaged in their own spaces and on their own terms. Importantly, they need to have agency and be able to make informed choices,” she added. 

The ASA team assembled a mobile-first free suite of products and resources to build durable skills and prepare young people for their career journey and life after high school. The EvolveMe platform encourages the exploration of possible futures and offers incentives for completed tasks along the way. 

EvolveMe features 26 career experimentation and skills-building activities from 15 innovative partners that serve millions of teens. Partners include:

• DeBruce Foundation’s Agile Work Profiler, which helps kids understand their own strengths and interests and how they relate to careers,
• UStrive, which enables teens to sign up, find, and meet with a mentor,
• Tyto/Immersed Games, which offers five games across in-demand issues where kids can build knowledge and skills and try on jobs,
• Talk Hiring, which helps kids learn to interview with confidence by doing realistic yet automated mock interviews and getting instant feedback,
• Create & Learn, which helps young people to learn Scratch and Python coding through online courses with real professionals, practice core coding concepts, and build an impressive project,
• Work Simplr, a platform that breaks real-world deliverables down into projects for kids to complete and earn money,
• Science Near Me, which allows youth to search for activities and experiences in science,
• CareerVillage, an online platform democratizing access to career information and advice by providing a supportive community of real professionals ready to answer any question about any career,
• Skillsline, a platform that teaches durable human skills, with the goal of giving every student the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the modern world — in school, at work, and in life,
• ProjectSet, an online platform for virtual work-based learning opportunities that help kids and university students to develop workplace skills and become career ready,
• Bloom Learning/Ender, which is on a mission to make kids employable before they graduate high school by building a competition platform where they win prizes by completing projects and gaining skills,
• School of Thought, which is a nonprofit dedicated to teaching critical thinking and reasoning skills,
• FitMoney, which provides a free certificate course that allows kids to build knowledge and confidence around financial literacy topics,
• Aha Media, which connects teens and emerging talent to immersive virtual internships in animation production from the comfort of their own communities,
• Cirkled In, a modern, engaging, Gen-Z-focused professional profile platform that empowers K-16 students to showcase their holistic achievements, strengths, and talents, connecting them to their best-fit educational and employment opportunities, from college and scholarships to jobs and internships.

For the last two months, ASA has been reaching out through social media inviting teens onto the platform. Tens of thousands of learners are engaging and earning rewards while developing  

“We’re excited about this launch and about any initiative that promises to get kids feeling a sense of ownership over their education, work experience, and future,” said Eddy.  

New Class Boosts High School and Career Readiness 

Education Opens Doors (EOD) provides a middle school course that builds skills and supports thoughtful high school choices. It is used by the 43 middle schools in Dallas ISD and gaining national attention.    

“We partner with middle schools across the country, training teachers to equip their students with the college and career knowledge and skills they need for long-term success,” said EOD CEO Roscoe Compton-Kelly.

The two-part college and career readiness curriculum can be offered as a middle grade class or in units of study in an advisory period.  

The first program includes six units designed to introduce students to key college information and soft skills. Topics covered include measures of success (GPA, class rank) types of high schools, resume and interviewing, reasons to attend college and financial aid.

The second program includes growth mindset, internships and jobs, mock interviews, choosing a major, financial literacy and applying to college.

In terms of outcomes, Roscoe sees high levels of student and teacher engagement, digital citizenship skills, a sense of belonging, and more informed high school choices.

The post Two Developments in Middle Grade Career Exploration  appeared first on Getting Smart.