Learning Forward
Equity and excellence in teaching and learning.
TOOLS
A new paradigm for collaboration
By Rohini McKee and Michelle Bowman
Categories: Collaboration, Facilitation, Implementation, Learning communities, Online learning, TechnologyDecember 2020
Vol. 41, No. 6
Learning communities provide unique opportunities for discussion, reflection, and growth. This is one of the reasons collaborative learning networks have been a focus of Learning Forward’s work for decades. In the past year, COVID-19 has presented many new challenges for educators, not only in teaching and connecting with students but in their own learning from one another. The necessity of physical distancing has required all of us who engage in networks to be nimble and adapt our strategies to an online environment. Although frustrating, this need can be turned into opportunities to productively change the way we work. Now is the time to redefine not just how students learn, but also how we as educators create systems and processes to better support adult learning, collaboration,
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About TxNSI and its partners
TxNSI is one of 30 improvement networks nationwide to receive the Network for School Improvement grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. With this grant, we are able to connect with similar organizations, share and learn new strategies, and access high-quality technical assistance providers to deepen the work — a great benefit, especially as COVID-19 changes the needs of our students and families and the way we can support them.
Each member of the collaborative brings unique strengths to the partnership: Educate Texas serves as the network convener and provides analytical support, Learning Forward brings its expertise in professional learning and continuous improvement, and the Dana Center provides subject matter expertise and technical assistance around mathematics education and equitable student success.
Catalyst:Ed, which wrote A New Paradigm for Collaboration: Virtual Network Support based on the continuous improvement panel, draws on education leaders’ collective expertise to help them innovate, excel, and scale to deliver breakthrough results for all students. To accomplish this, Catalyst:Ed:
- Builds and activates diverse networks of expert talent vital to the health and impact of education organizations;
- Connects education leaders with the right expert support to spark innovation and build capacity;
- Creates shared resource pools that all organizations can benefit from; and
- Disseminates critical information to build knowledge, while fostering greater accountability and a focus on results.
Learn more at www.catalyst-ed.org. To read the report on which this tool is based, see bit.ly/3eSfa6y.
Rohini McKee has a strong belief that every problem has a solution, in every experience there is a lesson to be learned, and no day is complete without at least a little bit of fun.
Michelle A. Bowman is senior vice president of networks and continuous improvement at Learning Forward. She engages in and executes cross-organizational strategic thinking, especially through the strategy of networks and communities of practice, that supports state and local education agencies committed to professional development redesign. She also oversees the development of content and learning designs that support organizations' capacity to engage in continuous improvement processes. With 30 years in public education, Michelle served in leadership at the district, campus, and classroom levels before joining Learning Forward. Michelle has an Ed.D. in Learning and Organizational Change from Baylor University. Her dissertation investigated how school district leaders engaging in a community of practice impacts their professional learning efficacy. She also co-authored Teacher Professional Development in the Digital Age: Design and Implementation of Learning without Limits in Technology in the Classroom: How It Can Improve Teaching and Student Learning in American Schools (Rowman & Littlefield, 2017) with Learning Forward Executive Director (retired) Stephanie Hirsh. Michelle refreshes her soul, mind, and body by singing songs of worship and spending time with family and friends. She enjoys great coffee and long walks.
Categories: Collaboration, Facilitation, Implementation, Learning communities, Online learning, Technology
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