Learning Forward Blog
Focus professional learning communities on curriculum
By Stephanie Hirsh |
Research has found that high-quality curricula have a significant impact on student achievement (Steiner, 2017; Chingos & Whitehurst, 2012). But a curriculum is not effective on its own. It requires teachers who understand it and use it with intentionality and professional judgment. This means teachers who know the curriculum and their students well. It…
What’s your shot for 2018?
By Heather Lageman |
In his world-changing musical, Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda shared the lyric, “I’m not throwing away my shot!” The lyric occurs at a poignant place during the show garnering an unforgettable rallying cry for the heart, mind and spirit. The sentiment is so powerful, it resides in the minds and hearts of thousands of would-be world changers…
Collaboration is the answer
By Learning Forward |
An excerpt from Becoming a Learning Team by Stephanie Hirsh and Tracy Crow In Learning Forward’s (2011) Standards for Professional Learning, educators learning in community is a key structure for addressing many of the problems common in traditional models of teaching and learning and creating support among teachers. Learning community: Professional learning that increases educator…
Focus professional learning communities on curriculum
By Stephanie Hirsh |
Research has found that high-quality curricula have a significant impact on student achievement (Steiner, 2017; Chingos & Whitehurst, 2012). But a curriculum is not effective on its own. It requires teachers who understand it and use it with intentionality and professional judgment. This means teachers who know the curriculum and their students well. It also…
My most memorable moments from Learning Forward’s 2017 Annual Conference
By Dawn Wilson |
By Dawn Wilson When I attended my first Learning Forward conference in Vancouver several years ago, I made a commitment to attend every year, and have. Although the topics and technologies have changed, the culture of learning has remained constant. During this year’s closing, Stephanie Hirsh shared her favorite conference moments and invited audience members to reflect on theirs. …
5 reasons why every policymaker should fight to save Title IIA
By Stephanie Hirsh |
As most readers know, I live in Texas. My elected representatives are quite conservative on issues related to federal involvement in education. Their point of view is grounded in the U.S. Constitution, which places control over education firmly in the hands of states. It also finds expression in the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA),…
My 2018 resolutions: Listen closely, take a stand, empower others
By Stephanie Hirsh |
It’s a new year, and I am embracing a fresh start. While there are countless things I could put on my resolution list, I will limit it to three and focus on accomplishing these. Be a better listener. I resolve to focus on what others are saying rather than thinking about what I will say…
Title II advocacy update for January, 2018
By Melinda George |
Both Houses of Congress are back in session – and a final decision on $2 billion in Title IIA professional development funding, which both President Trump and the House sought to eliminate, continues to hang in the balance. The current temporary spending resolution, which funds all federal agencies and programs, expires on January 19. Two…
Let’s establish a compelling vision for relicensure
By Stephanie Hirsh |
Last week, EdWeek released a report on the state of teacher relicensure/recertification. I admit I used the word “whine” when describing my 20-year effort to bring attention to this issue and its potential as a policy play in states (see related article ). I hope the recent coverage will lead states, think tanks, professional organizations,…
