What is Deeper Learning?
The acquisition and development of content, skills, and dispositions that ALL learners need to thrive in life. Deeper Learning competencies promote the ability to transfer learning and apply it to new and complex situations in an ever-changing global environment.
In short, it's the learning experiences you talk about long after they occur...the learning you remember.
UNITED WE LEARN KY
In 2020-2021, Dr. Jason Glass (Kentucky's Commissioner of Education) did a speaking and listening tour across the Commonwealth, hearing from many stakeholders on what we need to do to change and improve education. This generated a report in November 2021 (United We Learn Kentucky) and a new statewide challenge from Dr. Glass for our educators to fulfill what Kentucky said they needed from schools -- the "Three Big Ideas" in learning:
Have vibrant student experiences
Encourage innovation in schools, especially in assessment
Collaboration with local communities
Deeper Learning is NOT separate from these ideas! When done effectively and intentionally, each of the above will occur when instruction is framed in Deeper Learning competencies.
The Deeper Learning Competencies for students are:
MASTER ACADEMIC CONTENT
Develop and draw from understanding in an academic discipline, then transfer that knowledge in new situations.
THINK CRITICALLY & SOLVE COMPLEX PROBLEMS
Apply tools and techniques from core subjects to formulate and solve problems. These tools include data analysis, statistical reasoning, and scientific inquiry as well as creativity, nonlinear thinking, and persistence/grit.
WORK COLLABORATIVELY
Cooperate to identify and create solutions to academic, social, vocational, and personal challenges. This requires identifying group goals and incorporating multiple points of view.
COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY
Clearly organize data, findings, and thoughts in both written and oral presentations; listen, incorporate and provide feedback; tailoring their message for the intended audience.
LEARN HOW TO LEARN
Monitor and direct their own learning, to create independence and agency. They set goals, keep track of their progress, and adapt as necessary to successfully solve a problem.
DEVELOP ACADEMIC MINDSETS
Develop positive attitudes and beliefs about themselves as learners that increase academic perseverance and prompt them to engage in productive academic behaviors to create quality work ("I belong in this academic community," "I can succeed at this," "My ability and competence grow with my effort," "This work has value for me").
Adapted from the Hewlett Foundation "Deeper Learning Defined," April 2013.
