Studio One: Welcome to a Learner-Centered Community

Studio 1:

Welcome to a Learner-Centered Community

The Vision

To create and sustain a learner-centered community through competency-based education centered on meeting the need of every learner through student-mentor relationships and authentic learning experiences. Learners will develop career and college readiness by taking ownership, showing determination, exploring their own passions and curiosities, while growing their thoughtfulness and adaptability.

What is a Learner-Centered Community?

The West Ada Academies are comprised of three academy schools that educate students who have struggled in the traditional setting.
We believe all students can learn and have transitioned to a learner-centered, competency-based, blended, portfolio-based environment for our learners. Consistently implementing practices that are equitable and learner-centered takes intentional planning, implementation and revision. Welcome to the journey of breaking school and building it back better.

First, we unearth our own thinking and mindsets that hinder our growth toward a learner-centered model. Below you will learn about the four tenants that ensure a school is learner-centered, the traditional mindsets to break, and the new mindsets to embrace. This work is neither quick nor easy, but we reflect because it is essential to get us to the next level.

In order to start building your why, explore the 2 guiding documents below. This will show how students can benefit from a learner-centered system that intentionally builds systems for equity.

Guiding Document #1: Why Learner-Centered

2Revolutions explains each part of the 4 criteria are for Learner-Centered Communities. Learning...

is personalized
is competency-based
happens anytime, anywhere
is student owned

Guiding Document #2: Why Equitable?

Competency Works created a framework for intentional equity design. Click the link above to explore their work. Equity Framework begins on page 32.

In changing our mindsets, a powerful strategy is to get curious by asking questions!

Learning is personalized

Learning is personalized. School exists for the development of the learner. We want to make sure experiences are authentic and will get them where they want to go using their passions, interests, and needs.

Traditional Mindset

My students need to all work on the same thing.
It is my job to teach and if students don't get it, it is not my problem.
Content is the most important.

Learner-Centered Mindset

How can students demonstrate these skills in a real way?
What are my students interested in learning here?
How can I make sure all learners in this experience reach their goals?
What products would align with this student's post-secondary plan?

The system is competency-based.

We are as transparent as possible about the development of skills, content, and strategies. We believe learning happens after feedback as well and allow for revision. Learner outcomes are available to everyone at all times.

Traditional Mindset

I grade student work and the deciding factor of their progress.
My students need to all work on the same thing
I will teach my content area/ Learning is what I say it is or is not, and it exists in my brain only
Rigor is making things confusing and unclear so students have to try harder to get it

Learner-Centered Mindset

When is a student ready to move forward? How do we know?
What changes could this student make on their work to make it better?
How can I better share the learning outcomes students need to master in this experience/studio?

Time does not equal learning

Idaho has eliminated seat time (60hours + credit) for our IMEN schools. Students progress when ready, not before or too late. And we believe learning takes place anywhere at anytime. Students are not batched by age. They progress by portfolios.

Traditional Mindset

My deadlines are final.
Learning only takes place in my classroom.
If my student is behind or struggling, I need to pass them along.
Students are batched by age: freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior

Learner-Centered Mindset

Where in the students' lives can they demonstrate this skill?
Who in our community is an expert?
How might we make sure we honor learning and not time?

Students own the learning.

We start with what a learner believes about themselves and their learning journey. Many students have had negative experiences with learning. We bend to th need of the learner first and see them as capable. We do not do for students what they can do for themselves. But, we are also right there celebrating them and supporting them.

Traditional Mindset

I create the class, give the grades, give the tests, and pass/fail students
Learning is what I say it is or is not, and it exists in my brain only

Learner-Centered Mindset

How can we give students a seat at every table we make decisions? (Leadership, Design, Projects, Activities)
How can students track their progress?
What would it look like if every student was engaged? How can I make that happen?

Reflect: What are some traditional mindsets from your experience you will need to let go in coming into a Learner-Centered community?

WAA: Mindsets Reflection

Where are we now?

Although you are joining us already in progress, this journey is never over. We are committed to being intentional about our system. So, where exactly are we when it comes to transitioning to a learner-centered community?