Professional Learning Video Series · Inspired to Learn: Kansas Stories
Video 1: Why Professional Learning Matters | Video 2: What Is Professional Learning?
Video 3: HOW 1 – Learning and Leading Together
A Message from the LFKS President
Darla Smith
RENEWAL – According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is “to make (something) new, fresh, or strong again” or “to begin (something) again especially with more force or enthusiasm.” One of the things I have always loved about teaching is the opportunity to begin over again each school year – a kind of renewal. To this end, every summer, I focus on something new I want to learn and I reflect on how I can change – develop my abilities and improve my expertise. Our ability to be reflective – either on our own or with others is important to renewal. Lately, I find myself reflecting on John Hattie’s Ten Mind Frames (July 2016).
- My fundamental task is to evaluate the effect of my teaching on students’ learning and achievement.
- The success and failure of students’ learning is about what I do or don’t do. I am a change agent.
- I want to talk more about learning and teaching.
- Assessment is about my impact.
- I teach through dialogue not monologue.
- I enjoy the challenge and never retreat to “doing my best”…read more
Launching the first HOW Video, 3nd in the Series, Inspired to Learn: Kansas Stories
By Vicki Bechard, LFKS Secretary
Learning Forward Kansas (LFKS) is excited to announce that the the 3rd video in the series, Inspired to Learn: Kansas Stories, “Learning and Leading Together,” is on the website and ready for educator use! This new video helps educators understand Learning Communities – What It Takes and What They Look Like. Examining the characteristics and actions of learning communities clarifies our purpose and targets our efforts in collaborative professional learning experiences. This understanding will lead to more effective conversations as we seek to not only understand what works, but what works best. …read more
Professional Learning in the News
If Coaching is So Powerful, Why Aren't Principals Being Coached?
If instructional coaching is beneficial to teachers, shouldn't leadership coaching be beneficial to principals?
In most instructional coaching philosophies the teacher wants to be coached. Instructional coaching expert Jim Knight, someone I work with as a instructional coaching trainer, says that teachers should be the ones to choose to enroll with the coach. Additionally to that, those...read more
Connections in Kansas
Kansas Learning First Alliance Focuses on Redesign and Routes to Teaching at April Meeting
News Release from KLFA
•April 12, 2018•
The Kansas Learning First Alliance (KLFA) held the final meeting for the 2017-2018 academic year on April 12, 2018 at the KNEA building in Topeka, Kansas. KLFA Chair, Mark Farr, welcomed 15 representatives of 13 educational organizations committed to the KLFA vision of partnering to keep learning first….
read moreNews from KSDE
It’s Back to School Time
Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson, along with KSDE employees and Deputy Commissioners Brad Neuenswander and Dale Dennis, celebrate the start of the 2018-2019 school year with this back-to-school video.
Click here to watch the video.
read moreConnections with Learning Forward
Let’s Make the Most of Teachers’ Time Together
Stephanie Hirsh
Stephanie Hirsh
•May, 2018•
Research has shown that effective collaboration results in higher levels of learning and performance by educators and students. Yet we also know that merely setting aside time and room for teams to work together does not guarantee these benefits.
So what are the essential elements of effective collaboration? Many of the answers lie in the culture of the organization responsible for supporting collective learning.
Here are five things I have seen consistently in cultures that support effective collaboration.
- Clarity of purpose. Leaders support collaboration because they believe it is a key component of the vision for the school and/or school system. In many cases, that vision emphasizes a commitment to great teaching and learning for every student. As a result, these leaders are invested in collaborative professionalism to ensure learning for all adults and children. When leaders commit to authentic collaboration, they can promise all parents that the teacher responsible for their child is just one of many who are committed to the success of their children.
Article by Judy Beedles-Miller,
Assistant Superintendent,
Dodge City USD 443
Have you ever tried scheduling a book study? Selecting and providing a book is easy; finding a time for everyone to meet is difficult.
KESA Facilitation Guide
~New! KESA Facilitation Guide PDF
Learning Forward Kansas has developed a Facilitation Guide to promote dialogue that increases understanding of KESA and the rubrics.
This resource is full of strategies (also known as protocols) to organize and facilitate professional learning discussions with educators and stakeholders that lead to success for all.
Article by Vicki Bechard,
Secretary,
Learning Forward Kansas
Learning Forward Kansas debuts second professional learning video titled “What is Professional Learning?”