(from Getting Smart) In an innovative Michigan school district, schools are moving away from time-based courses to competency-based progressions for staff and students. Teachers choose from personalized, proficiency-based micro-credentials and students can participate in as many as ten community-connected learning experiences. For school leaders who seek to move their institutions forward, the superintendent has the following advice:
- Clarify the outcomes that matter – and track progress.
- Practice leadership by walking around campus.
- Conduct strategic conversations every year or two, with smaller and larger groups.
- Make learning personalized for all.
- Offer opportunities for both fast lane and slow lane change leadership; like students, faculty and staff move at different paces.
- Build competency-based talent development pathways.
- Invest in leaders. Meet with school leaders frequently for dialogue, reflection and problem-solving.
- Support strategy with flexible, inspiring building space.
- Develop school culture that emphasizes belonging, safety, risk-taking, collaboration and feedback loops that enable continuous improvement.
- Empower learners.
More from Getting Smart
All news on NetAssets.org
