12 Ideas for Your End of The Year Reading

We’ve learned a lot this year. From you, from educators and from perhaps our favorite group to learn from–students.

Through out the year we published a number of resources that we hope helped propel us all towards the future of learning. A future that we see as being more personalized, project-based and most importantly, more equitable. During this year we also learned a lot from resources other learning organizations published. The following is a list of some of our favorites (in no particular order) that we hope you’ll add to your reading list this month:

1. Ask About AI: The Future of Learning and Work. Our team spent two years studying the implications of AI and concluded that machine intelligence turbocharged by big data and enabling technologies like robotics is the most significant change force facing humanity. After interviewing experts, hosting a dozen community conversations, and posting more than 50 articles we summarized our learning in a new paper and #FutureOfWork microsite.

2. 50 Organizations, schools, and networks working to improve SEL. In 2017 we spent a lot of time learning more about Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Here’s a list of schools and districts doing good work on SEL, organizations developing effective new strategies and PD, organizations advocating for SEL and resources for teachers and EdLeaders.

3. How Minecraft Supports Social and Emotional Learning in K-12 Education. This Summer we partnered with Microsoft on a project exploring the potential connections between classroom use of Minecraft and K-12 students’ SEL outcomes and. Through interviews, a global survey and several case studies, we gained an inside view of what is currently happening on this front in K–12 education on four continents and gained helpful insights for those who may be interested in supporting an SEL program within their school.

4. Getting Smart on Data Interoperability. This Smart bundle was part of the series we ran as part of the Project Unicorn campaign. Throughout the campaign we shared case studies from the perspective of educators and administrators, as well as a series of profiles that share how companies are thinking, planning and guiding their product development process to address these user needs.

5. 10 Tips for Smarter EdTech Purchasing. Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates is passionate about the transformational potential of technology in education and believes in sharing knowledge to ensure smart-purchasing. In this blog Rob shares his top ten tips for school districts to ensure satisfaction with an EdTech purchase.

6.Exploring Accountability in K-12 Digital Education. This guide reviews the factors influencing online learning, the current state of accountability and proposed solutions to best align practice and policy. We also explore opportunities for online learning to boost student equity.

7. Getting Smart on Social Media 2.0. Social media is a great way to build community and communicate. In our latest Smart Bundle, we look at strategies for educators and EdLeaders looking to make the most of their social media efforts.

8. 8 Things to Look For in a Student Centered Classroom.When you’re visiting a school what do you look for? What things stand out to you? Here’s 8 things to keep your eyes out for along with a downloadable graphic to take along.

9. Blended and Personalized Learning Practices. What are the key components of highly personalized, mastery-based learning? What does it take to make the shift and implement at scale? Why even make that shift? Our friends at The Learning Accelerator created this interactive resource that jumps right into teaching and learning practices as well as a high-level basic overview.

10. Preparing Teachers for a Project-Based World. How can teacher preparation and professional learning can be aligned to–and modeled after–the types of deeper learning environments we also seek to create for students? This publication (part of our Project-Based World campaign) explores this question and shares a vision for preparation and beginning teacher professional development, as well as a look at what a well-prepared PBL teacher should know and be able to do.

11. Personalized and Integrated Approach to College, Career and Life Readiness. Schools that personalize and integrated processes to help students figure out who they are, where they are headed and how they will get there show significant results. This case study series includes two papers and two infographics that include for integrating academic and SEL supports.

12. Getting Smart on Closing the Opportunity Gap. University Academy is a highly successful K–12 charter school located in Kansas City, MO, that implements the mindset and belief that all kids can achieve if provided the same opportunities afforded to those in the wealthiest communities. This Smart Bundle explore what’s made them successful and how they’re closing the opportunity gap for students in Kansas City.

Are we missing one? Comment below so we can add it to our list. Happy reading!

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