Posts by Tom Vander Ark
Leadership
Good & Bad Marriages: Philanthropic Partnerships
Local philanthropic partnerships can leverage resources to attack big problems but they are challenging to create. Between us, we've created hundreds of local and initiative-based funding alliances, so we've seen our share of good and bad marriages.
Leadership
Leading for Deeper Learning: 10 Proven Strategies
The majority of schools we studied were purpose built and more than half belong to school development networks committed to deeper learning--two big advantages for leaders seeking to consistently challenge and engage students in meaningful work.
EdTech
Better Pitches
"Applicants who are able to describe their need and solutions succinctly tend to resonate more with reviewers," said John Bailey, "There is a reason why we call them "elevator speeches" - because it forces one to strip out what is unnecessary in order to simplify and focus the message."
Personalized Learning
How Frames, Plans, Platforms & PD Support Great Teaching
Districts and networks are making it increasingly possible for all of their teachers to achieve great results with common frameworks, big goals and good plans, strong development systems for adult learners, and learning platforms.
Personalized Learning
Deeper Learning–Not Just for Honor Students
Secondary schools that promote deeper learning engage all students in powerful learning experiences; they develop academic mindsets scaffolded by strong supports.
Leadership
Deeper Learning as a Turnaround Strategy
Good schools have good goals; they use a variety of strategies to personalize learning supported by aligned supports, staffing, and schedule.
Leadership
Building College-Going Communities
In our search for schools that promote deeper learning, we found five networks propelling first generation students into and through college. They create a college bound expectation, back it up with counseling, develop an academic mindset, and track success.
Personalized Learning
Deeper Learning: Not Just for Suburban Students
We checked around this summer and found dozens (and evidence of hundreds) of schools serving low income students coast to coast that don’t default to a thin test prep curriculum.
Personalized Learning
Louisiana Students Gain Online Options
Agilix built the Louisiana Course Choice platform that works like a cross between Kayak and Ticketmaster--students can find the best course for them and enroll online.
Personalized Learning
Deeper Competency-Based Learning
We found a handful of schools that ask the big rather than the small questions. They don't just ask students to turn in a test, they demand public demonstrations of learning.