Network Effect
The new thing in education is working in networks. And there’s good reason because the demands of the work have outstripped the toolset. We’ve (probably) reached a point of maximum complexity where more teachers are shooting for broader aims but with old constraints and inadequate tools and supports. The answer is working together in networks.
This series explores how formal and informal networks improve learning outcomes for students and create an opportunity for high-quality, personalized learning at scale. In addition to this series, Tom and Lydia Dobyns have co-authored a new book titled Better Together: How to Leverage School Networks for Smarter Personalized and Project Based Learning which shares strategies to build and scale effective school networks, as well as information on leadership, business models, governance, school supports, and advocacy that will go a long way for creating an environment where school networks thrive.
The Evolution of the Denver Public Schools Portfolio
Denver Public Schools is the district to watch when it comes to portfolios. Tom shares how the DPS portfolio model is the one to watch.
Network of Place-Based Community-Connected Rural Schools Receive Grant to Expand
Small community-connected schools sharing resources in networks & leveraging local learning opportunities may be the solution to the rural education decline.
Building and Leveraging Networks to Scale Innovation in School Districts
CRPE recently interviewed 450 educators across 17 cities about how they attempted to personalize learning, and then researched how policies supported or impeded innovation. This new report outlines their findings.
The Need for Revolutionary Networks
By: Chris Unger. Existing structures and practices often beget the continuation of such structures and practices, but networks can inspire and empower us to rethink and pursue a new reality in our educational ecosystems.
Career Academy Giant NAF Gets an Upgrade, Expands Access to Work-Based Learning
The leading career academy network, NAF, is shifting from a focus on design principles to certification of career-ready knowledge and skills.
Global Network Powers Management Education
Tom chatted with Executive Director Roland Siegers, and they identified 10 distinctive features shared by the CEMS network.
Low-Cost Schools Are Transforming Africa
Bridge International Academies is a platform network that is helping prepare youth in Africa for the future through low-cost private schools.
101 Top School and Charter Networks
School networks are one of the most important innovations in the modern era of U.S. K-12 education. This list recognizes 101 great school networks that have achieved scaled impact to improve education for millions of children.
The Power of Us: A Network Powering Projects, Changing Lives
More than 1,400 educators from more than 150 schools across the U.S. and from Australia braved July humidity in St. Louis to further activate their network's commitment to powerful learning and the “power of us”. Here’s a look at network effect in action.
Building 21: Designing a Network for Competency-Based Education
By: Chip Linehan. Building 21's vision is to create a deep network of like-minded schools and districts that seek to fundamentally rethink high school graduation requirements to reflect the changing world around us. Learn more here.