PHILOSOPHY

SEVEN SILOS WHICH IMPACT A STUDENT-CENTERED LEARING CULTURE

We are using the word “culture” in recognition that student-centered learning is much larger and more complex than simply redefining what happens in the classroom.  We suggest there are seven silos of interest with multiple issues within each silo which must be considered during the planning process.

You make a complex plan simple is to use by defining one over-riding concept against which all other issues are measured or reconciled.  Within this planning process the primary concept needs to be: The Student Experience – What/How Kids Learn.   

As stated, your vision for learning becomes the primary driver within the other six silos.  If students learn through a wide variety of experiences that drives teacher instructional proficiencies which in turn should directly impact the structure and program of your Professional Development efforts.  Additionally, the flexible learning environment created for students has a profound impact on the tools (applications) used by teachers to manage the environment requiring them to gain proficiencies regarding those tools.  District Policies and Processes such as software/hardware adoption must be revised to reflect digital content and web based learning; management and accountability must move to continual “just-in-time” formative assessment for teachers; the District must develop a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy; are just a few examples of revisions required.  Technical Support for this flexible and digital environment requires finding ways for the people who keep things running and those who help the teachers in the classroom to work as a coherent group, not separate entities.  It requires the IT Department to align itself with the organization around the vision for how students will learn.  District Facilities, including classroom furniture and their Infrastructure need to be assessed as to how they would impact student-centered learning.  Technology purchases, the Systems and Loose Equipment need to align with the vision for student learning.  Typically, that would include an increase in quantity and revisions in type of student computing devices along with high-density wireless networks.  In today’s digital learning environment, student computing devices are similar to the No. 2 pencil and paper of old.  They should be available when and where the students need them for learning.