About Learning Forward BC
Recent Professional Learning
A Message from the President, Sue Elliottt
AGENCY – What needs to be considered to support agency?
Voice without Agency is cruel, disingenuous.
In the evolution of the classroom from teacher / curriculum knows best, to student voice, to student agency, students watch closely to see if their ‘voice is heard’ – and there are commensurate changes to address their concerns. How best to create an environment where it is okay to be a learner, and we listen authentically to students and educators. As a collective we are all learners. Is what we think is ‘right’ always helpful? Can we allow ourselves to be open, vulnerable?
With the intention to create a deeper understanding of student agency, in a November 6 session Rod Allan interviewed Jean Stiles [U of A], and facilitated responses from panelists Nathan Ngieng [Deputy Superintendent, Abbotsford], Jeff Hopkins [PSII Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry ], and Kim Ondrik [formerly Mill Bay Nature School]. A rich conversation unfolded.
Having the courage to be a leader who explored the purpose of school and education as a pathway to students’ future, during her career Jean explored who was marginalized in the system, and how to provide them with agency to flourish. Responsive leadership provided a pathway to unpack the hidden system and listen to students. How best to challenge the system to create dissonance? Doing action research together allowed for a small prototype to flourish, to prepare folks to behave in different ways, be aware of our biases – the assumptions that we have inject disruption into the learning system.
With the intention to create a deeper understanding of student agency, in a November 6 session Rod Allan interviewed Jean Stiles [U of A], and facilitated responses from panelists Nathan Ngieng [Deputy Superintendent, Abbotsford], Jeff Hopkins [PSII Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry ], and Kim Ondrik [formerly Mill Bay Nature School]. A rich conversation unfolded.
Having the courage to be a leader who explored the purpose of school and education as a pathway to students’ future, during her career Jean explored who was marginalized in the system, and how to provide them with agency to flourish. Responsive leadership provided a pathway to unpack the hidden system and listen to students. How best to challenge the system to create dissonance? Doing action research together allowed for a small prototype to flourish, to prepare folks to behave in different ways, be aware of our biases – the assumptions that we have inject disruption into the learning system.
Some ‘takeaways’ from the conversation:
Create spaces/processes that give students a voice and involvement in the decision-making process. Action research and doing a deep inquiry into learning that engages students creates a co construction of a supportive learning environment. Listen with an open mind.
Work with parents and students in following the students’ lead shifting the role of the teacher to one of a pedagogical leader. Be careful not to drive the curiosity and innovation out of kids. Let go of what is – welcoming the unknown. Allow becoming to flourish. Be open to being vulnerable – start small and take risks.
The way we assess, make decisions about kids needs to involve them in ways they want to be judged. Learning is on a continuum, and it is important to involve students in the process.
Create a culture of trust and encourage all educators to be honest to explore what is possible. When looking at indicators of success, how do we see ourselves in changing policy? Where is the growth mindset? How do we get ‘social permission to do this work? A healthy ecosystem requires diversity, innovation and action.
Everybody has agency in the system: student AND teacher agency require support. Prepare the adults and create structures around them to support students.
Student voice has to move to a place of action
A Professional Learning Network
Working with BC Educators using Canadian Protocols, Affiliated with the International Work of Learning Forward,
Learning Forward BC is an international association of learning educators committed to the goal of enahncing the practice of Professiion Learning K-12 education:
Every educator deserves to be engaged in purposeful, well organized and reveleant professional learning that will enhance the learning process for teachers and those they teach.
.The name is noteworthy: learning is first, reminding us that learning is at the heart of our purpose and that learning creates our future; forward signifies forward action as we address adult learning, policy and advocacy, research and practice in order to ensure quality professional learning that impacts student learning.
Learning Forward BC is a cross-role educator group – a network who park their titles at the door and work with and support those who research, teach,support and facilitate quality adult professional learning. We bring content, your context, tools, and high-quality process to the table, use current research including the concept of the Learning Forward Standards for Professional Learning as a foundation of our work.
A Standard of Practice that supports Equity in all areas of our work is the key focus for the work.
Goals of Learning Forward BC
- To explore and develop a shared understanding of learning in the 21st Century
- To provide support for leadership in/of professional learning leaders by:
- Exploring intentions and responsibilities across different roles
- Engaging leaders in effective strategies to build and sustain capacity in schools and districts
- To expand the Learning Forward BC networks through:
- Engaging and building partnerships
- Connecting with ‘thought leaders’
- Growing our virtual community
- Working with Canadian affiliates toward Conference 2016
Learning Forward BC aims to
- To promote the Learning Forward Standards for Professional Learning
- To provide forums to engage others in relevant conversations about topics of keen interest by marrying research with innovative practice
- To share expertise and experiences in effective professional learning that enhances student learning
- To promote and facilitate networking among those who teach, train, and facilitate adult professional learning
- To collaborate and provide tools to support effective professional learning
Learning Forward BC Board Members: 2015-2016
Sue Elliott
President
Consultant
Lives in Sechelt
Audrey Hobbs Johnson
Treasurer/Communications Co-ordinator
Consultant
North Vancouver
Shelley Lammie
Secretary
Principal
York House School
Trudean Andrews
Membership Coordinator
Consultant
North Vancouver
Ian Kennedy
Member at Large
Principal
Carson Graham Secondary School
Elizabeth Bell
Member at Large
Manager of Professional Learning
British Columbia Princpals,Vice-Principals Association
David Manual
Member at Large
District Principal , Learning Services
Chilliwack School District
Jessica Antosz
Member At Large
Manager -Professional Learning
British Columbia Princpals,Vice-Principals Association
Sandra Lynn Shorthall
Secretary
District Principal
West Vancouver School District
Karen Fadum
Member At Large
Curriculum Helping Teacher
Surrey School District
Steve Cardwell
Member at Large
Reno Ciolfi
Member at Large
Assistant Superintendent
Coquitlam School District