Learning Forward Conference

Learn how leaders in the Memphis-Shelby County Public Schools in Tennessee implemented a universal screening process to identify a more diverse student talent pool for the gifted and talented program. Examine the project, the outcomes, and best practices based on research. Consider how to implement a universal screening protocol in your district.

Learn how Hayward Unified School District and WestEd co-designed and facilitated the work of an equity oversight committee tasked with providing feedback and policy recommendations to the school board. Explore the core processes and tools that guided the work as well as the core tools and strategies used to build the capacity of the equity oversight committee. Experience activities and gain insights to set the stage for leading equity-centered work.

Explore why teachers of color leave schools based on evidence collected by a team of researchers and teacher leaders. Consider school- and district-focused solutions for better supporting and retaining teachers of color, and learn how a cohort of district teams are taking a learning sciences approach to addressing teacher diversity. Engage in small-group discussions with other participants on what their schools and districts are doing and could be doing to better support teachers of color. Develop action plans for better recruiting, supporting, growing, and retaining teachers of color.

Learn how collaborative and reflective structures impact the outcome of any districtwide initiative. Build your knowledge around the journey of one district and access processes and tools that allow innovative change management to happen effectively. Explore inclusive environments and discover ways to build stronger communities and create learning cycles that impact the implementation of a strategic plan.

Learn how to design an intentional and sustainable microcredential ecosystem in your community. Identify processes that leverage both human and technology infrastructure and activate others around shared outcomes and incentives.

Explore factors that contribute to the effectiveness of professional learning and the levels of evidence most crucial to planning, implementation, and evaluation. Learn how to design and implement more effective professional learning experiences using these levels, how to gather quantitative and qualitative evidence on effects, and how to present that evidence in meaningful ways.

Confront and challenge the assumption that the randomized control trial is the gold standard in large-scale quantitative studies by examining the strengths and limitations of these methods. Come away with a framework for evaluating what forms of evidence are right for your own work.

Examine how equity work faces resistance in politically conservative communities. Consider your local experience as you strategize with colleagues about how to increase the positive impact of equitable learning environments in the context of the political climate. Identify ways to navigate difficult conversations and actions to plan for and respond to pushback.

Explore how to change your school community's culture around digital citizenship. Hear on-the-ground experiences from statewide digital citizenship education work in Utah and the lessons learned from bringing together stakeholders of different backgrounds, perceptions, and thoughts on digital citizenship. Identify ways to shift perceptions on technology and create common ground.