Big Picture Learning

A new article in the December issue of?The Atlantic?("How the Ivy League Broke America", by David Brooks) explores inequities in colleges admissions, emphasizing how meritocracy has perpetuated social and economic segregation. It critiques elite universities and decries silent gatekeeping policies that are put into place that limit access to social capital for unrepresented student populations. Much of this isn't news to the Big Picture Learning network and its followers; but in a world where it can sometimes feel like a student-centered learning approach is education's best kept secret, we're delighted that Brooks not only shines a light on innovative models that aim to broaden the definition of success, he specifically mentions the?International Big Picture Learning Credential?- which evaluates the tools and traits that students develop both inside and outside of the classroom - as an emerging tool to keep an eye on. If this is our moment in the spotlight, we're ready for it. Though - as Brooks mentions - the?IBPLC?was born and thrives amongst our school network in Australia, for the last couple of years BPL Network schools in the United States have been piloting a version here as well. Next May, we're hosting a?10-day International Learning Exchange to Australia?to take a deep dive into innovative assessment practices and the innovative learning practices that they support. You're invited to join us!?For more information, read our latest newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eSJJuiwb

Friends. Today is the VERY LAST DAY to register for the 2024 BPL Leadership Summit - taking place in Denver from Dec 3-6. In these times, we'd love to be in community with you. Please join us. Details and registration (for now) here - bplevents.org

In places of its greatest success, the Big Picture Learning network of schools and initiatives foster fearless curiosity by enabling and empowering young people to pursue their passions, question injustice and drive meaningful change. In this moment, it may take deep digging to find the inspiration and courage - lent by leaders such as Fannie Lou Hamer and Dolores Huerta, both of whom have BPL schools named after them - to continue the pursuit of creating these spaces so that future teachers, policy-makers, artists, scientists and activists can flourish. At the same time, we must also resolve our commitment to strengthening and supporting an organization and network that feels like a true community—one made up of a unique array of individuals inclusive of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, citizenship status, economic background, and every form of diversity - lest we fall back on our own obligation to justice. Make no mistake. We face renewed - though not altogether unfamiliar - challenges. As the results of the election sink in, some will feel cheered by the outcomes, and others will be distressed. It’s only natural that many may feel overwhelmed, rudderless and despondent. As efforts to advance educational equity are met with resistance, our system of values can feel threatened. Progress takes time and can seemingly move backward as often as it moves forward. Healing sometimes requires us to pause and reflect in order to recharge. As both Hamer and Huerta have shown, resilience is not about never feeling disheartened; it’s about persevering, even when the road is hard. This year’s election has served as a loud reminder of how hard that road truly is and - for many - how hard that road has always been. We’ve said it before, but to all with an indefatigable curiosity for learning and a deep commitment to education, we stand with you. We offer strength in times of hardship, courage in the face of fear, and unity in times of division. We will continue to work toward a world that honors justice, compassion and shared purpose. True progress grows from patience, reflection and a community that uplifts everyone. We draw inspiration from our greatest ancestors and know that we too are the ancestors from whom others will draw inspiration at their own darkest moments. We’re ready to press forward when you are. Full statement here: https://lnkd.in/e3a6PvnZ

Daylight savings got you down? Brighten your day by registering for the BPL Leadership Summit, while there's still time to! Registration closes this Friday, November 8. Details at bplevents.org

Don't get caught looking in! Registration for the 2024 BPL Leadership Summit closes in five days! Join us in Denver this December. Details and registration over at bplevents.org.

BPL Friends and Family: If you're not with us in New Orleans for the Aurora Institute Symposium - you can still LIVESTREAM the opening keynote panel featuring Carlos R. Moreno and young people from across the BPL Network! Check it out! #aurora24 https://lnkd.in/eZ-2udjc

There are so many things I'm excited about as the countdown to #Aurora24 is on! One of them is that Big Picture Learning's Leadership Journeys is part of this year's Symposium and that Aurora Institute's own Virgel Hammonds is in this amazing line-up of leaders along with Bettina Love, Rhonda Broussard, and Carlos R. Moreno. I've only been once at #SXSW23. I didn't really know what to expect, but Jazminn Williams, Loretta Goodwin, Ph.D. ??, and Chiara Wegener told me it was worth it -- and it truly was inspiring. I believe in the power of story and the power, honesty, and joy of story was tangible. I can't wait to experience it again and part of the beauty is that it will be its own unique experience with different stories from this unique group of amazing leaders of color. Building 21 KnowledgeWorks Mastery Transcript Consortium? (MTC) Transcend Education Reimagined Mike Flanagan Sonn Sam, Ed. D David Berg Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching David Cook Sarah Bishop-Root Gary Chapin Tony Monfiletto Sandra Moumoutjis Bobbi Macdonald Sydney Schaef, Ed.D., M.B.A. Nikolaus Namba Dylan Shelofsky Claudette Trujillo Carisa Corrow Great Schools Partnership

Join me and other leaders at the?Power of Innovation Summit?in D.C. as we explore bold strategies to advance?education opportunity?and?innovation. Let’s work together to shape the future of education. Dropping the link to register below.?? ???Register here: https://lnkd.in/eUD3s5bH

Heading to the Aurora Institute Symposium and not sure where to find your friends at Big Picture? Maybe this will help? (And don't forget to check out the full agenda for all of the amazing sessions: https://lnkd.in/eFdgDvze

If you missed our most recent edition of the BPL Newsletter - Focus on the Big Picture - you also missed an urgent warning to not miss your opportunity to register for this December's BPL Leadership Summit! But fear not! You can access a web-hosted version of the Focus here (and can still join us in Denver!) https://lnkd.in/eBA4RfKY