Jill Lachenmayr •March, 2018• Spring. A time of transformation and growth. It renews our spirit with the anticipation of spring flowers and new possibilities. It’s a time when many eagerly look forward to planting gardens, knowing that with a little care and attention, the fruits of their labor will emerge. Beautiful, bountiful and satisfying. Learning Forward Nebraska, a state affiliate of Learning Forward, can relate well to the excitement and anticipation of planting something new, nurturing it and watching it grow. As the recipient of the Learning Forward Foundation Affiliate Grant, the a ..read more

News Release from KLFA •April 8, 2021• The Kansas Learning First Alliance (KLFA) held the final meeting of the academic year on April 8, 2021 at 4:00PM via Zoom. Laurie Curtis, KLFA Chair, welcomed attendees in support of strong public education in our state. Members shared how their organization or community promoted Public Schools Week February 22-26.  Many organizations utilized the social media tools provided by the Learning First Alliance, our national affiliation. Membership was honored to have the National Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Tabatha Rosproy, as our keynote. She shared the e ..read more

By the KLFA Staff •January 6, 2016• Brad Neuenswander Kansas Learning First Alliance (KLFA) met January 6 at the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) building.  KLFA celebrated the start of its 17th year working toward its vision to unite the education community to improve the outstanding public education system, pre-K through higher education, and to empower each Kansan to succeed in the diverse, interdependent world of the 21st century.    The Legislative Update included the continued concern with educational funding using the Block Grant system. The Efficiency Report a ..read more

The Learning Professional •September, 2021• The COVID 19 Pandemic has caused enormous stress and trauma for students and educators, exacerbating existing needs for mental health support and underscoring the importance of social and emotional learning. With the new school year on the horizon, it is vital for educators to consider the social and emotional needs of students and staff as some of them return to school buildings for the first time in more than a year, some continue to cope with trauma, and many experience anxiety and uncertainty. The Learning Professional asked teachers, students ..read more

Frederick Brown Spring Learning Institute •April 2, 2020• Learning Forward Colorado’s upcoming institute features Fred Brown, Deputy Executive Director of Learning Forward. Teacher leaders, coaches, district leaders, principals, and system leaders will benefit from attending. The event is titled “Becoming a Learning System.”  Click here to learn more about this opportunity being held at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.      The post Learning Forward Colorado Invites You…. appeared first on Learning Forward Kansas ..read more

Stephanie Hirsh Stephanie Hirsh •May, 2018• Research has shown that effective collaboration results in higher levels of learning and performance by educators and students. Yet we also know that merely setting aside time and room for teams to work together does not guarantee these benefits. So what are the essential elements of effective collaboration? Many of the answers lie in the culture of the organization responsible for supporting collective learning. Here are five things I have seen consistently in cultures that support effective collaboration. Clarity of purpose. Leaders support c ..read more

The Learning Professional Is Here •February, 2016• We have great news to share. Learning Forward’s journal, JSD, has changed its name to The Learning Professional. The bimonthly magazine is still the same well-respected journal of professional learning, but with an updated look and member focus. We’re excited to help you explore the February issue. Previously, each issue was devoted to one theme. In The Learning Professional, we still take a deep dive into one topic (within our section “Focus”), and this time it’s professional learning in STEM. At Learning Forward, we believe that remarkable ..read more

By Eric Celeste •April 15, 2016• Eric Celeste In 2011, Learning Forward revealed its third iteration of Standards for Professional Learning — seven characteristics of professional learning that lead to effective teaching practices, supportive leadership, and improved student results. The 2011 standards (see p. 11), built on those issued in 1994 and revised in 2001, combine decades of research, lessons learned, and input from 40 professional education organizations. Undergirding all seven standards is this fundamental premise: The purpose of professional learning is for educators to  ..read more

By Frederick Brown •February 18, 2016• Frederick Brown Truly changing one’s own practice takes a focused commitment, and the support of a coach can significantly increase the likelihood of success. That’s one of the big takeaways from Learning Forward’s experience facilitating 33 Academy cohorts. For those who are unaware, the Learning Forward Academy is an extended learning experience that immerses members in a model of inquiry- and problem-based learning. Throughout the experience, participants receive support from an experienced coach who is also an Academy graduate. As we reviewed the ..read more