Giving Compass' Take:

• Christensen Institute discusses what education leaders had to say about personalized learning journeys: Paths aren't always a straight line.

• Those who work in the sector should relate to the stories in this piece and find inspiration for their own efforts. The question is worth asking: What do our mistakes teach us?

• In this article, The 74 rethinks how to best deliver personalized to students.

When Yanaiza Gallant joined East Providence School District’s Orlo Avenue Elementary School as principal it was categorized as a “priority school” in the lowest-achieving five percent of Title I schools in the state. And at school community events, she noticed low participation rate from families. Gallant knew she had to awaken a positive culture of learning in the school and among families to ensure first and foremost that students succeeded, and over time that teachers and parents could be proud to be part of this community.

Gallant started with a simple ritual. The administration held a daily morning meeting for students, parents, teachers, and staff with the goal of sharing any and all positive things happening at inside the school. Leading by example, Gallant spoke of these small successes with a growth mindset, and students began to feed off that energy day after day. With encouragement, teachers began to adopt a growth mindset as well. They wanted above all to get to know their students’ needs – socially, emotionally, and academically. This spirit drove more teachers to start looking at student data and understanding more precisely how they could effectively support student learning.

“Teachers became learners,” Gallant said. “Staff meetings [now] look the same as classrooms. Teachers share goals, positive thinking, and growth mindset. Students have choice, voice, and an understanding of their goals.”

Read the full article about failing forward and learning transformations by Jenny White at Christensen Institute.