Transforming Learning for 2030

          What fundamental changes in the educational system are needed to transform learning and allow the graduates of 2030 to reach their full potential in life? This is the question that was asked at the WGSI Learning 2030 Workshop that I recently attended at the UBC Faculty of Education. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together educators, school administrators, academics and students to explore Learning 2030's vision of high school and to examine the implications for classrooms, schools, school boards, and the larger community. http://wgsi.org/equinox-summit/equinox-summit-learning-2030
          Workshop participants had the opportunity to share information about successful educational programs and initiatives that are currently in place in our schools, and to brainstorm possible obstacles that may prevent the growth and sustainability of these innovations. Essentially, it was an opportunity to brag about the many amazing things that are happening in our schools, and think of ways to support and expand them.
          I was one of four educators invited from the Surrey School District and my group consisted of fellow #sd36learn colleague Jessica Pelat (@JessPelat) from Fraser Heights Secondary, Summit curator Dr. Michael Brooks (@DrMichaelBrooks) http:www.michaelbrooks.org, a Vice-Principal from the West Vancouver School District, and a teacher from the Burnaby school district. In addition to hearing about some amazing initiatives that are occurring at Fraser Heights, I had an opportunity to share information about Sullivan Heights Learning Partners program, a program that facilitates and supports inter departmental mentoring and collaboration for both new and experienced teachers. From here, conversations ranged from examining University entrance requirements and application processes, to teacher training, to facilitating increased engagement of the larger school community.
          Among numerous other findings, ultimately our group concluded that it is essential that educators and schools are clearly communicating our vision with the larger community, and that collaboration time, transparency, and trust are vital components as we move towards creating an educational system that not only supports our current learners, but will meet the needs of learners in 2030 and beyond.