In this episode, Tom speaks with Andy Calkins, director of Next Generation Learning Challenges — more commonly known as NGLC. They recently released a new outcome framework called MyWays, which Tom describes as the best and most robust definition of what high school students should know and be able to do. It builds on their early design principles, what they’ve learned from their grantees and the best work in the sector. NGLC recently released a comprehensive set of resources that will help more communities discuss and adopt their own graduate profiles. 

 

NGLC was created seven years ago and has since transformed secondary school environments. NGLC is one of the best and freshest expressions of student learning outcomes with their new MyWays framework — comprised of 20 competencies in four categories — that’s set out to improve communication, collaboration, and critical thinking amongst students. Tom and Andy discuss MyWays’ framework, their goals, and how school and system leaders can work to better education through MyWays. 

 

Key Takeaways: 

[1:06] Tom welcomes Andy Calkins to the podcast and Andy gives the backstory on NGLC. 

[3:00] Andy Calkins’ post-secondary challenge and higher education grantees. 

[3:50] Starting as a national grant program and developing into a set of regional funds. 

[5:37] The cities where the regional funds are active. 

[6:02] The transformation of secondary environments emerging from the regional funds work. 

[7:05] The initial goals of the program. 

[8:44] Outcome framework of MyWays; what the project is designed to do. 

[10:35] Becoming a network of networks. 

[13:03] The MyWays framework — 20 competencies in four categories, and the difference between it and what schools have been focusing on; core curricular areas. 

[15:04] The competencies in ‘creative know-how’; one of MyWays’ main categories. 

[16:46] ‘Habits of Success’ category. 

[18:36] Project-based learning and extended challenges and team-based work curricula. 

[21:05] 21st-century skills and learning. 

[23:13] The progression of assessment from regurgitation of content knowledge and proficiency over growth. 

[24:48] MyWays’ fourth category: ‘Wayfinding’. 

[29:51] What school and system leaders should do next, and defining the ‘why’ and ‘what.’ 

[35:36] Where you can find out more about Andy and MyWays. 

 

Mentioned in This Episode: 

NextGenLearning.org 

MyWays 

GatesFoundation.org 

Hewlett.org 

College for America 

The Colorado Education Initiative 

Leap Innovations  

New Schools for New Orleans 

Rogers Family Foundation 

Education Week 

David T. Conley 

Julia Freeland Fisher 

 

Suggested Listening: 

If you enjoyed this conversation, check out: 

“S2: E49 It’s Time to Update Your Graduate Profile — Here’s How” 

You can also visit: ProfileofaGraduate.org 

 

Get Involved: 

Check out the blog on GettingSmart.com. 

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