Today, many schools still focus on deficit learning, measuring students by a perceived lack instead acknowledging their inherent strengths. 

The problem is not the students. The problem is an outdated educational system. With a renewed focus on finding personal purpose, supportive relationships, and a broader perspective of the world, we change the world we live in by changing the way we approach teaching our students. 

Today’s guest, Sara Mounsey of Big Picture Learning, talks about her school’s transition from content-driven to student-driven, how a human-centered approach to education creates lifelong learners, and how Leaving-to-Learn programs empower students in the “real world.” 

About Sara Mounsey:

As one of two Big Picture Learning high school leaders in the Methow Valley School District, Sara Mounsey helped transform a content-driven learning model into a student-driven one, where students are actively engaged in internships and passion projects. 

Jump in the Conversation:

• [1:48] Defining Big Picture Learning 
• [6:05] Practicing accountability
• [9:12] “Leaving to Learn” activities
• [14:14] Two internship transformation stories
• [21:41] Evolution towards engaged, high school learning
• [29:16] Sara’s Magic Wand: Districts creating high schools where every student has a caring mentor, equitable opportunities, potential realized, and leadership experiences.
• [30:33] Maureen’s hope that we can redefine academic success and transform high schools.

Links and Resources:

• Email Sara Mounsey
• Independent Learning Center
• The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
• Brene Brown on Empathy
• Episode 44: Learning About Trauma-Informed Education with Heather Batchelor
• Email Maureen
• Facebook: Follow Education Evolution
• Twitter: Follow Education Evolution
• LinkedIn: Follow Education Evolution
• Maureen’s book: Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids

• Micro-school feature on Good Morning America
• The Micro-School Coalition
• Facebook: The Micro-School Coalition
• LEADPrep