You have heard us often discuss the shortcomings of standardized assessments in accurately determining the best ways to meet a child’s needs in the classroom. Standardized assessments are a tool, but they are not the best tool to use for every student. Today we dive into “learning stories,” observations that tell a story recognizing a child’s everyday efforts as milestones in their growth. Join us to learn more!

We are joined by Julia Koumbassa, the Professional Development Director at Educa, the first and only software platform created specifically for learning stories. She helps oversee a virtual academy of training and professional development for early childhood educators and has vast experience in early childhood education as a teacher and administrator. In her work, she has become obsessed with learning stories and how they give new and beautiful perspectives on a child’s competencies and strengths. 

Show Highlights:

• Julia’s explanation of what learning stories are and how this tool was first developed in New Zealand
• The three-part format of a learning story: what happened, what the interpretation is, and what opportunities and possibilities exist
• How learning stories incorporate an assessment tool, observation tool, and planning tool all in one
• How learning stories differ greatly from other assessment tools in that they are strengths-based, positive, and empowering
• How learning stories incorporate input and responses from the child’s family members
• How learning stories become a record of adventures and growth that follows a child from year to year and teacher to teacher
• How to learn more about learning stories

Links/Resources:

Learn more about learning stories: Wendy Lee and the Educational Leadership Project and SALSA-Supporting the Advancement of Learning Stories in America

Connect with Julia Koumbassa: Email and Educa website

https://academy.geteduca.com

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center, and send us your questions for Nadia Bennett for a future episode: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening! 

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