Better Together

Bring students, teachers, and administrators together to facilitate higher school achievement Better Together presents a tour through one of the modern era’s most important educational innovations, and provides smart strategy for working optimally within the school network sphere. There are more than 50 high-quality scaled charter networks in the U.S.; most share a learning model, professional supports, and—increasingly—platform tools. Although these charter schools get most of the attention, there are over a dozen other networks that connect district schools and provide design principles, curriculum materials, technology tools, and professional learning opportunities to streamline school improvement and help build great new schools from scratch. This book details some of the many success stories, and includes expert analysis of learning models, strategies, and innovations that are making quality scalable and helping schools produce more positive student outcomes. Illustrative examples from the New Tech Network, Summit Public Schools, Big Picture, and other big-name networks provide both guidance and inspiration, while expert discussion clarifies essential details and processes for implementation. Teachers and administrators will find much food for thought both inside and outside of a school network system. Examine proven learning models for scaled school networks Explore the latest innovations for more effective collaborations Read success stories from school networks across the country Learn smart strategies for optimizing the educational network experience Digital platforms have transformed the way we connect with friends, family, colleagues, and businesses. That revolution has finally come to education, opening doors to collaboration, resource expansion, and school success. Better Together explores beyond disruption to show how the U.S. K-12 system is truly evolving.

About the Authors xiii Acknowledgments xv Preface xvii Introduction: The Promise of School Networks 1 Part One: Platform Revolution 11 1 Platforms: A Place You Call Home 13 2 Network Effects: When Bigger Is Better 19 3 Learning Platforms: When Will They Transform Education? 37 Part Two: Transforming Schools 51 4 Powerful Learning: Personalized and Project Based 53 5 Design Thinking: The New Frame for School 81 6 Connected Teaching: Technology Enables Co-Creation 95 7 Learning Organizations: Building Collective Capacity 109 8 Dynamic Networks: Picking the Right Structure for Scaled Impact 129 Part Three: Navigating the Future ... Starting Now 147 9 Leadership: From Compliance to Agreement Crafting 149 10 Impact Engines: Picking the Right Business Model 167 11 Governance: Use Networks to Boost Quality Options 179 12 Powerful Learning at Scale: Inspiration and Intermediation 189 13 Advocacy: A Nation Proud of Its Public Schools 197 Appendix: Networks, Schools, and Tools Mentioned 209 Index 219