Re-Awakening the Learner

Transformation of public education requires the reawakening of the sleeping giant in the room: the learners. Students, teachers, and principals must develop a learner-centric, standards-driven school. Reawakening the Learner is a guide to creating just such an environment. Continua describe the journey of teachers, teacher leaders, and principals in partnering with learners. Adult-driven routines must be replaced with learner-centric practices.

All stakeholders must identify a common moral purpose, create a culture that supports change, and commit to the learner improvement cycle. Common moral purpose must be driven by beliefs and behaviors that support all learners to proficiency. School culture must be developed to be ready for change, have enough trust in one another to doubt current practices, and develop collective efficacy. This new culture will support the components of the learner improvement cycle (assessment, evaluation, planning, and learning) by involving the learners during each step of the cycle.

The authors call for national dialogue with educational experts to reinvent public education, where all students are given enough time and support to reach proficiency on the standards.

Copper Stoll has facilitated students’ learning as a teacher, principal and chief academic officer in public schools for thirty years across the United States. She is currently an educational reformer in learner-centered practices with Gene Giddings in Don’t Ever Stop, LLC and is an associate with other educational consulting firms.

Gene Giddings has served thirty-two years in American public schools as a teacher and principal. He is currently an educational consultant and co-partner with Copper Stoll in Don’t Ever Stop, LLC and other educational reform businesses.