Learning Unleashed

LISD learners are empowered to be Skilled Communicators and Collaborators who listen to understand, express ideas with empathy, and work collectively toward shared outcomes. Check out these ideas and resources to help develop the skills of listening, self-expression, and teamwork:

• Using Discussions to Inspire Active Participation in Learning
• Using Weekly Routines to Build Speaking Skills

• Maintaining Students’ Focus in the Spring

• 4 Ways to Use Padlet’s AI Features to Support Students
• Improving High School Classroom Discourse
• Four Steps to Save Time and Engage Students with Peer Review

What does it look like to be a Skilled Communicator and Collaborator, from our earliest learners all the way through our LISD staff? Check out the Graduate Profile "I Can" statements.

What is Hexagonal Thinking? Hexagonal thinking is all about creating connections. Imagine each idea, concept, or term as a hexagon on a board. As students arrange these hexagons, they’re essentially building a web of interconnected thoughts. The beauty of this method lies in the discussions it fosters because students must explain and justify their connections, which leads to deeper understanding and critical thinking. Check out templates and more from Ditch That Textbook!

Spring is prime time for reflecting on the collaborative efforts of our PLC work. As we approach the window for the end-of-year window for completing the Collaborative Team Reflection Form (April 21 - May 2), consider how you might use any of these tools from the most recent round of capacity-buiding sessions to prime your thinking, continue to refine your practices, and expedite your journey towards PLC Bright!

• Celebrating, Reflecting, and Setting Goals
• Additional Tools to Support Reflection

Gwen Blumberg's article Teaching Students How to Have an Academic Discussion emphasizes that clear communication in academic discussions is a "critical literacy skill." For newer educators, intentionally designed systems, consistent expectations, and supportive talking prompts are crucial for helping students at all grade levels find entry points into these discussions and "honor the thoughts of all speakers." Blumberg's "The Progression of Talk" offers a framework for scaffolding classroom communication.

The windows for this year's summer professional learning offerings will be:

• May 27 - June 5
• July 14 - 24

Great learning opportunities will be available to support staff growth in areas such as content-based learning, instructional practices, technology, collaborative team work, and PLC.

More info to come with specific times/dates, exchange day opportunities, and much more!

Check out past editions of Learning Unleashed.

Let us know what you think about this edition or what you'd like to see in future editions of "Learning Unleashed."

For more opportunities for professional learning provided by Leander ISD, check out Eduphoria Strive.

Email: professional.development@leanderisd.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/leanderisd.org/professional-learning/home
Phone: 512.570.0209
Twitter: @LISD_IPL