If the past two years have taught us anything, it is that change is necessary. Our students and teachers deserve better. We are working and living in an educational system that was developed during a time unlike that in which we live today and for learners who thrived on the 3Rs of Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic. The 3Rs of today’s learners need to be Research (finding the answer not memorizing it), Relationships (feeling connected and working together with peers and community members within and outside of our school walls) and Relevance (understanding the why not just because we said so). Instead of sitting back and talking about the change you want to see happen it is imperative to become part of the change you wish to see. For Little Falls this came with becoming part of the AASA Learning 2025 as a Demonstration System.

As per their description, AASA Learning 2025: Student-Centered, Equity-Focused, Future-Driven Education is a movement that calls for holistic redesign of public school systems by the year 2025. The initiative is grounded in the foundational work of the AASA Learning 2025 National Commission, comprised of thought leaders in education, business, community and philanthropy, and is guided by the commission’s report, An American Imperative: A New Vision of Public Schools. AASA Learning 2025 Demonstration Systems are creating student-centered, equity focused, future-driven educational systems that serve ALL learners.

As a Demonstration System, our district and leaders receive support and consultation with a Learning 2025 mentor, connections with colleagues throughout the country, professional networking, access to exclusive resources and research, and opportunities to grow and change.

Through our work, Little Falls was identified as a Learning 2025 Demonstration District to Watch. One of our redesign component indicators reviewed was Learners as Co-Authors.

With a focus on learners as Co-Authors, the Little Falls Township Public School District is a secure and inclusive atmosphere where students feel confident and eager to be co-authors of their learning. We foster an environment that cultivates social emotional well-being, self-esteem, and opportunities for growth through risk taking. We are committed to working with each student to be the very best version of themselves.
                                                                            

Students routinely set goals and remain aware of their growth as learners. These opportunities are delivered through the implementation of Growth Mindset/Student Data Tracking folders in each classroom. Students monitor their growth weekly, monthly, and each semester. The purpose of these folders is to allow students to set goals, work toward these goals, and feel a sense of accomplishment when the goals are reached. This culminates during our student led conferences where children illustrate their learning with an open dialogue between teacher, student and family. Students show videos of themselves as well as artifacts during these sessions and let their teachers and families know of what they need more and less.                                                                                               

Students have a voice in their climate and environment as well. When developing our strategic plan student feedback was a deciding factor in what areas we would be focusing on. Students were active participants in all community forums and also helped to disseminate information to their peers. Through student surveys, their voices are not only heard but acted upon quickly. Our students have developed their own elective programs, provided the cafeteria with lunch choice decisions, developed clubs and activities, and serve on a Student Senate where students meet with the superintendent to help change policies and district decisions. It is very important to the Little Falls staff and administration that we are developing and nurturing students to become self-driven learners who will continue to embrace that mindset for the rest of their lives. 

I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want to go to a doctor who hadn’t updated his/her practices or equipment since the 1970’s – our education system needs our help and commitment. Our students, our communities, and our future deserve better.