Better Together How to Leverage School Networks For Smarter Personalized and Project Based Learning

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.

TOM VANDER ARK is an advocate for innovations in learning. As CEO of Getting Smart, he advises schools and impact organizations on the path forward. He previously served as the first Executive Director of Education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and as a public school superintendent in Washington State. Tom is the author of the Jossey-Bass book Getting Smart.

LYDIA DOBYNS is an advocate for transforming public education. She is President and CEO of New Tech Network (NTN), a leading design partner for comprehensive school change. NTN supports a nationwide K-12 school network comprised of 200 schools in 28 states. She has combined careers as a technology entrepreneur and executive, with elected public service and non-profit organization leadership roles.

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

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