Learning Transformed: 8 Keys to Designing Tomorrow's Schools Today by Eric C. Sheninger and Thomas C. Murray is a MUST READ for educators. In this article, I've summarized the eight keys to unlocking a new 21st century school design that prepares today's learners for success far beyond a high school diploma. This article also includes a free organizer educators can use for personal reflection, or in professional development book clubs, to take notes while reading!

Download the Learning Transformed Note-Taking Organizer now!

WHY WE NEED TO DESIGN TOMORROW'S SCHOOLS, TODAY!

Here is a brief synopsis of Learning Transformed: 8 Keys to Designing Tomorrow's Schools Today by Eric C. Sheninger and Thomas C. Murray. Hopefully this simple synopsis will motivate you to read the book and then implement the concepts and practical ideas shared by Sheninger and Murray.

With all that we know about how students learn, the nature of the world they will face after graduation, and the education inequities that have existed for centuries, maintaining a traditional, one-size-fits-all approach to teaching and learning is tantamount to instructional malpractice.

International security, the success of global economies, and sustainability as a global society all depend on the success of our education system in the years to come. It's our obligation to prepare our students for their future—not our past.

Authors Eric C. Sheninger and Thomas C. Murray outline eight keys—each a piece of a puzzle for transforming the K–12 education system of teaching and learning—to intentionally design tomorrow's schools so that today's learners are prepared for success . . . and stand ready to create new industries, find new cures, and solve world problems.

The traditional model of schooling ultimately prepares students for the industrial model of the past. If we want our students to become successful citizens in a global society, we must dramatically shift to a more personal approach. Failure is not an option. We can no longer wait. Let Learning Transformed show you how you can be a part of the solution.

LEARNING TRANSFORMED WORKSHOP WITH THOMAS C. MURRAY

Last summer I read the book Learning Transformed: 8 Keys to Designing Tomorrow's Schools Today. After reading the book, I was thrilled to find out my school district had hired Thomas C. Murray to be the guest presenter at our “Teacher Welcome Back Assembly.” He was nothing short of FANTASTIC! If you are able to hire him to come to your district, I highly recommend doing so. The audience literally laughed and cried, and Murray received a standing ovation when he finished speaking.

Murray's presentation made the book come alive for me, so I went back and re-read it. Several points stood out to me after listening to Murray speak and after rereading his book.

1. Technology should not be merely used as for word processing, but rather as a means to enhance learning. Students should be using technology to support inquiry-based learning, and to gain more knowledge about topics they personally find interesting.

2. As educators, we need to try to reach every student on a personal level. It is up to us to inspire and engage. We are the motivators!

3. Schools need strong leadership for setting appropriate goals and fostering meaningful professional development for teachers. In order to embrace technology and current educational practices, teachers need professional learning that is based on their skill level and need. Professional learning should not be “one size fits all.”

After reading this book and implementing the concepts into my teaching this school year, I feel passionate that ALL educators should read this book, especially administrators within a district. I recently created a note-taking organizer based on Learning Transformed: 8 Keys to Designing Tomorrow’s Schools Today by Eric C. Sheninger and Thomas C. Murray. My organizer lists each of the keys for creating a new education systems and then has space for writing text notes, school/district goals, and next steps/plan of action. Download and share this resource!

UNLOCKING 21ST CENTURY SCHOOL DESIGN WITH THE 8 KEYS OF LEARNING TRANSFORMED

Key #1
LEADERSHIP AND SCHOOL CULTURE LAY THE FOUNDATION
High quality leaders are a critical component to establishing a vision and creating change that will lead to improvements.

Key #2
THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE MUST BE REDESIGNED AND MADE PERSONAL
Instruction will become more meaningful to students if it is based on their passions and focuses on higher-order skills and problem solving.

Key #3
DECISIONS MUST BE GROUNDED IN EVIDENCE AND DRIVEN BY A RETURN ON INSTRUCTION (ROI)
Students need to have the opportunities to use technology to do real-world work that matters.

Key #4
LEARNING SPACES MUST BECOME LEARNER-CENTERED
Classrooms need to be flexible, provide areas for movement, and promote collaboration and inquiry.

Key #5
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING MUST BE RELEVANT, ENGAGING, ONGOING, AND MADE PERSONAL
In order to shift instructional pedagogy, a personal approach to professional learning is necessary, where growth is more important than hours obtained.

Key #6
TECHNOLOGY MUST BE LEVERAGED AND USED AS AN ACCELERANT
Technology should not be used for drill and kill, but rather to enhance instruction.

Key #7
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION AND ENGAGEMENT MUST BE WOVEN INTO THE FABRIC OF A SCHOOL'S CULTURE
Working collaboratively with communities and parents can be a great asset to a school.

Key #8
SCHOOLS THAT TRANSFORM LEARNING ARE BUILT TO LAST—FINANCIAL, POLITICAL, AND PEDAGOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY ENSURE LONG-TERM SUCCESS
Innovative school leaders greatly impact the long-term success of a school.

IN SUMMARY

In order to prepare our students for the future, we must let go of the educational culture and mentality of our nation's past!

We can all embrace our roles in being part of the solution! Start by reading Learning Transformed: 8 Keys to Designing Tomorrow’s Schools Today by Eric C. Sheninger and Thomas C. Murray. The concepts and practical ideas outlined in this book will inspire educators to start designing tomorrow's schools, today!