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Smaller Learning Communities Design Studio Resources
The tools below reflect some of the activities that participants engage in before and during a Design Studio workshop. These activities assist school teams to reflect on what has happened at their school, what they want to happen in the future, and to begin the process of planning steps to achieve their goals.
- Journey Map [pdf] —This reflection tool is completed by a school team prior to attending a Design Studio. The Journey Map is a visual and creative snapshot in time that reveals struggles, challenges and successes of the school. It becomes the starting point to develop elements and actions steps towards implementing successful SLCs and positive reform efforts for the school.
- Self Assessment in Five Domains of Research-based SLC Practice [pdf] —This reflection tool is completed by school staff members prior to attending a Design Studio. By collecting and analyzing data, school staff members take stock of SLC organization and functioning in five domains of research-based practices. This tool provides a range of descriptions for each practice that suggest the direction staff could move in to increase impact on desirable student outcomes.
- Gap Analysis Instructions [pdf] and Gap Analysis Action Steps [pdf] —This planning tool is completed by a school team during the Design Studio. It assists teams in defining goals, establishing action steps, and setting an initial timeline for completion of activities. The information is taken back to the entire school staff, who then engage with and build on the plans for strengthening the SLCs and reform efforts.
- SLC School Visit Observation Tool [pdf] —This observation tool is completed by school teams during the Design Studio. It assists teams gather and document information, practices, and strategies they observe at the host high school. Teams also highlight specific practices they feel might be adopted or strengthened back at their own school.
