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Donald Peurach

Reimagining Educational Innovation introduces local change agents to collaborative, continuous improvement – a locally grounded approach to innovation that empowers teachers, leaders, families, and community members to advance new ambitions for educational access, quality, and equity. Learners disrupt common conceptions of educational innovation as the exclusive province of policy, academic, and market actors, and explore how collaborative, continuous improvement empowers local innovators to address local educational opportunities, needs, and problems. Participate in a “virtual world tour” of collaborative, continuous improvement as enacted in diverse national contexts by teachers, family and community members, and school and system leaders, with guidance from leading researchers and support partners. Throughout, learners work systematically to construct a new, inclusive image of educational innovation in their local contexts anchored in norms of mutual respect, relational trust, and collective empowerment.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Kickoff
Thank you for joining us in Reimagining Educational Innovation! Please continue for a warm welcome to begin your learning journey.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces local change agents to collaborative, continuous improvement, a locally grounded approach to innovation
Teaches collaborative, continuous improvement as a method for disrupting common conceptions of educational innovation
Empowers teachers, leaders, families, and community members to advance new ambitions for educational access, quality, and equity
Provides a “virtual world tour” of collaborative, continuous improvement as enacted in diverse national contexts by various stakeholders
Emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, relational trust, and collective empowerment in educational innovation
Taught by Donald Peurach, who is recognized for their work in educational innovation

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Reviews summary

Reimagining educational innovation: divided perspectives

According to learners, "Reimagining Educational Innovation" offers a revelatory perspective on educational change, particularly highlighting local empowerment and a collaborative, continuous improvement framework. Some students found the "virtual world tour" insightful and the course content immediately applicable, fostering a deeper, human understanding of innovation. However, other learners felt the course was largely theoretical, lacking concrete strategies and actionable steps for seasoned professionals. There were also concerns about the superficiality of the "world tour" and a lack of hands-on activities or engaging discussions.
Course excels at reframing innovation and empowering local change agents.
"It completely reshaped my understanding of innovation in education."
"I appreciated the emphasis on empowering local actors – teachers, families, and community members."
"The concepts of mutual respect and relational trust were highlighted beautifully, making the course not just theoretical but deeply human."
Some found a lack of structured assignments and engaging discussions.
"I was also disappointed by the lack of structured assignments or hands-on activities that would allow me to apply the concepts."
"The discussions were often repetitive, and I didn't feel a strong sense of community or engaging interaction."
Mixed views on the depth and utility of the course's global examples.
"The "virtual world tour" was incredibly insightful, showing practical applications across diverse settings."
"The "world tour" felt superficial, merely scratching the surface of complex issues."
May be better for those new to the concept, less for experienced professionals.
"It might be suitable for someone new to the concept of educational innovation, but for a seasoned professional looking for practical application, it fell short."
Opinions diverge on the course's balance between theory and actionable insights.
"I found it to be largely theoretical and lacking practical tools. It didn't offer enough actionable steps for real-world implementation."
"I found the framework of collaborative, continuous improvement to be immediately applicable."
"I struggled to see how to translate these ideas into my daily practice."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Reimagining Educational Innovation with these activities:
Review key concepts and theories related to educational innovation
Strengthen your foundational understanding of educational innovation to enhance your learning experience in the course.
Show steps
  • Read articles and books on educational innovation.
  • Attend a workshop or webinar on educational innovation.
Review collaborative and continuous improvement models
Review key collaborative and continuous improvement models to build a foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Collaborative Improvement
Show steps
  • Read articles and books on collaborative and continuous improvement models.
  • Attend a workshop or webinar on collaborative and continuous improvement.
Organize and review your course notes, assignments, and resources
Stay organized and enhance your understanding by regularly reviewing and synthesizing course materials.
Show steps
  • Organize your notes, assignments, and resources in a logical and accessible manner.
  • Review your materials on a regular basis to reinforce your learning.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Volunteer in a local educational organization or initiative focused on improving educational outcomes
Gain practical experience and contribute to the improvement of education in your community.
Browse courses on Community Involvement
Show steps
  • Research and identify local educational organizations or initiatives that align with your interests and goals.
  • Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Commit to a specific number of hours or days of volunteering.
Develop a plan for implementing collaborative and continuous improvement in your own educational setting
Create a comprehensive plan to apply the principles of collaborative and continuous improvement in your own educational context.
Browse courses on Project-Based Learning
Show steps
  • Identify the specific educational challenges or areas for improvement in your setting.
  • Research and select a collaborative and continuous improvement model that aligns with your goals.
  • Develop a detailed implementation plan that outlines the steps, timeline, and resources needed.
  • Secure buy-in and support from stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, students, and parents.

Career center

Learners who complete Reimagining Educational Innovation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Teacher
Teachers facilitate learning and provide instruction to students in a variety of settings. This course reimagines teachers as innovators who can use collaborative, continuous improvement to address educational challenges and improve student outcomes. By learning how to work with colleagues, families, and community members to develop and implement innovative solutions, learners of this course may be well-equipped to succeed as teachers in diverse educational contexts.
Educational Equity Specialist
Educational Equity Specialists work to identify and address educational disparities and promote equity for all students. This course reimagines educational innovation as a locally grounded approach that empowers teachers, leaders, families, and community members to advance new ambitions for educational access, quality, and equity. By understanding the root causes of educational inequity and how to develop and implement effective interventions, learners of this course may be well-equipped to succeed as Educational Equity Specialists.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers design, develop, and evaluate educational curricula and materials. This course explores how collaborative, continuous improvement empowers local innovators to address local educational opportunities, needs, and problems. By understanding how to engage diverse stakeholders in the curriculum development process, learners of this course may be better prepared to create inclusive and effective curricula.
Education Advocate
Education Advocates represent and support students and families in educational settings. This course reimagines educational innovation as a collaborative process that involves all stakeholders. By understanding how to advocate for the rights of students and families, learners of this course may be well-equipped to succeed as Education Advocates and ensure that all students have access to quality education.
Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teachers provide instruction and support to students with disabilities. This course reimagines teachers as innovators who can use collaborative, continuous improvement to address educational challenges and improve student outcomes. By learning how to create and implement individualized learning plans, learners of this course may be well-equipped to succeed as Special Education Teachers and help students with disabilities reach their full potential.
School Administrator
School Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of schools and districts. This course reimagines school and system leaders as innovators who can use collaborative, continuous improvement to address educational challenges and improve student outcomes. By learning how to build relationships, create a positive school culture, and lead change, learners of this course may be well-equipped to succeed as School Administrators in diverse educational settings.
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultants collaborate with school faculty, staff, and administrators to develop and implement educational programs and curricula. This course introduces the collaborative, continuous improvement approach, which empowers teachers, leaders, families, and community members to advance new ambitions for educational access, quality, and equity. By understanding the principles and practices of collaborative, continuous improvement, learners of this course may be well-equipped to advise schools and organizations on how to improve educational outcomes.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers develop, implement, and evaluate instructional materials and programs. This course introduces the collaborative, continuous improvement approach, which empowers teachers, leaders, families, and community members to advance new ambitions for educational access, quality, and equity. By understanding how to design and implement innovative learning experiences, learners of this course may be well-equipped to succeed as Instructional Designers in a variety of settings.
Education Researcher
Education Researchers design, conduct, and evaluate research studies to improve educational practices and policies. This course introduces the collaborative, continuous improvement approach, which empowers teachers, leaders, families, and community members to advance new ambitions for educational access, quality, and equity. By understanding how to conduct rigorous research and communicate findings, learners of this course may be well-equipped to contribute to the field of education research and improve educational outcomes for all students.
Community Organizer
Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address local issues and concerns. This course reimagines family and community members as innovators who can use collaborative, continuous improvement to address educational challenges and improve student outcomes. By learning how to build relationships, mobilize resources, and advocate for change, learners of this course may be well-equipped to succeed as Community Organizers and empower communities to improve educational opportunities for all.
Literacy Coach
Literacy Coaches support teachers and students in developing literacy skills. This course reimagines teachers as innovators who can use collaborative, continuous improvement to address educational challenges and improve student outcomes. By learning how to coach teachers and students, learners of this course may be well-equipped to succeed as Literacy Coaches and help improve literacy outcomes for all students.
School Counselor
School Counselors provide academic, social, and emotional support to students. This course reimagines educational innovation as a collaborative process that involves all stakeholders. By understanding how to provide counseling services to students and families, learners of this course may be well-equipped to succeed as School Counselors and help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Education Policy Analyst
Education Policy Analysts research, analyze, and evaluate education policies and programs. This course explores how collaborative, continuous improvement empowers local innovators to address local educational opportunities, needs, and problems. By understanding the policy landscape and how to advocate for change, learners of this course may be well-equipped to influence education policy and improve educational outcomes for all students.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs and services that address social issues. This course explores how collaborative, continuous improvement empowers local innovators to address local educational opportunities, needs, and problems. By understanding how to develop and manage effective programs, learners of this course may be well-equipped to lead and manage educational programs in the nonprofit sector.
Education Technology Specialist
Education Technology Specialists integrate technology into educational settings to improve teaching and learning. This course explores how collaborative, continuous improvement empowers local innovators to address local educational opportunities, needs, and problems. By understanding how to select, implement, and evaluate educational technologies, learners of this course may be well-equipped to succeed as Education Technology Specialists and help schools and organizations leverage technology to improve educational outcomes.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Reimagining Educational Innovation.
Provides a framework for understanding why large organizations often fail to innovate. It is particularly useful for educational leaders who are looking to create an environment that is conducive to innovation.
Provides practical advice for leading change in schools. It is particularly useful for educational leaders who are looking to implement new initiatives or reforms.
Provides insights into the power of mindset and how it can affect our ability to succeed. It is particularly useful for educators who are looking to create a positive and growth-oriented learning environment for their students.
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Provides insights into the nature of motivation and how it can be used to improve performance. It is particularly useful for educators who are looking to create a more motivating learning environment for their students.
Provides a wake-up call about the state of education in America and the need for reform. It is particularly useful for educators who are looking to improve the quality of education for all students.
Provides a thought-provoking look at the impact of the internet on our brains and our ability to think and learn. It is particularly useful for educators who are looking to understand the challenges of teaching in the digital age.

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