From Paper to Platform: Summit’s Educational Technology Story
A reflection on 15 years of evolving technology use at Summit Public Schools, through the eyes of a former student and current teacher.
Below is featured content marketing work from my time at Summit Learning (a non-profit arm of Summit Public Schools, funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and the Gates Foundation). In this role, I launched and managed the Summit Learning Blog, writing and producing 2-3 weekly posts featuring Summit Learning schools, teachers and students. I also produced a series of blog posts on Education Week’s Next Generation Learning Challenges blog. At Summit, my writing and editing expertise was used across various channels and mediums beyond the blog — from Facebook posts to formal whitepapers. I also compiled a 75+ page style guide, the first of its kind for the organization.
The Science of Summit by Summit Public Schools
I provided substantive copy editing for this 75-page white paper, which outlines Summit Public Schools' core vision.
A Guide to The Science of Summit
I collaborated with a group of writers to compile this guide, an introduction to the full white paper. I was tasked with condensing dense research into more bite-sized information for educators to consume.
Case Study: Summit Learning Boosts Distinctive Schools' Student Growth
In just one year since Distinctive Schools implemented the Summit Learning Program across its four Chicago campuses, students showed growth on NWEA MAP math and reading tests. Faculty credit the personalized learning approach for students taking more ownership of their learning.
How Personalized Learning Transformed My Freshman English Class
How does the Summit Learning Program change a classroom? For Carli Vandrak, high school English teacher in Fairview Park, Ohio, personalized learning is not just about different desk arrangements and scheduling. It’s about increased student engagement.
Summit Olympics: How a Little Friendly Competition Kept My Students On Track
After two months of snow days and late starts, I needed to keep my middle school students on track and motivated. A little friendly Olympic competition was the answer.
Summit Learning Case Study: Closing Achievement Gaps at Aspen Valley
With Summit Learning, Aspen Valley Prep in Fresno, California saw quantifiable gains in math and reading scores among their diverse student body. Read more in this Summit Learning case study.
How Summit Learning Inspires My Students To Be Scientists
I left my job as a researcher to become a middle school science teacher hoping to inspire kids to enter science careers. Here’s how the Summit Learning Program boosts my students’ confidence and curiosity and gives me hope for their future.
A Student's Most Important Lesson: Learning How To Learn
To prepare students for a lifetime of learning, empower them with choice in how they consume and learn content.
I’ve Been Teaching for 10 Years. Last Year Felt Like My First.
My school implemented Summit Learning last year. Even though it was my hardest year teaching, I would never go back. Here’s why.
3 Middle School Projects that Cultivate Skills Needed For Adulthood
To prepare for adulthood, students need a chance at solving real-world problems.
Summit Learning's Spokane Training Targets Data-Driven Instruction
Pacific Northwest teachers gathered in Spokane for Summit’s fall regional convening to learn ways to close achievement gaps using data-driven instruction.
How One Math Project Inspired A Dozen Architecture Careers
Project-based learning gives students a taste of the real world. For Carl Stalla’s math students, that practice was inspiration enough to launch a career.
3 Ways to Put Students in the Driver's Seat with Personalized Learning
Guillermo Lopez, a recent graduate of one of California's top-performing high schools, defined his education experience as running on a field instead of a track.
"You choose which direction you run," he says of the personalized learning environment at Summit Everest High School.
"You choose which direction you run," he says of the personalized learning environment at Summit Everest High School.
What Is Summit Learning's 'Secret Sauce'? Diane Tavenner Answers
Diane Tavenner, CEO and Co-Founder of Summit Public Schools, reveals exactly how to motivate students in a podcast with education scholar Paul Peterson.
5 Ways to Apply Learning Science To Your Teaching Practice Today
We spent 15 years implementing the best learning science into our school model. Here are 5 ways you can incorporate our findings today.
"I Will Never Teach Another Way"
Summit Learning teachers say personalized learning brought passion back to their profession. They’re reaching every student, and they’re not looking back.
Project-Based Learning: Teaching Newton’s Laws with Broomball
Watch this Chicago school test Newton’s Laws with a broom and bowling ball, forcing students out of a state of textbook-and-lecture inertia.
Summit Learning Sparks Texas-Sized Success in Houston
To achieve one Texas teacher’s dream — reaching every single student — traditional teaching wouldn’t cut it. Watch how Summit Learning changed that.
Arkansas Pioneers: 15 Schools Join Summit Learning Program
More than 300 teachers and leaders traveled to Little Rock for Summit Learning training. Educators left inspired to change the status quo for their students.
"Easy Is A Waste of Time" — How a California Middle School Embraced Change with Summit Learning
What’s the highest compliment a teacher can receive? For 25-year teacher Beth Duncan, it’s her students saying her class is hard.
What It Takes To Hear A Middle Schooler Say "I Like School"
What takes 8th graders from nearly failing to ahead-of-the-game? At Chicago Public School’s Lee Elementary, it’s a combination of great teachers, growth mindset, and the Summit Learning Program.
