Group of seated women in a serious discussion

Shared Learning Initiative

Shared Learning Initiative

The Shared Learning Initiative builds the capacity of California communities to advance more equitable and racially just school systems through partnerships with school and district leaders. It is a collaborative effort between the Learning Policy Institute and the California Partnership for the Future of Learning. Through school learning visits, virtual learning sessions, and relevant resources, participants get an up-close look at exemplary schools and practices and learn from students, families, educators, and community partners about the systems, structures, and practices that support their equity-focused work. The Initiative broadly focuses on evidence-based practices for supporting the academic success and social-emotional well-being of underserved students, with a particular focus on English learners; students from low-income families; and Black, Indigenous, and other students of color. 

Through their participation in the Shared Learning Initiative, participants deepen their understanding of the strategies and practices that are essential to long-term systemic transformation of schools. The sessions provide participants with information and resources they can then use locally to extend the knowledge and capacity of students, families, and community members. To this end, shared learning sessions and resources are made available in English, Spanish, and Arabic. Local educators, school and district leaders, and state policymakers also participate to build an understanding of key levers to advance equitable opportunities and improve student outcomes. Through this shared learning, participants are better able to be informed and engaged partners in school and district decision-making.

Key Staff

Jessica Barajas 750x750

Jessica Barajas

Research and Policy Associate

Anna Maier 750x750

Anna Maier

Senior Policy Advisor and Researcher

Charlie Thompson 750x750

Charlie Thompson

Research and Policy Associate

Shared Leadership & Power for School Transformation: Part I - Building Trusting Relationships

This session focused on the crucial role that building trusting relationships among students, families, school/district staff, and community partners plays in moving forward school transformation, and the mindsets, systems, structures, and practices that support trust building.
Watch the video

Featured Resources

Educating the Whole Child blog: The Power of Shared Learning by Roberta Furger
Blog

Shared Learning to Advance Racially Just Schools

Student murals on the Mendez campus
Brief

Felicitas & Gonzalo Mendez High School: A Community School That Honors Its Neighborhood’s Legacy of Educational Justice

Related Resources

Learning Sessions

The First Steps Toward School Transformation: An Inclusive Needs/Assets Assessment

January 13, 2022 | This session focused on the process for engaging in a thorough and inclusive needs/assets assessment for communities transitioning toward a transformative community schools model, as well as those working to strengthen existing community schools. 
Watch in English > | Watch in Spanish > | Watch in Arabic >

Staffing for School Transformation: The Role of the Community School Coordinator 

April 27, 2022 | This session focused on highlighting the pivotal role that community school coordinators play in advancing school transformation, and the systems, structures, and practices needed for community school coordinators to support a transformational culture of change. 
Watch in English > | Watch in Spanish > | Watch in Arabic >

Shared Leadership & Power for School Transformation: Part I - Building Trusting Relationships

December 8, 2022 | This session focused on the crucial role that building trusting relationships among students, families, school/district staff, and community partners plays in moving forward school transformation, and the mindsets, systems, structures, and practices that support trust building. 
Watch in English > | Watch in Spanish > | Watch in Arabic >

Other Resources

 

Funders

Funding for this project has been provided by the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, The California Endowment, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Sobrato Family Foundation, W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation, and Stuart Foundation. Core operating support for the Learning Policy Institute is provided by the Heising-Simons Foundation, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Raikes Foundation, Sandler Foundation, and MacKenzie Scott. We are grateful to them for their generous support.

Partners

The Learning Policy Institute leads the Shared Learning Initiative in collaboration with the California Partnership for the Future of Learning, led by Californians for Justice, Catalyst California, PICO California, and Public Advocates. Participants include 20 grassroots and community-based groups across the state.