In the previous blog, we noted that the Southwestern Union Conference Office of Education has developed a new branding for K-12 education—EDUCATION by Design . The brand signifies that we are intentionally focused on creating coherence among the components that contribute to excellence in education.
Before we return to the components of the EDUCATION by Design Framework, it is worth noting another new development. The Southwestern Union Conference K-12 Educational System is beginning the process of transitioning to standards-based practices. As noted below, this transition will be phased in over the next four years, beginning in the 2020-2021 school year.
Purpose: Standards-based refers to integrated systems of instruction, assessment, grading, and reporting that are based on students demonstrating understanding or proficiency of the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn as they progress through their education. This concept aligns with the EDUCATION by Design Framework that emphasizes coherence among the key components of teaching and learning, leading to a shared vision.
Product: Standards-based practices will provide a set of outcomes/metrics that will enable the measurement of the vision components of the EDUCATION by Design Framework. These outcomes include the areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and learning environment.
Professional Development: A series of webinars are planned for the next two years to support the transition. The dates are tentative as of this writing.
