Launched in the Heartland for America in a global context
The Learning Collaborative is a network working to realize a vision of inspiring and engaging civic learning so that all young people can develop their full potential as contributing members of our democracy in a sustainable economy and in a world at peace.
At the center of our vision is the young learner. Every young person should grow up as a curious, passionate and compassionate human being with a sense of belonging, connection, power and community.
Around that learner must be a community in which we are able to authentically connect with one another across differences and can realize the fundamental ideals of democracy: equality, justice and freedom.
That community must be interconnected with others and advance the vision of a global society at peace and in a harmonious relationship with the planet.
Frontal teaching and canned narratives rarely inspire learning. The world needs curious, empathetic and engaged problem-solvers who know how to ask questions, evaluate sources and reach informed conclusions. Teaching with inquiry is about activating these skills and mindsets. We as a Collaborative are committed to spreading the practice of inquiry-based teaching so that all classrooms become incubators of inspiration for life-long learning, critical thinking and civic growth.
Access The Inspired InquiriesIn this unique time of crisis and disconnect, students need access to learning that increases their sense of identity, connection, belonging and agency. Museums and cultural institutions are a key source of such learning. As a Collaborative, we are committed to making relevant and inspiring learning that leverages the power of art and the assets of museums accessible to all.
Explore Our Place-Based Learning Resources
The mission of our schools is to educate young citizens of democracy. What that means has evolved--so, too, must our practices in the classroom. Young people feel and have power at a level never seen before, and are hungry to make a positive impact. We as a Collaborative are dedicated to ensuring that all young people receive civic learning experiences that will help them develop the full range of skills and mindsets they need to advance the wellbeing of themselves, society and the planet.
The protection and advancement of democracy is a matter of international security. Around the world, authoritarianism, disinformation and populism are on the rise. In order for our society to handle the many challenges that we face, including the healing of historic injustices, bridging across differences, and creating a sustainable economy, we must focus on strengthening our democratic practices, mindsets and skills. We partner with EuroClio and the Educating for American Democracy initiative to advance these goals as part of a larger community.
Democratic Education Initiatives
During the pandemic, a group of teachers and museums from across the Kansas City region formed the Learning Collaborative to create learning experiences and lesson plans for their students. Through a collaboration with Getting Smart and the Real World Learning initiative of the Kauffman Foundation, these learning models of engaged civic projects in and with museums is being spread across all KC districts in the coming year.
April 21, 2021
What must we do to make sure museums, historic sites and other cultural institutions are a part of enabling all young people to grow up as Changemakers and Global Citizens? Join Tom Vander Ark (Getting Smart), Tony Pennay (Reagan Foundation), Nadia Harden (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston), Fernande Raine (got history?) in an EdCom hosted event for a dynamic conversation that could be a starting place for further collaboration.
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May 7, 2021
Hosted by the international network advancing collaboration towards the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN, the program will feature five days of online ‘Catalysing Change’ sessions. Social innovators will share their systems change work with other participants, and create partnerships across countries, regions and sectors. The session we are participating in is focused on ecosystem building, and is an open conversation linking everyone, parents, teachers, school managers, facilitators, guides, and mentors, as we are all part of the solution.
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