Bold Moves for Schools: How We Create Remarkable Learning Environments

What will it take to create truly contemporary learning environments that meet the demands of 21st-century society, engage learners, and produce graduates who are prepared to succeed in the world? What skills and capacities do teachers and leaders need to create and sustain such schools? What actions are necessary?

Bold Moves for Schools offers a compelling vision that answers these questions—and action steps to make the vision a reality. Looking through the lenses of three pedagogies—antiquated, classical, and contemporary—authors Heidi Hayes Jacobs and Marie Hubley Alcock examine every aspect of K–12 education, including curriculum, instruction, assessment, and the program structures of space (both physical and virtual), time, and grouping of learners and professionals. In a new job description for teachers, Jacobs and Alcock highlight and expound on the following roles:

• self-navigating professional learner,
• social contractor,
• media critic and media maker,
• innovative designer,
• globally connected citizen, and
• advocate for learners and learning.

With thought-provoking proposals and practical strategies for change, Bold Moves for Schools sets educators on the path to redefining their profession and creating exciting new learning environments. The challenge is unprecedented. The possibilities are unlimited.

Heidi Hayes Jacobs is founder and president of Curriculum Designers providing professional services to schools, organizations and agencies to create modern learning environments, upgrade curriculum and support teaching strategies to meet the needs of contemporary learners. Her models on curriculum mapping and curriculum design have been featured in numerous books and software solutions throughout the world.

Marie Hubley Alcock is president of Learning Systems Associates, an education consulting company, and founder of Tomorrow's Education Network, which is a nonprofit association dedicated to improving literacy development. She has been an educator for more than 20 years and has worked nationally and internationally to promote high-quality learning environments. Marie lives with her family in New Jersey.