As early education evolves, teachers are asked to be more child-centric, to differentiate teaching for each child and to engage families.
And yet they are still having to use checklist assessments that do not capture each child’s unique journey, do not help differentiated teaching and are not read by families.
Learning Stories (and Educa) are a form of authentic assessment that bridges this gap – developed in New Zealand, now in North America.
Learning Stories are heart-led assessments, often written to the child. Teachers put their thoughts about a child in writing, focusing on strengths and success, using narrative language families understand. They tell a story, detail the learning and reflect on next steps.
In Educa, the last step of a Learning Story is the framework links, which go to a Ratings section for data export. More here
Assessment FOR learning
Learning stories were developed in New Zealand to capture each child’s unique and magical journey in a way that checklists just can’t - including planning next steps. More here
Document to engage families
Learning stories use a storytelling tone, generally written to the child. This resonates with families, builds understanding and a basis for real conversations and collaboration.
Custom data exports
Educa customers can one-click export class data to DRDP Online, and exports to meet state or agency needs. Furthermore, there are one-click PDF reports for families.
Create networks for sharing
Educa has a Network Hub (coming soon) option that will allow regulators to create networks of centers – message, share training, document templates or request snapshot reports.
Frameworks fully integrated
Connect stories he DRDP or Head Start ELOF as you go. Educators have help descriptions to guide them, parents see snippets. Any public framework can be added.
Teachers focus on success
Checklists are time-consuming and soul destroying. Learning Stories focus on strengths and success, where the child is the hero. More here .
Why Learning Stories
Comprehensive Platform For ECE
All educational needs in one place.
Educa supports your program cycle end to end.
- Differentiated planning
- Custom forms for collecting child info
- Learning story templates
- Child portfolios
- Parent and teacher messaging
Online, all in one place
Educa is organized around each child’s profile. From “About Me,” Home Language Surveys to Planning to IEPs, etc. to a learning story portfolio. All in one place and visible – supports collaboration and best practice.
Versatile communication
Educa will become the focal point to center communications. There’s a Message Board for news and announcements – to families as a community, by class or any other grouping, e.g., families at home, volunteers. Educa also has separate teacher messaging.
Teacher workflow support
Educa has optional story review workflow that gives senior educators a way to train and mentor in real time. Senior teachers can also be linked to plans and stories to help maintain and lift quality at every step.
Professional development
Each teacher has a private workspace. It includes a teacher portfolio for reflective practice, professional plans, document storage and collaboration opportunities with peers and mentors.