Lecture Notes: Moonshots - Bold Ideas for the Future of Learning in Pittsburgh and Beyond

Introduction

• Speaker: Tyler Samstag, Director of Remake Learning
• Topic: Remake Learning and its impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond
• Objective: Discuss the initiatives and bold ideas aimed at transforming learning

Remake Learning Overview

• What is it?
  • A free peer network for educators and innovators in the Pittsburgh region
  • Includes diverse members: librarians, artists, designers, teachers, learning scientists, technologists, school administrators
• Purpose: To build a future where learning is engaging, relevant, and equitable
• 15-year Milestone: Started in 2007, now over 1200 people, projects, and organizations
• Vision: Equity centered work to afford more opportunities for learners in need

Network Support Strategies

• Five C's: Communicate, Convene, Coordinate, Champion, and Catalyze
• Focus Today: Catalyze through Moonshot Grants

Pittsburgh Context

• Transformation: From industrial to innovation hub
• Key Innovations:
  • Robotics Innovation Center by CMU
  • Autonomous vehicles initiatives by companies like Argo AI
  • Astrobotics designing and building space shuttles

Moonshot Grants

• Objective: Support bold, experimental ideas in education
• Origins: Funded by four regional foundations
• Process:
  • Envision learning 10-20 years in the future
  • Develop bold ideas to accelerate towards that vision
  • Propose measurable outcomes

Preferred Future of Learning

• Future Workshops: Engaged over 500 educators
• Attributes: Learning that is engaging, personalized, and equitable
• Key Questions:
  • How do attributes differ from current learning?
  • What signals indicate change?
  • How does the future center justice and equity?
  • What might future newspaper headlines read?

Examples of Moonshot Ideas

1. California Area School District

   • Envisions individualized learning, flexibility, and student-centric goals
   • Innovation: Universal IEP program, eliminating grade levels and assessments
   • Challenge: Athletics eligibility without GPA

2. Hatch Early Childhood Program

   • Envisions learning that celebrates creativity and humanity
   • Innovation: Play resident in classrooms for a true play curriculum
   • Challenge: Academic focus hindering play-based learning

3. Homewood Children's Village

   • Envisions personalized and competency-based learning
   • Innovation: Village Learning Hub providing resources for homeschooling

Reporting and Challenges

• Shifts: Grantees report successes and failures
• Systemic Barriers: Identifying barriers and potential levers for change

Key Learnings

• Initial Findings:
  • Policy shifts in school districts
  • Increased interest in play-based learning
• Challenges: Overcoming systemic barriers like academic focus and sports eligibility

Conclusion

• Vision for the Future: Transformation over the next decade
• Engagement: Follow Remake Learning’s journey on social media, join the directory, and subscribe to updates

Acknowledgements

• Funders: Grable Foundation, Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, RK Mellon Foundation, Henry L. Hillman Foundation
• Thought Leaders: Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Knowledge Works

• Contact: Tyler Samstag, Director of Remake Learning
• Social Media: @remakelearning