Developing effective and responsive schools and practitioners. Insights from the science of learning and development

Abstract

The landscape of 21st century, along with scientific advancements, have significant implications for the way we organize schools and student learning experiences. This conceptual article elevates findings from the science of learning and development (SoLD)—a groundbreaking, interdisciplinary research syntheses—to articulate the bourgeoning scientific knowledge of the ways that young people develop and its concrete implications for the ways that schools can be effectively designed to optimize learning, success, and well-being. It concludes with a discussion of emerging research on effectively professionalization to support SoLD-aligned transformation, noting how targeted, ongoing, and immersive professional learning experiences are essential to enabling teacher and school leaders to bring about sustainable and equitable change.

Keywords

• Science of learning and development
• School transformation
• Educator/leader professionalization