learning ecosystem Archives

A flashlight on the life spaces of young people

Community youth surveys can illuminate where opportunities are plentiful, uneven or missing across the developmental ecosystem.

You might also like-The problem with learning styles_feature: colorful graphic of group of kids at table with books and graphic icons of learning styles hovering above their heads

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Opinion

You might also like: The problem with learning styles

While it stems from a generous and well-meaning instinct, the popular focus on fixed learning styles can be more restrictive than helpful.

thriving youth, no youth thrives alone_feature: group of diverse teens putting hands together in group

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Opinion

No youth thrives alone

The Thriving Youth Knowledge Exchange podcast discusses how to rebuild well-being, groundedness and agency to hold youth as they learn to hold...

Every Connection Optimized-Four accelerators_gif landing graphic feature4: circular graphic

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Opinion

Every Connection Optimized: Four accelerators for activating learning ECOsystems where all youth thrive

A new blueprint identifies four accelerators crucial to constructing learning ecosystems and a workforce dedicated to thriving youth and families.

Strengthening school-afterschool partnership_Tips trends 2026 School Superintendents Conference_feature: man speaks and presents in front of room full of people with a screen to his left

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From the Field

Strengthening school/afterschool partnership: Tips and trends from the 2026 School Superintendents Conference

At the 2026 National Conference on Education hosted in Nashville by the School Superintendents Association, I heard a sentence that defined my...

learning environments What John King's teachers were actually doing_feature: group of students listens to black male teacher outdoors teaching them about plants

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Opinion

What John King’s teachers were actually doing

Helping youth thrive is about designing learning environments that prioritize consistency, challenge, and agency.

Structure, control and leaving room, youth environments _feature: image of clay pot spinning on record player

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Opinion

Structure, control and leaving room

Youth practitioners play a critical role in shaping youth environments by establishing norms, safety, and a larger vision — not by controlling...

Childcare, early care, OST: Group young children holding hands while running towards camera across green grass with trees in background

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From the Field

Beyond fragmentation: Advancing continuity of care and cumulative opportunities in OST

OST can move from a patchwork of programs to a cohesive ecosystem boosting equity and learning; becoming a vital part of the...

OST learning, learning ecosystem: teacher with red hair teaching young Asian girl student outdoors by pointing at flowers

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Grants

Out-of-school time learning ecosystem support grants

GRANT FOCUS: Learning Ecosystem/Environment, Out-of-School Time, Afterschool, Family Support | Amount: $25,000 - $100,000 | Deadline: Apr. 9, 2026

AI in schools: person on laptop while also using AI chatbot on smartphone

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From the Field

Flourishing in the Age of AI: Q&A with Courtney Garcia of LearnerStudio

Merita Irby speaks with LearnerStudio's Courtney Garcia about a new anthology exploring what it means for young people to flourish in the...

To fix student chronic absenteeism schools ust support families first_feature: Young teacher having meeting with parent of schoolboy, they sitting at table and talking together after lessons

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From the Field

To fix student absenteeism, schools must support families first

With chronic absenteeism still 50% above pre-pandemic levels, schools are using ineffective punitive or reward-based strategies instead of family supports.

Joy, partnership and play create belonging and increase attendance_feature: recess, group of very happy children playing game with yellow ball

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From the Field

Joy, partnership and play create belonging and increase attendance

We must ensure kids are experiencing high-quality recess and a school climate that makes them want to attend every day.

QA_ Karen Pittman _2026 NEA Foundation’s Outstanding Service Public Education Award_older black woman stand at podium with hands clasped in front of her

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From the Field

Q&A with Karen Pittman, 2026 recipient of the NEA Foundation’s Outstanding Service to Public Education Award

Youth Today's Karen Pittman, often referred to as the godmother of positive youth development, received the award on February 13.

On youth program quality_feature2: group of young children learning excitedly around table

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From the Field

On program quality

Katherine Plog Martinez speaks with Thomas Akiva on how youth-serving organizations can ensure youth program quality by recognizing three key developments.

arts program grants, arts-based mental health, Big Thought: young man with tattoo on arm working on drawing

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Opinion

Big Thought: The ecosystem intermediary behind Dallas City of Learning

Big Thought brings arts education into the community and tackles other opportunity gaps.

From systems leadership to learning ecosystems stewardship_feature: group of kids watch an educator giving a presentation outside

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Opinion

From systems leadership to ecosystems stewardship: A next step for OST intermediaries?

The benefits of comprehensive learning ecosystems are vast, but a vital part of maintaining and stewarding them will fall on OST programs/intermediaries.

The new federal education tax credit_A time to make lemonade_feature: young teacher helps a student in afterschool art program

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Opinion

The new federal education tax credit: A time to make lemonade?

Large youth-serving organizations could take advantage of a new federal education tax credit originally meant to establish a national voucher-like program.