On January 8–9, 2023, a group of 20 professionals convened in Scottsdale, Arizona, for the EALA Community of Action. Twice a year, this unique gathering brings together an uncommon group of experts to tackle shared challenges facing students with disabilities or learning differences. The event focuses on selected promising practices, and over the course of 36 hours, participants work together to develop and present their innovative solutions. Through a process of participatory grantmaking, attendees collectively choose one to three of these proposed solutions to receive implementation funding, turning their collaborative ideas into tangible action.
Feedback from Participants:
“In my 18 years in education and advocacy, I have NEVER participated in a convening as impactful and with such strong results as this.”
Resources:
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Case Study: Let’s Start with the Idea: We All Learn Differently
Winners: We All Learn Differently In this case study, we explore how one larger-than-average project within the EALA Community of Action sought to find a way to better engage families and communities in regard to learning differences and disabilities. |
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Case Study: Could a Data-Driven Mindset Shift be the Key to A Sense of Belonging for All Students?
Winners: Administrators’ Inclusive Mindset Survey (AIMS) In this case study, we explore how one project within the EALA Community of Action sought to find a way to better understand the mindsets of leaders in regard to learning differences and disabilities. And after 36 hours, walked away with the means and a plan to turn a free customizable surveying tool and a digital library of resources for school leaders into a reality. |
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Using Design Thinking to Solve System Challenges
This blog details how organizers of the EALA Community of Action adapted the steps outlined in the Learning Accelerator’s (TLA) Real-Time Redesign toolkit to leverage design thinking and provide a clear pathway for the January Community of Action convening.
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Getting Started: A Conversation with Jonathan McCarty
In this podcast bite, we are joined by Jonathan McCarty, the Director of Program Implementation in Louisiana at Blue Engine. Blue Engine, which provides school partnership programming, was represented at the EALA Community of Action. In this episode, Jonathan talks short and long-term impact of EALA, Blue Engine, and where it all begins. |
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All Families Can Be Learning Heroes: A Conversation with David ParkToday we are joined by David Park, the Senior Vice President at Learning Heroes, an organization dedicated to empowering parents and families to become their children’s most effective education advocates. In this episode, David sheds light on his work at the EALA Community of Action and shares insights from his research on the role of caregivers and educators in promoting learning outcomes for kids. Tune in to discover how you can become a learning hero for your child, and unlock their full potential. |
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Advocating for Exceptional Learners
What do parents, teachers, and students need to advocate for students/themselves? Join Jason B. Allen to deep dive on the topic of how to effectively advocate for your student with learning differences and discuss what is needed to be an effective advocate. |