Elevating Tier 1

We believe that designing meaningful, authentic, inspiring learning experiences doesn’t have to be complex or burdensome—simple shifts to current practices are a powerful, sustainable way to re-energize tier 1 experiences with joy and purpose.  By embracing five key transformations—personal, learner-led, real-world, learner-owned, and collaborative—we can create vibrant, inquiry-based learning experiences that spark curiosity and engage every learner. 

Designing Engaging, Inquiry-Based Learning Experiences

How can we design learning experiences that spark curiosity and empower student thinking?

When students ask questions that matter to them, learning becomes personal and powerful. We help teachers design student-centered, inquiry-based experiences that spark curiosity, foster critical thinking, and connect learning to real-world problems — all while keeping rigorous standards at the core.

Supporting Student Discourse and Collaborative Learning

What opportunities do students have to make their thinking visible and build on each other’s ideas?

Learning deepens when students talk through their ideas, defend their thinking, and collaborate to solve problems. We help teachers create discourse-rich classrooms, where students listen actively, build on ideas, and develop communication skills that prepare them for learning and life.

Designing with UDL (Universal Design for Learning) in Mind

How can we design learning experiences flexible enough to meet diverse needs from the start?

No two learners are the same — and our design should reflect that. We guide educators in using UDL principles to anticipate learner variability and offer multiple ways to engage, process, and demonstrate learning, ensuring that every student has a pathway to success.

Vibrant Learning Experiences

What makes a learning experience truly vibrant — and how can we design more of them?

Vibrant learning connects students to their passions, their communities, and their future selves. We help schools design meaningful, authentic learning experiences that blend academic content with student curiosity and real-world relevance — creating learning that students remember and value.

Using High-Quality Instructional Resources with Integrity Over Fidelity

How can we use high-quality resources as a foundation for professional judgment and creativity?

High-quality instructional materials offer a valuable starting point, but teachers bring the professional expertise to adapt them for their unique learners. We support teams in shifting from compliance-driven fidelity to thoughtful integrity — using curriculum as a springboard for creative, student-centered design.

Thinking Maps

How can you help students take ownership of their thinking and deepen their understanding? 

Thinking Maps provide a visual language for learning, helping students organize their ideas, make connections, and reflect on their thinking across content areas. We help educators embed Thinking Maps strategically into instruction, giving students tools to process complex ideas and take ownership of their learning.

Using AI to Support (Not Supplant) Great Teaching

How can we thoughtfully use AI to enhance vibrant learning — both for students and for ourselves as educators?

AI offers new ways for students to explore, create, and reflect — from generating ideas to analyzing data or refining their writing. At the same time, AI can support teachers, helping with lesson planning, feedback, and student work analysis. We help educators use AI thoughtfully, ensuring it enhances learning, builds critical thinking and ethical awareness, and keeps human creativity and connection at the center.