Learning Transformed: 8 Keys to Designing Tomorrow’s Schools, Today, May//2017

With all that we know about how students learn, the nature of the world they will face after graduation, and the educational inequities that have existed for centuries, maintaining a traditional, one-size-fits-all approach to teaching and learning is tantamount to instructional malpractice.

 Authors Eric C. Sheninger and Thomas C. Murray outline eight keys—each a piece of a puzzle for transforming the K–12 education system of teaching and learning—to intentionally design tomorrow’s schools so today’s learners are prepared for success and stand ready to create new industries, find new cures, and solve world problems. 

The traditional model of schooling ultimately prepares students for the industrial model of the past. If we want our students to become successful citizens in a global society, we must dramatically shift to a more personal approach. Failure is not an option. We can no longer wait. Let Learning Transformed show you how you can be a part of the solution.

 Reviews:

"Given how quickly and profoundly the world is changing, there are few more urgent challenges than the transformation of our schools and education systems. Some people are still unconvinced of the need for this transformation: others are unsure how to make it happen. Learning Transformed is addressed to all of them and to every other educator, administrator and policy maker with a serious concern for the future of our children and  our communities. It draws on the best research about the need for change and on the strategies that work and those that don't. More than that, it's seasoned throughout with deep, real world experience of teaching and learning, policy and practice in innovative schools and pioneering districts across the nation. Learning Transformed is both a compelling manifesto for the schools our children need now and an inspirational blueprint for how to bring them about."                            -Sir Ken Robinson, author of The Element, TED speaker, education and creativity expert

"In Learning Transformed, Sheninger and Murray deftly combine the past and the future by offering eight keys to the schools of tomorrow, while lodging their insights into the history of the school reform movement. Read this book to be enlightened — and to put fun, excitement, and real learning back into your school or classroom."                                                                                                                    - Daniel H. Pink, Author of Drive and To Sell is Human

 "In Learning Transformed, Sheninger and Murray provide an ambitious, yet achievable, research-based blueprint for school leaders to lead the needed change in today's schools. Rarely has a book provided so many compelling evidence-rich strategies, as shared through the lenses of leading practitioners, to empower educators to redesign the learning experience so that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic status or zip code, is provided a world-class education."                                                                                                    - Arne Duncan, Former U.S. Secretary of Education

"Sheninger and Murray combine some of today’s most compelling research, evidence-based practices, and innovative ideas to provide a dynamic blueprint for redefining student learning experiences. They demonstrate how students’ participation in authentic, real-world experiences can disrupt inequality and increase access to critical learning opportunities. Learning Transformed serves as a handbook to implement actionable, sustainable change in schools so today’s students can thrive in tomorrow’s world."                            - Linda Darling-Hammond, President, Learning Policy Institute, Professor Emeritus, Stanford University 

"Theory and research provide the foundation for change, but it is the actions undertaken by school leaders that drive transformation. Sheninger and Murray move well beyond the buzzwords and latest hype by providing a well-grounded, scholarly book that links theory, research, practical strategies, and evidence to move schools forward. The credible argument articulated is made even more impressive with the practical solutions found throughout Learning Transformed."                                                                                                 - Robert J. Marzano, Cofounder and CAO, Marzano Research

About the Author:

Eric Sheninger is a Senior Fellow and Thought Leader on Digital Leadership with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Prior to this he was the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement. 

His work focuses on leading and learning in the digital age as a model for moving schools and districts forward. This has led to the formation of the Pillars of Digital Leadership, a framework for all educators to initiate sustainable change to transform school cultures. As a result Eric has emerged as an innovative leader, best selling author, and sought after speaker. His main focus is the use of social media and web 2.0 technology as tools to facilitate student learning, improve communications with stakeholders, enhance public relations, create a positive brand presence, discover opportunity, transform learning spaces, and help educators grow professionally.

Eric is a Bammy Award winner (2013), NASSP Digital Principal Award winner (2012), PDK Emerging Leader Award recipient (2012), winner of Learning Forward's Excellence in Professional Practice Award (20 12), Google Certified Teacher, Adobe Education Leader, and ASCD 2011 Conference Scholar. He has authored and co-authored the following: Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times, Communicating and Connecting With Social Media: Essentials for Principals, and What Principals Need to Know About Teaching and Learning Science

He has also contributed on education for the Huffington Post, co-created the Edscape Conference, sits on the FEA Board of Directors, and was named to the NSBA "20 to Watch" list in 2010 for technology leadership. TIME Magazine also identified Eric as having one of the 140 Best Twitter Feeds in 2014. He now presents and speaks nationally to assist other school leaders embrace and effectively utilize technology. His blog, A Principal's Reflections, was selected as Best School Administrator Blog in 2013 and 2011 by Edublogs.

Eric began his career in education as a Science Teacher at Watchung Hills Regional High School where he taught a variety of subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Marine Biology, Ecology) and coached several sports (ice hockey, football, lacrosse). He then transitioned into the field of educational administration as an Athletic Director/Supervisor of Physical Education & Health and Vice Principal in the New Milford School District. During his administrative career he has served as District Affirmative Action Officer and was the president of the New Milford Administrator's Association. During his tenure as high school principal he successfully implemented numerous initiatives including a new teacher evaluation system (McREL), oversaw Common Core implementation, and initiated a new grading philosophy. Eric received his M.Ed. in Educational Administration from East Stroudsburg University, B.S. in Biology from Salisbury University, and his B.S. in Marine/Environmental Science from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.