Leading the 'change-makers' at Whole Student Together

Jessica Cooney has seen the profound difference that a Whole Student education makes on the morale of her teachers and the lives of her students. 

Cooney, the principal at Prairie Heights Middle School in Colorado, believes strong collaboration between educators across the country can help them all achieve similar Whole Student outcomes.

“My hope for the future of education is that one day our schools will have everything they need to ensure that all of our students can be successful,” Cooney said. “I hope that all schools will one day realize that our students’ diverse backgrounds and lived experiences are exactly what makes our schools special, strong, and unique.” 

Gradient Learning is excited to host all of its dedicated partners in July at Whole Student Together 2024, an elevated summer training that is purposefully and meaningfully designed to help schools develop actionable and aspirational visions for their communities. 

“My hope for the future of education is that one day our schools will have everything they need to ensure that all of our students can be successful."

Over the past decade, Gradient Learning has walked alongside its partner schools to improve student outcomes. Our evolved program—now known as the Gradient Learning Program—brings a curated and integrated set of research-based tools and resources, plus a skilled coach, to help all schools develop and reach their Whole Student learning goals.

Gradient Learning’s Whole Student System brings together everything educators need in a single, cohesive approach to deliver on the promise of setting students up for success in all aspects of their lives.

Whole Student learning gives educators the tools and resources to teach their students both academics and life skills. By addressing both simultaneously—and not forcing teachers to choose between the two— this ensures students receive an education that prepares them for success and fulfillment beyond the classroom.

“The students that we are teaching are the change-makers,” Cooney said. “They are the next generation who’s going to make the world a better place.”

Summer Training marks the start of this exciting academic year ahead for our partners. Educators from all over the country will come together and feel a part of a vibrant, connected community. Gradient Learning will provide the support needed for educators to thrive, foster collaboration, and problem-solve with peers. 

School leaders and teachers will explore our curriculum and learn about Whole Student outcomes and practices. They will then translate all their new learnings into a school-specific Whole Student Focus. 

During the week-long training, schools will also hear about the Innovation Hub, a part of Gradient Learning that offers interested educators the opportunity to collaborate with leading partner organizations to co-build new education products, participate in research, and engage in top-notch professional development and training. 

Another highlight of the week will be our armchair conversation. As co-founder and co-CEO of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, pediatrician, former teacher, and founder of The Primary School, Priscilla Chan’s goal in education has never wavered: to unlock the potential of every child, no matter who they are or where they live. The conversation will feature Priscilla, where she will discuss how co-building with educators is key to delivering education products that make a meaningful difference in students’ and teachers’ lives. Joining Priscilla will be Common—Academy Award, Emmy, and Grammy-winning artist, actor, author, activist, and founder of both the Arts In Motion School and Free to Dream Foundation. The school and his work at Free to Dream align with our approach to whole-student education. Through his Foundation, Common is dedicated to empowering high school students from underserved communities to become future leaders, focusing on character development, healthy living, financial literacy, social impact, technology, and leadership.

By the end of the week, educators will have a better understanding of our robust Whole Student System and the important role that teachers play in helping students grow academically, emotionally, and cognitively. 

“When I think about Whole Student, it’s really about building a sense of community and creating a sense of belonging in our classrooms,” Cooney said. “It’s about so much more than just learning content. It’s about truly helping our students belong in our school.”