The Successful Learner Equation

The Successful Learner Equation 

The Successful Learner Equation is used to recognize and uplift the individuals, programs, and systems that contribute to the success of each learner. Adults, programs and systems are responsible for supporting each child. The Successful Learner Equation is grounded in the following beliefs:
  • School should be welcoming and joyful for all.
  • Children are always learning.
  • Experiences, skills and knowledge are tied to a family's home life, culture, opportunities, etc. 
  • A strengths-based mindset is critical to supporting children and families.
  • Diversity of all types should be celebrated.
  • Instruction should be developmentally appropriate, supported by research, and individualized.
  • Adults and systems should support all children wherever they are in their learning progression.
  • Messaging should be inclusive and promote equity.
 The Successful Learner Equation recognizes four interconnected components that foster successful learners. 
  • Ready families — Establish the foundation for their child’s health, development and learning within the context of their family’s cultural values, norms and beliefs.
  • Ready communities — Offer services to enhance the health, safety, economic stability, development and learning of children and families within their cultural context.
  • Ready schools and programs — Deliver high-quality, developmentally appropriate, culturally and linguistically responsive care and education that supports families in nurturing their child’s healthy development and learning.
  • Ready state with ready systems — Provide equitable access to comprehensive services and resources that support families and children from all backgrounds. 
While schools and programs are responsible for delivering high-quality learning experiences, they must also look to other components of the equation for support and partnership. For example, collaboration between schools and communities increases access to services, provides ongoing opportunities for family engagement, and challenges systemic barriers that affect the school experience. It is essential that all four components work together for the benefit of all children.
 
 

Webinar and Slides

This webinar introduces the Minnesota Department of Education’s Successful Learner Equation and how it impacts messaging regarding transitions, including the transition to kindergarten. It is intended for any provider, educator, or community program staff working with children from birth through third grade. The Successful Learner Equation reminds us that it is not the responsibility of the child to be “ready” for school. It is the responsibility of adults, schools/programs, environments, communities, and systems to be ready to support each child. We recommend viewing this webinar in the Firefox browser to access the rewind and fast-forward features.
  • Successful Learner Equation - 1/3/23
    This webinar introduces the Minnesota Department of Education’s Successful Learner Equation and how it impacts messaging regarding transitions, including the transition to kindergarten. It is intended for any provider, educator, or community program staff working with children from birth through third grade. The Successful Learner Equation reminds us that it is not the responsibility of the child to be “ready” for school. It is the responsibility of adults, schools/programs, environments, communities, and systems to be ready to support each child. We recommend viewing this webinar in the Firefox browser to access the rewind and fast-forward features.
  • Successful Learner Equation Webinar Slides  - 12/6/22
    These slides accompany the Successful Learner Equation webinar. Hyperlinks for the resources referred to in the webinar are included in the slides.

Successful Learner Equation Resources

  • Successful Learner Equation Language Guide  - 3/27/23
    An important action that all entities represented in the Successful Learner Equation can play is promoting and using consistent and aligned language around supporting successful learners. This document provides examples of alternative language to use when communicating with others on this topic.
  • Successful Learner Equation Flyer  - 12/15/22
    This flyer introduces and summarizes the Minnesota Department of Education’s Successful Learner Equation, which was created to recognize and uplift the individuals, programs, and systems that contribute to the success of each learner. This framework provides alternative language to “Kindergarten Readiness” and “School Readiness,” and reminds us that it is not the responsibility of the child to be “ready” for school. It is the responsibility of adults, schools/programs, environments, communities, and systems to be ready to support each child. View the web pages for Ready Families, Ready Schools and Ready Programs, Ready Communities, and Ready State with Ready Systems to learn more about the four interconnected components that foster successful learners.