Prepared

1. Redefine Success: Beyond College Admissions

In this book, Diane Tavenner shows us how authentic, real-world learning and the essential skills of self-direction, collaboration, and reflection can be nurtured both inside and outside of the classroom, giving all parents a valuable guide for helping their children to successfully take on life’s challenges.

Beyond Traditional Metrics. The book challenges the conventional definition of success, which often equates to high grades, test scores, and college admissions. Instead, it advocates for a broader perspective that encompasses financial security, purposeful work, strong relationships, meaningful community, and personal health. This holistic view emphasizes the importance of preparing children for a fulfilling life, not just a successful career.

The Changing Landscape. The shift from an industrial to a global economy demands a new set of skills. Employers now prioritize complex problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management, and emotional intelligence over rote memorization and rapid task execution. Education must adapt to equip students with these essential competencies.

A New Value Proposition. The traditional model of schooling, designed to prepare students for factory jobs, no longer aligns with the needs of the modern world. Parents and educators must collaborate to create learning environments that foster self-direction, collaboration, and reflection, enabling children to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

2. Embrace Real-World, Project-Based Learning

Well-designed projects are the most effective learning approach to achieving this goal, so this is how we’ve organized everyday learning.

Relevance and Engagement. Project-based learning (PBL) immerses students in real-world problems and challenges, fostering deeper understanding and retention of knowledge. By connecting learning to their lives and communities, PBL ignites students' curiosity and motivation.

From Theory to Practice. PBL transcends traditional lectures and textbooks, encouraging students to actively apply their knowledge and skills. Through hands-on projects, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration abilities. Examples include:

• "The Electric House" where students design electrical systems.
• "Sim City" where students design sustainable cities.
• "Dear Editor" where students analyze persuasive writing.

Beyond the Classroom. PBL extends learning beyond the classroom walls, connecting students with experts, mentors, and community resources. This approach fosters a sense of purpose and empowers students to make a meaningful impact on the world around them.

3. Cultivate Self-Direction: Empower Student Agency

What they wanted was a voice and the ability to help themselves, just as I had wanted for myself.

Student-Led Learning. Self-directed learning empowers students to take ownership of their education, fostering independence, initiative, and a lifelong love of learning. By setting goals, making plans, implementing strategies, and reflecting on their progress, students develop essential skills for navigating the complexities of life.

The Self-Directed Learning Cycle. This cycle involves:

• Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
• Creating a plan to achieve the goal.
• Implementing the plan and monitoring progress.
• Reflecting on the experience and identifying areas for improvement.

The Role of the Educator. The teacher's role shifts from "sage on the stage" to "guide on the side," providing support, resources, and feedback while empowering students to lead their own learning journeys. This approach fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect.

4. Mentorship: The Power of Reflection and Connection

Each of the mentors told stories about the students in their group, and then, when each graduate crossed the stage, a projector flashed pictures of him or her first as a child, then as a senior, and an audio recording played of the student sharing a quote they’d chosen to capture their journey.

Beyond Academic Advising. Mentorship goes beyond traditional academic advising, fostering deep, personal connections between students and trusted adults. Mentors provide guidance, support, and advocacy, helping students navigate academic challenges, personal struggles, and social dynamics.

The Mentor's Role. Mentors:

• Know each student's family and background.
• Meet with students individually and in groups.
• Facilitate reflection and self-discovery.
• Help students set goals and develop plans.

The Power of Reflection. Mentors guide students to reflect on their experiences, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategies for growth. This process fosters self-awareness, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to learning.

5. Collaboration: Strength in Unity and Diversity

We were determined to create an environment that looked at the whole student, a school where every individual was known and belonged to a community.

Beyond Individual Achievement. Collaboration fosters a sense of community, shared responsibility, and mutual support. By working together, students learn to value diverse perspectives, resolve conflicts, and achieve common goals.

Building Collaborative Skills. Educators can cultivate collaboration by:

• Creating heterogeneous groups with diverse backgrounds and skill sets.
• Teaching students effective communication and conflict-resolution strategies.
• Providing opportunities for students to work together on meaningful projects.

The Competitive Advantage. In today's interconnected world, collaboration is a critical skill for success. Employers seek individuals who can work effectively in teams, communicate clearly, and contribute to a shared vision.

6. Habits of Success: Building a Solid Foundation

With over fifteen years at the helm of one of the most innovative school networks in the country, Diane Tavenner knows how to help schools, teachers, and families make this shift, and I’m thrilled that she’s sharing her blueprint in Prepared.

The Building Blocks for Learning. The book emphasizes the importance of developing a strong foundation of habits, skills, and mindsets that support lifelong learning and success. These "building blocks" include attachment, stress management, self-regulation, self-awareness, relationship skills, executive functions, growth mindset, self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and relevance.

Progressive Development. These habits develop progressively, with more complex skills building upon earlier, more basic ones. Addressing gaps in foundational skills is crucial for enabling students to thrive in later stages of learning.

A Holistic Approach. By focusing on the development of these essential habits, educators and parents can empower children to become resilient, adaptable, and successful individuals.

7. Curiosity-Driven Knowledge: Fueling Lifelong Learning

We showed that if you change the way you look at education, you can both prepare kids for admission to college, and prepare them for a good life.

Beyond Rote Memorization. The book challenges the traditional emphasis on rote memorization and standardized testing, advocating for a more engaging and relevant approach to knowledge acquisition. By tapping into students' natural curiosity and interests, educators can ignite a passion for learning that extends far beyond the classroom.

The Power of Choice. Providing students with choices in how they learn and what they learn empowers them to take ownership of their education. This approach fosters self-direction, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.

The Teacher's Role. The teacher's role shifts from "sage on the stage" to facilitator, curator, and guide, helping students navigate the vast landscape of information and develop the skills to evaluate sources, synthesize knowledge, and apply it to real-world problems.

8. Universal Skills: The Essential Toolkit for Thriving

Getting students ready for a resilient, fulfilled, and happy life requires educators to think about more than just test scores—it requires a fundamental shift in how we think about a school’s role in preparing students for success.

Beyond Subject-Specific Knowledge. While subject-specific knowledge is important, the book emphasizes the importance of developing universal skills that transcend disciplines and prepare students for a wide range of challenges and opportunities. These skills include communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, and adaptability.

A Coordinated Approach. To effectively develop universal skills, educators must align their curriculum, assessments, and teaching practices. This requires collaboration across disciplines and a shared commitment to fostering these essential competencies.

The Employer's Perspective. Employers increasingly seek individuals who possess strong universal skills, recognizing that these competencies are essential for success in today's rapidly changing workforce.

9. Concrete Next Steps: Charting a Course for the Future

To me, Isabella embodies what all kids want—to be able to live the life they want to live.

Beyond Graduation. The book emphasizes the importance of preparing students for life after graduation, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and resources to navigate the complexities of college, career, and adulthood. This requires a proactive approach to future planning, starting early in high school.

The Importance of Planning. Students should:

• Explore their interests and passions.
• Research career options and educational pathways.
• Develop a concrete plan for achieving their goals.
• Build a network of mentors and supporters.

The "Summer Melt." The book addresses the phenomenon of "summer melt," where students who intend to enroll in college fail to do so due to logistical challenges, financial constraints, or lack of support. To combat this, educators and families must provide ongoing guidance and resources throughout the summer months.

10. Whatever It Takes: A Culture of Unwavering Support

Tavenner won’t rest until schools (and society) give young people what they need to thrive, and after reading this book you won’t be able to either.

A Commitment to Every Student. The book advocates for a culture of unwavering support, where educators and families are committed to the success of every student, regardless of their background, circumstances, or challenges. This requires a willingness to go the extra mile, to think outside the box, and to do "whatever it takes" to ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive.

Beyond Traditional Roles. This commitment requires educators and parents to transcend traditional roles, becoming mentors, advocates, and partners in students' learning journeys. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of belonging, trust, and mutual respect.

A Call to Action. The book serves as a call to action for educators, parents, and community members to reimagine education and create learning environments that truly prepare all children for a fulfilled life. This requires a shift in mindset, a commitment to innovation, and a willingness to do "whatever it takes" to unlock the potential of every student.

Last updated: March 3, 2025