Building Learner Agency in Schools
The Challenge
Many schools are working to increase student engagement and deeper learning, yet classrooms often remain focused on compliance rather than ownership.
Students may:
- wait to be told what to do
- struggle to take responsibility for their learning
- lack opportunities to reflect and grow as independent learners
When students develop learner agency, they begin to see themselves as active participants in their education rather than passive recipients.
What is Learner Agency?
Learner agency means students:
- take ownership of their learning
- set goals and reflect on their progress
- ask questions and think critically
- develop independence and responsibility
Schools that cultivate learner agency often see:
- increased student engagement
- stronger academic persistence
- deeper classroom discussion and thinking
“We emphasize with our staff and our students that agency is not just a voice or a choice. It’s about intentional decision-making, which is grounded in clear learning goals.”
Jamie Lowe, Assistant Principal
Services
Professional Development
Teach Lead Thrive Learner Agency Framework
Our research-based approach helps schools develop student ownership, teacher capacity, and sustainable classroom practices that increase engagement and academic growth. The interactive professional learning sessions is designed to help teachers build structures that support learner agency in the classroom. These sessions provide practical strategies teachers can implement immediately.
Topics may include:
- growth mindset in the classroom
- goal-setting routines
- managing and adjusting learning
- critical thinking skill development
- student voice and choice
- self-assessment and self-reflection
Coaching and Implementation Support
Professional development is most effective when teachers are supported during the implementation phase. Integrating coaching into professional learning ensures that practical strategies are applied with fidelity and lasting impact in the classroom.
Coaching partnerships may include:
- classroom observation and feedback
- teacher coaching cycles
- PLC facilitation
- leadership collaboration to support schoolwide implementation
“I believe putting this to use in my middle school classroom will benefit every student overall. I have learned a lot; my favorite concept is “yet”.
Mary Julien-Crew, Teacher
“Dr. Malik presented a workshop to our teachers on differentiation. Teachers were in grade bands during the workshops and they walked away with tips for their classroom they could use the next day.”
Dr. Eric O’Brien, Assistant Principal
Outcomes for Schools
Schools that implement learner agency practices often experience:
- increased student engagement
- stronger classroom ownership of learning
- improved collaboration and problem solving
- more meaningful student reflection and growth
“Dr. Malik worked with our school on building student agency and development of student portfolios. She did a fabulous job on keeping us on track and providing easy-to-implement strategies and many things for us to reflect on”.Daphne Irby, Assistant Principal
“A lot of our first year was really looking at the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset. And by the end of that year, our students K-8 could identify if they were stuck in a struggle and perhaps not giving themselves the opportunity to grow”.
Amy Holzwart, Principal
Interested in bringing learner agency professional development to your school?
Schedule a consultation to explore how we can support your teachers and students.