Preparing for Design Experience 3

Overview

In this step, you will prepare to lead Design Experience 3. You’ll internalize session goals, review school team progress, and adapt the agenda and materials to meet teams where they are. The focus is on guiding participants through the design of a transformative Learning Experience that aligns with the XQ Learner Outcomes and Competencies.

Outputs
  • Facilitator agenda or run-of-show
  • Customized & finalized slide decks
  • Printed materials and protocols
  • School-specific facilitation notes
  • Logistics prepared and confirmed

Goal
Be fully prepared to facilitate a meaningful, well-coordinated Design Experience that is grounded in the session goals, responsive to team needs, and aligned with the Design Experience Principles.

Owner(s)
Facilitation partner

Contributor(s)
District transformation team,
all facilitators

Resources

Design Experience 3 Facilitator Guide
A Step-by-step facilitation guide for leading teams through Design Experience 3: Rethink the Learning Experience.

Design Experience 3A Facilitator Deck
Day 1 slide deck guiding teams through the design of a transformative Learning Experience aligned to XQ Learner Outcomes.

Design Experience 3B Facilitator Deck
Day 2 slide deck supporting teams in refining their Learning Experience, deepening alignment to Design Principles, and connecting to their broader Bold School Concept.

Bold School Concept Artifacts
Overview of the essential outputs from this Design Experience and how they connect to the broader Bold School Concept.

Design Experience Scope and Sequence
Outline of the full arc of the Design Experiences showing how each experience builds toward a cohesive school design.

Learning Experience Examples
Examples of strong Learning Experiences to help facilitators calibrate what strong output can look like.

Anchor your preparation in the Design Experience Principles:

  • Design Experiences lead participants towards all the parts of the Bold School Concept.
  • Participants leave Design Experiences clear on the next steps and the artifacts they will draft before the next Design Experience.
  • Design Experience content is centered around XQ Design Principles and informed by XQ in a Box.
  • Design Experiences provide participants with the “just right” amount of support (participants will not be experts but will have enough understanding & exposure to lead a redesign process that enables them to ideate and conceptualize what learning will look like in their school) and integrated work time for a balance of depth & breadth.
  • Design Experiences have a felt experience rooted in Magic & Joy, Dreaming + Action, Connection & Community, Rigorous Learning for All, & “Seeing is believing”

Putting It Into Practice

1

Align with the district team:

Confirm timing, goals, and shared responsibilities for the session—including communication and reminders for school teams. Review session plans with the district transformation lead and revise as needed to reflect the local context.

2

Customize your facilitation plan:

Familiarize yourself with the information teams are bringing to the convening to tailor discussions and support their work. Adapt your approach to match each team’s dynamics and entry points. Plan facilitation moves that uplift student voice, support authentic reflection, and create space for meaningful engagement from all participants.

3

Prep your facilitation team:

Clarify roles and delegate responsibilities. Support all facilitators in internalizing the Design Experience 3: Rethink the Learning Experience Facilitator Guide and slide decks—ensuring everyone understands the key activities, pacing, and objectives across both days.

4

Ensure all logistics are covered:

Confirm that space, materials, posters, name tags, supplies, food, and more are prepped and ready. Work with your operations partner to ensure all logistics align with Design Experience Design Principles.

5

Ground your facilitation team in the outputs:

Review strong examples of Bold School Concepts and Learning Experiences to provide relevant guidance and inspiration before you facilitate.

Go to Next Step
Checking In With School Teams on Pre-Work
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