Preparing for Design Experience 1

Overview

In this step, you will prepare to lead Design Experience 1. You’ll confirm logistics, internalize session goals and materials, and align with the district team on key supports. Because this experience sets the tone for Phase 3, you play a critical role in guiding school teams through reflection, meaning-making, and early visioning. Strong preparation ensures teams leave the session with clarity, momentum, and a shared sense of purpose for the design journey ahead.

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

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 norms.

Owner(s)
Facilitation partner

Contributor(s)
District transformation team
All facilitators

Resources

Design Experience 1 Facilitator Guide
Step-by-step guidance and resource links for leading teams through reflection on their current state, exploration of trends, and early articulation of a Case for Change.

Design Experience 1A Facilitator Deck
Slide deck for Day 1 activities to support teams in with analysis of EOAA/SRA insights and deep dive into XQ Design Principles.

Design Experience 1B Facilitator Deck
Slide deck for Day 2 activities to guide teams in developing their Case for Change and planning for community engagement and inspiration visits

Case for Change & Stakeholder Engagement
Overview of the essential outputs from this Design Experience and how they connect to the broader Bold School Concept.

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

Case for Change Examples
Examples of compelling and well-structured Cases for Change to help facilitators calibrate what strong output can look like.

 

Anchor your preparation in the Design Experience norms:

  • Focus: the Design Experiences create a structured, strategic path that guides participants through the principles of XQ Learning and results in a cohesive, comprehensive Bold School Concept
  • Support: the Design Experiences set clear expectations, connect teams to information and expertise, and provide participants with tools and resources to bolster their design
  • Creativity: the Design Experiences encourage participants to seek inspiration, embrace big ideas, and set aside current constraints to imagine a truly bold school design

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 1: Embrace the Challenge and the Work Ahead 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.

Go to Next Step
Shared Milestone: Design Experience 1
Let's go →