Preparing for Design Experience 2

Overview

In this step, you will prepare to lead Design Experience 2. You will confirm logistics, internalize session goals, and coordinate with the district team to ensure alignment and support. This Design Experience focuses on guiding teams to analyze their current state and lay the foundation for a bold, student-centered vision grounded in community insights and the XQ Design Principles.

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 Principles.

Owner(s)
Facilitation partner

Contributor(s)
District transformation team, all facilitators

Resources

Design Experience 2 Facilitator Guide
A Step-by-step facilitation guide for leading teams through Design Experience 2.

Design Experience 2A Facilitator Deck
Day 1 slide deck used to help teams explore Bold School Concepts, deepen understanding of design principles, and begin drafting their Bold School Concept.

Design Experience 2B Facilitator Deck
Day 2 slide deck supporting teams in refining their Model-at-a-Glance, aligning to learner outcomes, and preparing for community engagement.

Model at a Glance
The essential components of a school model at a glance..

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

Model-at-a Glance Examples
Examples of strong Models-at-a-Glance Cases to help facilitators calibrate what strong output can look like.

 

Anchor your preparation in the Design Experience Principles:

  • 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 2 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 models-at-a-glance to provide relevant guidance and inspiration before you facilitate.

Go to Next Step
Checking In With School Teams on Pre-Work for Design Experience 2
Let's go →