What does deeper learning actually look like?
It looks like students doing more of the thinking, talking, questioning, and problem-solving. Inquiry is at the heart of this work. Students are encouraged to be curious, ask meaningful questions, investigate ideas, and use what they learn to develop new understanding. Deeper learning has purpose and asks students to apply what they know, not simply recall it. It means classrooms where students have opportunities to make choices, work with others, revise their thinking, and create something meaningful.
And this is a PK-8 commitment. Deeper learning belongs in every classroom, at every age; it simply looks different as students grow. For our youngest learners, inquiry might begin with wondering, exploring through play, building something together, explaining their thinking, or asking “why?” In elementary school, students increasingly investigate questions, gather information, collaborate on solutions, and apply new skills in authentic contexts. By junior high, students should be tackling more complex questions and problems, evaluating information, defending their thinking, making meaningful choices, and taking greater ownership of their learning.
Importantly, deeper learning doesn’t mean abandoning strong foundational skills or academic excellence. Quite the opposite. Students need rich knowledge and strong skills in order to engage in meaningful inquiry, think deeply, solve complex problems, and tackle challenging work. Knowledge gives students more to wonder about, more connections to make, and a stronger foundation from which to explore.
Across LASD, our educators continue to explore how we can create these experiences more consistently for every student. Our goal is both ambitious and simple: every student, in every classroom, every day.
