No Grades, More Choice: One School’s Bold Response to Classroom Disruption
In rural Pennsylvania, a small school is taking a bold step by ditching traditional grades and empowering students to choose what they want to learn. The innovative “Moonshot” program aims to boost engagement, reduce anxiety, and transform the learning experience. This episode is part of Stay Tuned’s Learning Shift series, focused on reimagining classrooms in the wake of disruption. Sponsored by Walton Family Foundation.
Transforming Schools with SDT: Marie-Claire Wonacott on Student-Centered Change
How can a struggling school become a model of student-centered transformation? In this inspiring presentation to the SDT Education Consortium (March 18, 2025), Marie-Claire Wonacott shares the powerful story of how two elementary schools—deeply affected by poverty and systemic challenges—were dramatically reshaped through the practical application of Self-Determination Theory (SDT).
Through her role as SEL Coordinator for North Clackamas School District (Oregon) and years of work with Caring School Community, Marie-Claire illustrates how SDT-informed practices fueled real, sustained change—transforming one of the most troubled schools in the district into its “model school.”
🔹 Hear firsthand how SDT principles helped faculty rebuild motivation, trust, and belonging
🔹 Learn strategies to apply autonomy-supportive, relationship-rich practices in K-12 settings
🔹 Discover how systemic change can start with a committed principal, a passionate teacher, and SDT at the center
📌 Watch, reflect, and join the movement for need-supportive education.
SDT as a Teaching Compass: Dr. Maarten Vansteenkiste on Motivation in the Classroom
What guides teachers toward need-supportive, motivating practices in the classroom? In this presentation to the SDT Education Consortium (April 15, 2025), Dr. Maarten Vansteenkiste—CSDT International Scholar and Professor of Psychology at Universiteit Gent—introduces the Teaching Compass, also known as the Circumplex Model of Teaching Behaviors.
Based on over a decade of research, this model offers a practical, visual framework for helping educators align their classroom strategies with the principles of Self-Determination Theory (SDT)—supporting students' autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
🔹 Explore the spectrum of teaching behaviors and their motivational consequences
🔹 Understand how the compass can inform reflection, feedback, and instructional design
🔹 Learn how this framework is being used across primary, secondary, and higher education settings
Richard M. Ryan Discusses Motivation & Wellness in Learners and Teachers
Join Dr. Richard M. Ryan, co-founder of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), as he delivers the address for the SDT Education Consortium 2025 Kickoff Meeting (January 21, 2025). In this talk, Dr. Ryan explores how SDT research illuminates the essential conditions for fostering motivation and well-being in both students and educators.
Drawing from decades of empirical studies, he discusses the impact of autonomy, competence, and relatedness on engagement, resilience, and learning outcomes—offering key insights for applying SDT principles in classrooms and educational leadership. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or researcher, this session provides valuable, research-backed strategies for supporting thriving learning environments.