Exploring Your
Current State

The Architects Blueprint

Exploring your current state is like playing the role of an architect planning to renovate a historic building.

Before making any changes, the architect doesn’t immediately jump into designing; they first study the building’s structure and history. They explore how the building is operated, where the foundation is strong, and where it needs reinforcement. Without this deep understanding, the renovation could compromise the integrity of the building or fail to meet the needs of its occupants.

Similarly, before redesigning a school, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand the current experiences and outcomes of students and the community. This module helps assess your school’s current ” blueprint “—identifying what’s working, what needs improvement, and where the performance gaps lie. By centering community voices alongside a deep understanding of these experiences and outcomes, you ensure future redesign reflects the needs and aspirations of those it serves and is grounded in data. This approach leads to a meaningful, sustainable transformation rooted in your school community’s collective vision and lived realities.

Welcome Designers!

This module is specially designed for:

School Design Teams aiming to deeply explore the current experiences of students and community members can use this module to honor and build upon existing strengths that support learning.

Here's why it's super important:

A deep analysis of current outcomes and experiences reveals how well existing models serve students and highlights areas for improvement. Coupling this with intentional listening to all voices—especially those often underrepresented—fosters inclusivity, equity, and a sense of belonging. Engaging with diverse perspectives like this ensures that school redesigns understand unique needs and create an environment that genuinely supports every student.

What you’ll get out of it:

Gain a clear understanding of your school’s current state through the lens of the XQ Design Principles.
Deepen insights into student experiences, create a compelling Case for Change, and build a solid data foundation to guide your next steps.
You’ll also have a tangible output to share and spark action within your community.

Estimated time to complete:

Section 1: Gear Up & Get Inspired: Plan for all team members who will learn about and facilitate this content to reserve 45-60 minutes to complete the Gear Up & Get Inspired section.
Section 2: Dive In & Try It Out: Plan for 30 minutes where facilitators pick and prepare the activity and 60 minutes to engage the community.
Section 3: Capture Insights & Create Solutions: 60-90 minutes for synthesis with facilitators.
Section 4: Launch & Measure Impact: 30 minutes for action planning.

Exploring Your Current State