Today, we’re excited to share a bold step forward: The Aurora Institute and The Learning Accelerator (TLA) have officially united to form a single, future-facing organization– FullScale. 

FullScale represents more than a name– it’s our renewed commitment to transforming education systems at full-scale –advancing more equitable, learner-centered experiences through personalized, competency-based approaches and holistic student development. FullScale is shaped by the legacy and strength of two organizations committed to K-12 systems change and more equitable K-12 education systems. We envision a world where every human reaches their full potential. And, we’re joining forces to work toward making that vision a reality. 

“FullScale reflects our shared belief that transforming education systems requires bold ideas, collective learning and effort, and grounded, practical action,” said Beth Rabbitt, CEO of The Learning Accelerator. “Together, we can bring greater coherence and capacity to the field at a time when it’s urgently needed.”

For years, TLA and Aurora have worked together, and in parallel, driven by a shared belief: that every learner deserves an education tailored to their needs, strengths, and aspirations. As agents of change in the K-12 transformation space, we combine a robust suite of tools for educators looking for practical guidance, a growing evidence base for transforming systems, deep networks aimed at driving improvement, and expertise across the system to mobilize innovation and close opportunity gaps.

At FullScale, we are committed to bringing education leaders and organizations together to build collective learning, action, and systems transformation. We break siloes, bridge divides, lift up new evidence and unseen innovations, and accelerate momentum for lasting change. From the classroom to the federal level, FullScale brings together coalitions to execute on our shared vision through policy, practice, progress, and people. 

“By combining the assets of both organizations, we are more effectively positioned to catalyze learner-centered systems change,” said Virgel Hammonds, CEO of the Aurora Institute. “As FullScale, we are amplifying our ability to drive impact across the K-12 system.”

Policy: We connect-the-dots between implementation and policy, align agendas, translate knowledge, and ensure actionable insight makes its way into the hands of decision makers.

Practice: We’re pairing TLA’s actionable real-world partnerships and exemplar resources on specific topics, challenges, and problems of practice with Aurora’s online knowledge-building hub and storytelling initiative, CompetencyWorks, to generate an even deeper and richer Resources & Guidance site that will house practical resources and tools for education transformation.

Progress: As a research and learning partner and creator of action-oriented networks, we build collective impact and open understanding about who’s doing what, where, how, and with what impact for kids and young people.

People: We unite people and organizations in service of action and learning, creating and curating spaces and purpose-driven networks to share resources and make progress. From Aurora’s annual Symposium to TLA’s networked learning opportunities, we offer robust opportunities for connecting and learning from those leading the way in education transformation.

“This is an exciting and strategic alignment of two organizations with deep credibility and complementary approaches,” said Al Motley, Board Chair of The Learning Accelerator. “This joining of forces adds capacity to the work that both organizations are leading, in turn allowing us to be more effective and impactful. I am looking forward to supporting the vision and strategy that the team pushes forward.”

We’re coming together because of the strong alignment of our work and the strengths we can bring collectively to increasing its impact. Our critical work continues as we organize behind the scenes on this exciting venture. While we work out the details, you can expect the same level of commitment, quality, and knowledge moving forward–from our systems level guidance to our practical, on-the ground implementation resources. We will continue our current bodies of work and strengthen them through our expanded capacity and reach as FullScale. 

“Beth and Virgel are radically learner-centered leaders–to have them leading FullScale gives me deep enthusiasm for the future of the organization,” said Tom Rooney, Board Chair of the Aurora Institute. “We’re combining strengths to make real, systemic progress towards learner-centered systems as FullScale.”

You can expect to see some changes from us as we align efforts and programming on the back-end. As we work to build our new organizational website, you’ll still be able to find us by visiting our legacy websites–we’ll continue to share resources, guidance, tools, and stories there. We’re excited for what’s ahead–and deeply grateful to you, our friends and colleagues, for being part of this journey together. 

Building bridges. Transforming Systems. Realizing Potential – At FullScale. 

Learn more about FullScale at fullscalelearning.org