TERI / Layer 5 — Community & Continuity / 5.5
Checkpoint 5.5

5.5 — Peer Learning & Regional Networks

What this is

Structured participation in peer learning with other districts, regional cooperatives, and professional networks — recognizing that ecosystem-level work rarely succeeds in isolation. Covers district membership and active participation in regional education service agencies, national superintendent and CTO networks, peer-district learning partnerships, and cross-district shared practice on AI, digital wellness, and digital citizenship.

Why it matters

Districts working alone face higher costs, slower learning, and more risk. Networks share practice, distribute the cost of experimentation, and keep work alive through leadership transitions. Peer learning is also how districts know whether 'Expanding' on a TERI checkpoint is genuinely strong practice — or just best-informed about their own work.

Connects to

The Framework: Condition #6 (Home/School/Community Partnership). Supports sustainability across Continuous Improvement (5.4).

Maturity levels

Not Started
District operates in isolation on tech, AI, and digital wellness work. No active peer network participation beyond conference attendance. No regular exchange with comparable districts.
Emerging
Membership in regional or national networks exists but participation is passive — paid dues, occasional conference attendance, newsletter subscriptions. No sustained peer-district relationships on this work.
Established
Active participation in at least one regional and one national network. Regular peer-district exchange on tech/AI/digital wellness work, including shared resources, joint PD, and mutual consultation. Staff attend and present at relevant convenings.
Expanding
District is a contributor and convener in peer networks, not just a participant. Shares its work — including what has not worked — transparently with peers. Hosts or co-hosts regional learning. Engages with research-practice partnerships. Uses peer comparison as one input to its own self-assessment. Sustains this engagement across leadership transitions.

Go deeper with

Example resource
NSBA + Digital Promise — League of Innovative Schools
Also consider