ABOUT DAVID

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 With almost three decades working with schools and school districts at the state education agency level David Cook, CEO of Learning Ecosystems Design, is an expert on what it takes to make change happen in education systems. As a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach®, he thrives in the space of helping systems shift to an ecosystem culture with an asset mindset rather than a deficit one. He has done this by navigating the waters of every possible political current and led major efforts to create innovative learning ecosystems. David is a nationally respected voice in the transformation conversation. He retired in 2024 from the state agency level after 27 years at the Kentucky Department of Education, the last 15 as Director of Innovative Learning. During his tenure he has:

• Oversaw a statewide initiative to shift assessment, accountability and the credentialing of learning from a one size fits all state level approach, to one where communities design Local Accountability Models that measure the competencies found in a Portrait of a Learner/Graduate and and provide a public facing dashboard for those local indicators. (2021-2024).  
• Directed Kentucky's development of a competency-based education system including the initial efforts in developing a Portrait of a Learner
• Co-authored and implemented the first district level innovation zone program in the country, Kentucky's Districts of Innovation Program (2013). 
• Designed and implemented the longest continuously operating statewide remote learning system in the country, Kentucky's Non-Traditional Instruction Program (2011).
• Authored Kentucky's award-winning Education Recovery Program (2010).
• Has authored and co-authored numerous pieces of legislation and Kentucky Board of Education administrative regulation. 

In addition, David is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and has, with other Gallup ® Certified Strengths Coaches, developed a model to assist school systems in creating a "strengths-based culture".