Learner-Centered Collaborative

Escondido Union School District's School (re)Design Cohort Lesson Design Team came together to celebrate and reflect on how they have grown their educator competencies and tested their learner-centered strategies in their classrooms. We were honored to join the League of Innovative Schools convening in Pittsburgh, celebrating Hampton Township School District's exemplary "Portrait of a Talbot." Their innovative approach is an inspiring model of learner-centered education, emphasizing critical thinking, empathy, perseverance, collaboration, communication, and a learner’s mindset. LCC is proud to partner with Hampton Township on their learner-centered journey. It's so exciting to see these competencies in action. Congratulations to Hampton Township for showcasing what's possible when we put learners at the center! We had a powerful day with Deer Lakes School District. Teachers, school, and district leaders met to reflect on their Portrait implementation and define the strategic Big Moves the system wants to make over the next 3-5 years. The day was anchored by a powerful student panel that offered insights and ideas that inspired the group. As we turn the calendar to April next week, there's a fine balance between finishing the year strong and setting yourself up for success next fall. If you're looking to make the most of your 25-26 school year and take big steps forward on your learner-centered journey, let's talk! https://hubs.ly/Q03d_Wys0

What happens when students own their learning? In the latest episode of The Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast, Allie Wong shares how her experience as a student at High Tech High shaped her approach as a teacher, school leader, and now an advocate for learner-centered education. Tune in to hear: ? How co-designing projects with students builds engagement and agency ? Strategies for making math more learner-centered with CGI ? Lessons in school leadership and culture-building for lasting change ? Why you don’t need full buy-in to start meaningful transformation If you're passionate about rethinking learning, this episode is a must-listen! https://hubs.ly/Q03dLDsW0

"I had the opportunity, as a researcher, to evaluate scorecards and look for patterns throughout the Hawaiian charter school network to see how they were being developed and applied in real-world contexts...I spoke with a group of school leaders about the scorecard process, and they shared it not only provided a tool for assessment but also fostered a sense of ownership and collaboration." Learn more about what Ph.D. candidate, Nicolas Mireles discovered about How Scorecards are Transforming School Accountability: https://hubs.ly/Q03dLBj-0

Katie Martin recently joined educators in Escondido Union School District to celebrate their year of learning. Check out what happens when we treat learning as a process, not an event!

Holly Stipe showcases how to meaningfully integrate AI into the classroom setting in collaboration with students: 1. Start with inquiry 2. Make learning authentic 3. Amplify learner voices No matter where you fall on the AI spectrum (from fear to full embrace), this story will give you great insights making use of this tool to center learners and learning by design. https://hubs.ly/Q03dsfJZ0

We had a phenomenal conversation on learner-centered leadership techniques you can lean into right now in your community. One story came from Marlon Styles about how, as Superintendent at Middletown City Schools, he led an initiative to create 100 community partnerships that supported their learner-centered vision. This wasn't just a passive endorsement. These partnerships required strong accountability from the district and community partners, alike, including three non-negotiables from each partner who wanted to sign on. Check out the full conversation for even more inspiring stories and insights: https://hubs.ly/Q03dkfTB0

What does it actually mean to center learners by design? Our introductory course on Learner-Centered Foundations will provide you with the clarity and depth to transform your classroom practice so that every learner knows who they are, thrives in community, and actively engages in the world as their best selves. Begin your learning journey here: https://hubs.ly/Q03djW4T0

In case you missed it. One of our most popular articles highlights "Why Stepping Outside Your School Could Be Key to Learner-Centered Change." As you read, consider the mindsets that need to shift to make learner-centered change sustainable in your learning community. https://hubs.ly/Q03d4g2r0

We are excited to partner with Compass Academy to develop a custom guidebook for educators, learners, and families that will help operationalize portfolios and presentations of learning! This important work will help the school realize it's competency-based grading and reporting goals. If you'd like to learn more about bringing competency-based reporting to your school or district, check out our in-depth playbook (it's free!): https://hubs.ly/Q03c_Y2c0

This week, spring has sprung and so did incredible learner-centered work! Devin Vodicka made a visit to Portugal alongside our partners from HighTechHigh to visit schools in the Municipality of Oeiras. During the inspiring visits, they saw how the educational system is organized and how leaders emphasize relationships and connectedness for students and staff. Educators at Wiseburn Unified School District came together as a design team to unpack assessment beliefs and start drafting an assessment philosophy that will guide their grading and reporting practices. Educators from Bellflower Unified School District visited Design39Campus, VIDA, Mission Vista, Casita, and High Tech High to gain inspiration from learner-centered models and practices throughout the region. North County superintendents met at Cal State San Marcos for meaningful conversations about educational change, staying motivated in challenging contexts, and leveraging our network to drive impact and measure what matters. We had a great celebration of learning with a cross-district cohort of educators in Escondido Union School District who have collaborated all year and taken self-paced courses based on their goals and interests. SoCal LiNK came together for their third session this academic year. School and district teams continued to work on goals and critically consider their indicators and evidence. The Salinas Union High School District Guiding Coalition refined their portrait of a graduate outcomes, descriptions, and competencies, and refreshed their vision and mission! South San Francisco Unified School District principals met to give input on their developing vision for instruction, began exploring elements of learner-centered school design, and discussed how getting out of your context can help reveal that what we do is as important as how we engage in the work (mindsets). Want to learn more about how we partner with schools and districts interested in learner-centered transformation? Contact us here: https://hubs.ly/Q03c_rH00