We envision education ecosystems where all learners know who they are, thrive in community and actively engage in the world as their best selves.
“Learner-Centered Collaborative has created a learning environment for site leaders and their teams to plan with intent, focus keenly on how improvement efforts align and support instructional areas of focus, and find common points of interest with other sites to ensure quality collaboration.”
“Having a clear and aligned Framework for the Future has been so positive for our district—and the true payoff is walking through classes and seeing our learning model in action with students and teachers as we reimagine learning.”
“I used to think I had to design all of the instruction, but if it’s learner centered, there’s no reason why students cannot be part of that process as well.”
“Learner-Centered Collaborative has been instrumental in the transformative journey that we are on in Santa Ana Unified School District….We’ve taken a multi-pronged approach to the work, with Learner-Centered Collaborative serving as thought partners for district leadership, supporting and facilitating principals meetings as well as instructional learning walks at school sites across the district.”
“Materials provided were very engaging and relevant, and there were plenty of opportunities given to engage in meaningful ways, both alone and in small groups, to brainstorm and explore how they can be used in our own classroom environments.”
“I am really enjoying our sessions! You do a nice job of breaking things up so it moves quickly enough to keep everyone’s attention. You seem to be genuinely excited about the work, which is infectious.”
District teams will be admitted on a rolling basis. Join this unique opportunity.
Learner-centered is taking hold across the country. See who’s leading the way and how they’re doing it.
From whole-learner outcomes to the learning experiences that support them to the enabling conditions for success.
Our 5-minute diagnostic will help you choose the next chapter that’s right for your education journey.
As traditional schools face declining enrollment and closures, there`s a growing need for innovative, future-ready models.
This article from @tomvanderark kicks off the Horizon Three Learning series being produced by @Getting_Smart.
Tom highlights the importance of creating next-generation "Horizon 3" schools that foster deeper learning, student agency, and community-connected experiences. These schools empower students with purpose, identity, and real-world skills.
Despite the challenges in scaling such models, Tom argues new school development and learner experience networks are essential to meet the demands of today`s learners and the future of education.
đź”— Learn more about Horizon Three Learning and read Tom`s article here: https://www.gettingsmart.com/series/h3-learning/
As traditional schools face declining enrollment and closures, there`s a growing need for innovative, future-ready models.
This article from @tomvanderark kicks off the Horizon Three Learning series being produced by @Getting_Smart.
Tom highlights the importance of creating next-generation "Horizon 3" schools that foster deeper learning, student agency, and community-connected experiences. These schools empower students with purpose, identity, and real-world skills.
Despite the challenges in scaling such models, Tom argues new school development and learner experience networks are essential to meet the demands of today`s learners and the future of education.
đź”— Learn more about Horizon Three Learning and read Tom`s article here: https://www.gettingsmart.com/series/h3-learning/
To cultivate a culture of agency for our learners, we must move away from a culture of compliance for adults.
One of the most important mindsets for systems change is understanding that the individual is the unit of change–not the school, not the district. Systems don’t change; they are constructs, not living breathing things.
People change systems. Each person needs to feel something different to act differently– this is our work as leaders.
For adults, fostering agency through trust might involve giving a team of educators the opportunity to design a unit promoting learner autonomy (similar to the science experiment above). Provide them with the time, space, and resources needed to do the work.
Then, affirm their efforts and say “Yes!” to what they come up with, even if it’s a baby step. As long as there is a clear “why”–a clear learner-centered mindset that they are embodying when implementing this new practice.
Read more from Meg Parry on our blog: Why Mindset Matters in Cultivating Learner-Centered Change
To cultivate a culture of agency for our learners, we must move away from a culture of compliance for adults.
One of the most important mindsets for systems change is understanding that the individual is the unit of change–not the school, not the district. Systems don’t change; they are constructs, not living breathing things.
People change systems. Each person needs to feel something different to act differently– this is our work as leaders.
For adults, fostering agency through trust might involve giving a team of educators the opportunity to design a unit promoting learner autonomy (similar to the science experiment above). Provide them with the time, space, and resources needed to do the work.
Then, affirm their efforts and say “Yes!” to what they come up with, even if it’s a baby step. As long as there is a clear “why”–a clear learner-centered mindset that they are embodying when implementing this new practice.
Read more from Meg Parry on our blog: Why Mindset Matters in Cultivating Learner-Centered Change
From Discovery Visits to Scorecards, here is this week`s learner-centered highlights!
During our Discovery Visit at Felicita Elementary School in @eusd_learns, we held a Family/Caregiver forum where we discussed hopes and dreams for learners and ideas to bring the Portrait of a Learner to life. We also held student panels and heard brilliant ideas to improve the school and teachers were told about the things students are curious to learn about.
We gathered with Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission educators to connect school leaders and create an ongoing community of practice, reflect and align on effective metrics for desired outcomes, finalize 2024-25 Scorecard outcomes and metrics for each school, plan for future data collection and analysis, and create a communication plan to share with the wider learning community. You know you`re "in it" when nobody wants to go to lunch 🙂.
Want to learn more about Scorecards and how to leverage them for measuring whole learner outcomes? We just released a new guide (free download!), so be sure to check it out on our website!
From Discovery Visits to Scorecards, here is this week`s learner-centered highlights!
During our Discovery Visit at Felicita Elementary School in @eusd_learns, we held a Family/Caregiver forum where we discussed hopes and dreams for learners and ideas to bring the Portrait of a Learner to life. We also held student panels and heard brilliant ideas to improve the school and teachers were told about the things students are curious to learn about.
We gathered with Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission educators to connect school leaders and create an ongoing community of practice, reflect and align on effective metrics for desired outcomes, finalize 2024-25 Scorecard outcomes and metrics for each school, plan for future data collection and analysis, and create a communication plan to share with the wider learning community. You know you`re "in it" when nobody wants to go to lunch 🙂.
Want to learn more about Scorecards and how to leverage them for measuring whole learner outcomes? We just released a new guide (free download!), so be sure to check it out on our website!
How might you amplify learner voice in your classroom?
Zoë Randall shares examples from her many experiences as a teacher and teacher-leader in diverse settings at the school and classroom level.
Check out "See Me, Know Me, Grow Me: Personalizing Learning for Learner Agency and Success" on our blog!
How might you amplify learner voice in your classroom?
Zoë Randall shares examples from her many experiences as a teacher and teacher-leader in diverse settings at the school and classroom level.
Check out "See Me, Know Me, Grow Me: Personalizing Learning for Learner Agency and Success" on our blog!
🚨 NEW TOOL JUST RELEASED
Our Scorecard Guide introduces a powerful tool for measuring and communicating educational progress beyond traditional metrics, aligned with whole-learner outcomes in a learner-centered paradigm.
This guide provides a comprehensive framework for designing, implementing, and leveraging Scorecards to drive continuous improvement, engage stakeholders, and tell your school or district`s unique story of success.
Download the tool today on our website!
🚨 NEW TOOL JUST RELEASED
Our Scorecard Guide introduces a powerful tool for measuring and communicating educational progress beyond traditional metrics, aligned with whole-learner outcomes in a learner-centered paradigm.
This guide provides a comprehensive framework for designing, implementing, and leveraging Scorecards to drive continuous improvement, engage stakeholders, and tell your school or district`s unique story of success.
Download the tool today on our website!
@katiemartinedu talks soap making, street fairs, and the power of authentic learning experiences in this week`s Bright Spots. Check it out: http://bit.ly/BRIGHT17
@katiemartinedu talks soap making, street fairs, and the power of authentic learning experiences in this week`s Bright Spots. Check it out: http://bit.ly/BRIGHT17
Sandy Cima, Director of People and Business Operations at Learner-Centered Collaborative, joined @katiemartinedu for a special episode of The Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast.
Sandy offers her unique perspective as both a parent and a professional. Sandy discusses her experiences navigating the education system as a parent of two young children and the challenges of advocating for a more personalized approach to learning.
With a background in both education technology and working with underserved communities, Sandy shares how these experiences have shaped her views on the importance of flexibility, curiosity, and happiness in both education and career paths.
Key topics covered include:
đź‘Ş The vital role of parental trust and communication with educators
🏫 How schools can better engage with parents and involve them in their children’s learning journey
đź“š The importance of teaching students to develop a strong sense of identity and agency
🔄 The necessity for schools to remain adaptable to changes in society and the job market
🎯 Preparing children for diverse paths beyond traditional academic success, including college and non-college careers
Tune in wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts: https://learnercentered.org/podcasts/episode-34-families-and-caregivers-empowering-teachers-with-sandy-cima/
Sandy Cima, Director of People and Business Operations at Learner-Centered Collaborative, joined @katiemartinedu for a special episode of The Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast.
Sandy offers her unique perspective as both a parent and a professional. Sandy discusses her experiences navigating the education system as a parent of two young children and the challenges of advocating for a more personalized approach to learning.
With a background in both education technology and working with underserved communities, Sandy shares how these experiences have shaped her views on the importance of flexibility, curiosity, and happiness in both education and career paths.
Key topics covered include:
đź‘Ş The vital role of parental trust and communication with educators
🏫 How schools can better engage with parents and involve them in their children’s learning journey
đź“š The importance of teaching students to develop a strong sense of identity and agency
🔄 The necessity for schools to remain adaptable to changes in society and the job market
🎯 Preparing children for diverse paths beyond traditional academic success, including college and non-college careers
Tune in wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts: https://learnercentered.org/podcasts/episode-34-families-and-caregivers-empowering-teachers-with-sandy-cima/
Ready to empower your students to tackle real-world problems while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration?
đź’ˇ Join our Project-Based Learning Course and learn how to design meaningful learning experiences that connect your learners to meaningful challenges in their community and beyond.
👩‍🏫 What you’ll learn: ✨ Source project ideas from your interests, your community, and your students’ passions. ✨ Create authentic assessments that go beyond grades and engage students in deep reflection. ✨ Build partnerships with your community for real-world learning connections.
Take the first (or next) step toward learner-centered education and real-world impact today. Your classroom can be the launchpad for the next generation of problem solvers! 🔥
👉 Link in bio to enroll now!
#ProjectBasedLearning #TeacherLife #ClassroomInspiration #LearnerCentered #EdTech #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeacherGoals #EmpowerStudents
Ready to empower your students to tackle real-world problems while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration?
đź’ˇ Join our Project-Based Learning Course and learn how to design meaningful learning experiences that connect your learners to meaningful challenges in their community and beyond.
👩‍🏫 What you’ll learn: ✨ Source project ideas from your interests, your community, and your students’ passions. ✨ Create authentic assessments that go beyond grades and engage students in deep reflection. ✨ Build partnerships with your community for real-world learning connections.
Take the first (or next) step toward learner-centered education and real-world impact today. Your classroom can be the launchpad for the next generation of problem solvers! 🔥
👉 Link in bio to enroll now!
#ProjectBasedLearning #TeacherLife #ClassroomInspiration #LearnerCentered #EdTech #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeacherGoals #EmpowerStudents
To create learning experiences that meet the needs of all learners in the modern world, it’s essential to establish clear expectations for learning and teaching based on a shared vision.
This involves creating educator competencies that determine what teachers need to know and do to create desired learning experiences.
Teachers should be supported in self-assessing their strengths and goals to develop personalized learning plans. Providing clear learning goals while allowing for teacher-directed learning in terms of path, time, place, and pace empowers teachers to build on their strengths and preferences.
Shifting the focus to competency-based demonstrations of learning prioritizes the application of knowledge over mere attendance in professional development.
A system fostering personalized professional learning and robust support is necessary to integrate new learning into classrooms. This ecosystem should offer:
🕊️ Safe practice opportunities
đź‘€ Model observations
⏱️ Time for reflection and revision
🔨 Collaborative capacity building
The power of professional learning lies in this continuous cycle, promoting sustained new learning and innovation based on the needs and interests of the learners.
To see examples of how this happens in practice, check out our Big Moves page on Designing Competency-Based Professional Learning Structures.
To create learning experiences that meet the needs of all learners in the modern world, it’s essential to establish clear expectations for learning and teaching based on a shared vision.
This involves creating educator competencies that determine what teachers need to know and do to create desired learning experiences.
Teachers should be supported in self-assessing their strengths and goals to develop personalized learning plans. Providing clear learning goals while allowing for teacher-directed learning in terms of path, time, place, and pace empowers teachers to build on their strengths and preferences.
Shifting the focus to competency-based demonstrations of learning prioritizes the application of knowledge over mere attendance in professional development.
A system fostering personalized professional learning and robust support is necessary to integrate new learning into classrooms. This ecosystem should offer:
🕊️ Safe practice opportunities
đź‘€ Model observations
⏱️ Time for reflection and revision
🔨 Collaborative capacity building
The power of professional learning lies in this continuous cycle, promoting sustained new learning and innovation based on the needs and interests of the learners.
To see examples of how this happens in practice, check out our Big Moves page on Designing Competency-Based Professional Learning Structures.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, one of every five new teachers (less than three years of experience) left their role after the 2021-22 academic year.
Do we want to accept 20% turnover as the norm? What can we do to transform the professional development experience to not only keep new hires on board but get them excited about achievable career growth opportunities along their path?
@learnercenteredleadership shares a story from his own experience as a Curriculum Director, from personal failure to collective success, that had educators leaning in and committed to the district`s long term vision and mission.
Grab your coffee and get inspired this Sunday >> https://learnercentered.org/blog/homegrown-talent-the-strategic-importance-of-internal-growth-pipelines-in-education/
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, one of every five new teachers (less than three years of experience) left their role after the 2021-22 academic year.
Do we want to accept 20% turnover as the norm? What can we do to transform the professional development experience to not only keep new hires on board but get them excited about achievable career growth opportunities along their path?
@learnercenteredleadership shares a story from his own experience as a Curriculum Director, from personal failure to collective success, that had educators leaning in and committed to the district`s long term vision and mission.
Grab your coffee and get inspired this Sunday >> https://learnercentered.org/blog/homegrown-talent-the-strategic-importance-of-internal-growth-pipelines-in-education/
Deep, focused, energized work was the theme throughout our partnerships this week. Let`s dive in:
We kicked off our Discovery Visit at Rock Springs in @eusd_learns with a fantastic bilingual family forum and two student focus groups! We are surfacing bright spots and hopes/dreams of the community to integrate in the school design journey.
We had a great day with the @encinitas_usd Leadership cohort focused on how we as leaders can create the conditions to accelerate progress toward the Framework for the Future. We have a particular focus this school year on competency-based practices.
We welcomed @adelantoesd to our partnership network! Throughout the year, we will be focused on three core work streams: Framework for the Future development, facilitated School Visits, and developing a Blueprint for Success. Let`s get to work!
@santaanausd secondary and elementary principals convened for the second leadership academy of the year to forge stronger relationships and build relational trust through dialogical interviews, strengthen their understanding of the Framework for the Future through developing their "Story of Us," and leaned into using AI.
On the virtual side, we had an exciting and productive day with the Santa Ana Virtual Academy Team! We kicked off the first of three design sessions for the SAVA redesign workflow. The team unpacked valuable insights from student forums, parent focus groups, and staff listening sessions. We also made great progress on refreshing the mission and vision, and more deeply understanding the SAUSD Framework for the Future.
Thank you to all of our partners who are centering learners by design!
Deep, focused, energized work was the theme throughout our partnerships this week. Let`s dive in:
We kicked off our Discovery Visit at Rock Springs in @eusd_learns with a fantastic bilingual family forum and two student focus groups! We are surfacing bright spots and hopes/dreams of the community to integrate in the school design journey.
We had a great day with the @encinitas_usd Leadership cohort focused on how we as leaders can create the conditions to accelerate progress toward the Framework for the Future. We have a particular focus this school year on competency-based practices.
We welcomed @adelantoesd to our partnership network! Throughout the year, we will be focused on three core work streams: Framework for the Future development, facilitated School Visits, and developing a Blueprint for Success. Let`s get to work!
@santaanausd secondary and elementary principals convened for the second leadership academy of the year to forge stronger relationships and build relational trust through dialogical interviews, strengthen their understanding of the Framework for the Future through developing their "Story of Us," and leaned into using AI.
On the virtual side, we had an exciting and productive day with the Santa Ana Virtual Academy Team! We kicked off the first of three design sessions for the SAVA redesign workflow. The team unpacked valuable insights from student forums, parent focus groups, and staff listening sessions. We also made great progress on refreshing the mission and vision, and more deeply understanding the SAUSD Framework for the Future.
Thank you to all of our partners who are centering learners by design!
ICYMI: Check out our latest podcast episode with Gregg Behr!
Have you booked your flight to New Orleans?
The Aurora Institute Symposium is just around the corner (Nov 2-5) and we can`t wait to host 50+ learner-centered educators at our Pre-Conference Workshop on November 2nd.
Together, we`ll be tackling all things Competency-Based Assessment, Grading, and Reporting.
Let us know if we`ll see you there :)
Have you booked your flight to New Orleans?
The Aurora Institute Symposium is just around the corner (Nov 2-5) and we can`t wait to host 50+ learner-centered educators at our Pre-Conference Workshop on November 2nd.
Together, we`ll be tackling all things Competency-Based Assessment, Grading, and Reporting.
Let us know if we`ll see you there :)
Last week, we held our 2024-25 Connections fall gathering. @katiemartinedu shares highlights from our two days together and the joy of seeing 60 learner-centered leaders connect, learn, and grow.
School and district teams joined us from @AkibaYavnehAcademy, @lamont_district, Leander ISD, @lynwoodunified, Muhlenberg County Public Schools, National School District, South San Francisco Unified School District, and @santaanausd!
Last week, we held our 2024-25 Connections fall gathering. @katiemartinedu shares highlights from our two days together and the joy of seeing 60 learner-centered leaders connect, learn, and grow.
School and district teams joined us from @AkibaYavnehAcademy, @lamont_district, Leander ISD, @lynwoodunified, Muhlenberg County Public Schools, National School District, South San Francisco Unified School District, and @santaanausd!
We are so excited to contribute to @getting_smart`s Horizon Three Learning Series!
Horizons Three is a vision for learning where future-ready ecosystems are grounded in equity serving learners’ individual strengths and needs as well as the common good.
In their featured article, @katiemartinedu and @learnercenteredleadership share examples already cropping up across the country where school and district systems are centering learners by design.
Get inspired by transformational ideas from @lamont_district (Microschools), @logancountyschools (Ranger Academy), @lagunabeachusd (Authentic Exploratory Research), and @forneyisd (Opportunity Center).
đź”— http://bit.ly/LCCGS
We are so excited to contribute to @getting_smart`s Horizon Three Learning Series!
Horizons Three is a vision for learning where future-ready ecosystems are grounded in equity serving learners’ individual strengths and needs as well as the common good.
In their featured article, @katiemartinedu and @learnercenteredleadership share examples already cropping up across the country where school and district systems are centering learners by design.
Get inspired by transformational ideas from @lamont_district (Microschools), @logancountyschools (Ranger Academy), @lagunabeachusd (Authentic Exploratory Research), and @forneyisd (Opportunity Center).
đź”— http://bit.ly/LCCGS
Between 25% and 54% of students feel disengaged in school, with less than half feeling positively challenged or aligned with their strengths (Hrynowski, 2024).
These statistics highlight the urgency of adopting a more personalized approach—one that fosters learner agency, amplifies student voice, and tailors learning experiences to each student’s strengths and passions.
Zoë Randall, through her own teaching experience, shares how "seeing, knowing, and growing" learners can transform the learning experiences of everyone involved—including the adults!
Get inspired by reading our latest blog post!
Between 25% and 54% of students feel disengaged in school, with less than half feeling positively challenged or aligned with their strengths (Hrynowski, 2024).
These statistics highlight the urgency of adopting a more personalized approach—one that fosters learner agency, amplifies student voice, and tailors learning experiences to each student’s strengths and passions.
Zoë Randall, through her own teaching experience, shares how "seeing, knowing, and growing" learners can transform the learning experiences of everyone involved—including the adults!
Get inspired by reading our latest blog post!
