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.
Nerel Winter and Jeff Petty were dropping gems in our most recent webinar on the power of competency-based assessment:
"We have to rethink education about being about academics solely and rather about relationship networks and really redesigning school to be around each one of our students and knowing them well and being able to create school around who they want to be."
"If you`re undertaking this work [of shifting to a learner-centered system], find other people people who are doing it to remind you that it`s possible."
Watch the full recording on our YouTube channel!
![Nerel Winter and Jeff Petty were dropping gems in our most recent webinar on the power of competency-based assessment:
"We have to rethink education about being about academics solely and rather about relationship networks and really redesigning school to be around each one of our students and knowing them well and being able to create school around who they want to be."
"If you're undertaking this work [of shifting to a learner-centered system], find other people people who are doing it to remind you that it's possible."
Watch the full recording on our YouTube channel!](https://learnercentered.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Nerel Winter and Jeff Petty were dropping gems in our most recent webinar on the power of competency-based assessment:
"We have to rethink education about being about academics solely and rather about relationship networks and really redesigning school to be around each one of our students and knowing them well and being able to create school around who they want to be."
"If you`re undertaking this work [of shifting to a learner-centered system], find other people people who are doing it to remind you that it`s possible."
Watch the full recording on our YouTube channel!
A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group with a common interest and a commitment to learning and improving together over time.
The strength of CoPs lies in their organic nature—members choose to participate because they share a genuine interest in improving their practice.
They are a safe space to celebrate wins and failures, with the group collectively learning from any attempts that didn’t go as intended.
CoPs model a learner-centered approach, creating meaningful collaboration and equity of voice through protocols and dedicated time for reflection and sharing about the learning.
These communities are built on trust, shared values, and the understanding that the collective wisdom of the group will lead to more meaningful, scalable change.
Learn more about CoPs and the impact they could have in your school or district by visiting our blog!
A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group with a common interest and a commitment to learning and improving together over time.
The strength of CoPs lies in their organic nature—members choose to participate because they share a genuine interest in improving their practice.
They are a safe space to celebrate wins and failures, with the group collectively learning from any attempts that didn’t go as intended.
CoPs model a learner-centered approach, creating meaningful collaboration and equity of voice through protocols and dedicated time for reflection and sharing about the learning.
These communities are built on trust, shared values, and the understanding that the collective wisdom of the group will lead to more meaningful, scalable change.
Learn more about CoPs and the impact they could have in your school or district by visiting our blog!
What an amazing two days with our 2024/25 Connections Cohort!
Together, we engaged in school and industry visits with Encinitas Union School District and STEM Aviation Academy.
There were so many incredible ideas and insights gained during our time together, and we can`t wait to see what these leadership teams take back and grow within their communities in the coming months!
What an amazing two days with our 2024/25 Connections Cohort!
Together, we engaged in school and industry visits with Encinitas Union School District and STEM Aviation Academy.
There were so many incredible ideas and insights gained during our time together, and we can`t wait to see what these leadership teams take back and grow within their communities in the coming months!
Watching teachers celebrate teachers never ceases to inspire @katiemartinedu and the Learner-Centered Collaborative team. She reflects on her latest experience with Escondido Union School District and their School Redesign cohort.
Watching teachers celebrate teachers never ceases to inspire @katiemartinedu and the Learner-Centered Collaborative team. She reflects on her latest experience with Escondido Union School District and their School Redesign cohort.
Thank you Gregg Behr for joining The Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast!
Gregg is the Executive Director of the Grable Foundation and co-author of "When You Wonder, You’re Learning."
On this episode, he shares how Fred Rogers’ intentional and science-driven approach to children’s programming has deeply influenced his work. Greg discusses the power of creating learning environments that foster curiosity, safety, and joy, drawing parallels between the principles Fred Rogers applied to television and how they can transform education today.
Greg explains the origins of @remakelearning, a network he co-founded in 2007, which has grown into a vibrant learning ecosystem involving over 800 organizations. Through his work, Greg emphasizes the importance of convening diverse voices—educators, artists, technologists, and community leaders—to collaboratively design equitable learning opportunities for all.
Check out the full episode any where you listen to podcasts and the full show notes on our website!
Thank you Gregg Behr for joining The Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast!
Gregg is the Executive Director of the Grable Foundation and co-author of "When You Wonder, You’re Learning."
On this episode, he shares how Fred Rogers’ intentional and science-driven approach to children’s programming has deeply influenced his work. Greg discusses the power of creating learning environments that foster curiosity, safety, and joy, drawing parallels between the principles Fred Rogers applied to television and how they can transform education today.
Greg explains the origins of @remakelearning, a network he co-founded in 2007, which has grown into a vibrant learning ecosystem involving over 800 organizations. Through his work, Greg emphasizes the importance of convening diverse voices—educators, artists, technologists, and community leaders—to collaboratively design equitable learning opportunities for all.
Check out the full episode any where you listen to podcasts and the full show notes on our website!
Join us October 22nd for an important conversation on two critical enabling conditions your district needs to fully realize its learner-centered vision.
Joined by Drs. Andrée Grey (@encinitas_usd) and Cory Steiner (Northern Cass School District), this webinar introduces strategies to build coherence and drive meaningful improvement throughout your district.
Discover how a well-structured plan can enhance coherence, align systems, and boost overall effectiveness. Join us to gain practical insights on crafting and implementing a focused strategy that leads to tangible outcomes and significant results in your educational environment.
Register here: http://bit.ly/ALIGNLC
Join us October 22nd for an important conversation on two critical enabling conditions your district needs to fully realize its learner-centered vision.
Joined by Drs. Andrée Grey (@encinitas_usd) and Cory Steiner (Northern Cass School District), this webinar introduces strategies to build coherence and drive meaningful improvement throughout your district.
Discover how a well-structured plan can enhance coherence, align systems, and boost overall effectiveness. Join us to gain practical insights on crafting and implementing a focused strategy that leads to tangible outcomes and significant results in your educational environment.
Register here: http://bit.ly/ALIGNLC
🚨 New blog from Devin Vodicka (@learnercenteredleadership)
"In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, district leaders face the dual challenge of retaining top talent and ensuring effective leadership succession. Developing robust internal growth pipelines is not just a strategy for retention but a crucial aspect of fostering a culture of continuous professional development and career advancement.
A well-structured internal pipeline equips educators with the skills and opportunities necessary to advance within their current system—boosting job satisfaction and retention. By investing in the growth of their own staff, districts can cultivate a committed, knowledgeable workforce poised to take on leadership roles as they open up."
Read the full blog post on our website.
🚨 New blog from Devin Vodicka (@learnercenteredleadership)
"In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, district leaders face the dual challenge of retaining top talent and ensuring effective leadership succession. Developing robust internal growth pipelines is not just a strategy for retention but a crucial aspect of fostering a culture of continuous professional development and career advancement.
A well-structured internal pipeline equips educators with the skills and opportunities necessary to advance within their current system—boosting job satisfaction and retention. By investing in the growth of their own staff, districts can cultivate a committed, knowledgeable workforce poised to take on leadership roles as they open up."
Read the full blog post on our website.
Traditional grading practices remain the dominant system for assessing the knowledge and skills students attain throughout their learning journey.
Even as schools and districts transition to various learner-centered structures and practices, how we measure learning outcomes remains largely unaddressed.
We know why we should shift away from this tradition. We even know what possibilities arise when we consider new ways of assessing, grading, reporting, and credentialing. But, we often get stuck on how to bring it all to life.
That`s why we are putting on a full-day workshop at this year`s Aurora Institute Symposium. This full-day workshop addresses the “how” by:
👓 Getting clear on the differences between traditional, standards-based, and competency-based grading and reporting.
🤝 Collaborating with educators from across the country who are ready to make this shift happen in their learning communities.
🎨 Designing the first draft of your competency-based assessment, grading, and reporting structure.
If you`re ready to learn how to shift away from traditional grading and reporting practices and bring competency-based assessment to your school or district, sign up for our Pre-Conference Workshop, today!
Traditional grading practices remain the dominant system for assessing the knowledge and skills students attain throughout their learning journey.
Even as schools and districts transition to various learner-centered structures and practices, how we measure learning outcomes remains largely unaddressed.
We know why we should shift away from this tradition. We even know what possibilities arise when we consider new ways of assessing, grading, reporting, and credentialing. But, we often get stuck on how to bring it all to life.
That`s why we are putting on a full-day workshop at this year`s Aurora Institute Symposium. This full-day workshop addresses the “how” by:
👓 Getting clear on the differences between traditional, standards-based, and competency-based grading and reporting.
🤝 Collaborating with educators from across the country who are ready to make this shift happen in their learning communities.
🎨 Designing the first draft of your competency-based assessment, grading, and reporting structure.
If you`re ready to learn how to shift away from traditional grading and reporting practices and bring competency-based assessment to your school or district, sign up for our Pre-Conference Workshop, today!
Community Forums, Summer Bridge Design Teams, Innovation Cohorts, and Rapid Prototyping highlight this week in learner-centered action!
@eusd_learns brought their community together for community forums and student focus groups to identify bright spots and opportunities as Lincoln Elementary launches the school redesign process!
A cross functional team of teachers, leaders, and central office administrators met to continue redesigning cssd11`s Summer Bridge Program! They created personas to empathize with all of the students, families, and staff they interviewed, and they went WIDE with ideation and generated some fantastic, fresh, and exciting ideas to address our design challenge: “How might we design a Summer Bridge experience for students and staff that is joyful and relevant, ensuring students improve in literacy skills and develop agency?”
The @santaanausd Innovation Design Cohort met to anchor their work in the Framework for the Future and connect to it personally by sharing their stories of self and us. This team is full of passionate leaders and coaches who are going to be essential to bringing the framework and their Portrait of a Learner to life!
Back at D11, students at West K-8 put the rapid prototyping component of design thinking to use as they built and tested custom stomp rockets. This design session was part of D11`s larger effort to build design thinking capacity across the district as it takes on challenges ranging from designing new teacher supports to "peak" learning experiences for all students.
Absolutely incredible work by these learner-centered communities!
Community Forums, Summer Bridge Design Teams, Innovation Cohorts, and Rapid Prototyping highlight this week in learner-centered action!
@eusd_learns brought their community together for community forums and student focus groups to identify bright spots and opportunities as Lincoln Elementary launches the school redesign process!
A cross functional team of teachers, leaders, and central office administrators met to continue redesigning cssd11`s Summer Bridge Program! They created personas to empathize with all of the students, families, and staff they interviewed, and they went WIDE with ideation and generated some fantastic, fresh, and exciting ideas to address our design challenge: “How might we design a Summer Bridge experience for students and staff that is joyful and relevant, ensuring students improve in literacy skills and develop agency?”
The @santaanausd Innovation Design Cohort met to anchor their work in the Framework for the Future and connect to it personally by sharing their stories of self and us. This team is full of passionate leaders and coaches who are going to be essential to bringing the framework and their Portrait of a Learner to life!
Back at D11, students at West K-8 put the rapid prototyping component of design thinking to use as they built and tested custom stomp rockets. This design session was part of D11`s larger effort to build design thinking capacity across the district as it takes on challenges ranging from designing new teacher supports to "peak" learning experiences for all students.
Absolutely incredible work by these learner-centered communities!
🎙️ "We want teachers to feel seen and heard, just like we do with our students." – Dr. Lilia Nañez, Associate Superintendent of @ectorcountyisd.
Dr. Nañez emphasizes how investing in teachers leads to greater success for students. She shares how Ector County ISD prioritizes teacher retention through leadership opportunities, coaching, and personalized support.
💫 When we empower educators, we empower students.
Learn more from Dr. Náñez and how Ector County ISD is Unlocking the Power of Aligned Learning in the latest episode of the Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast.
🎙️ "We want teachers to feel seen and heard, just like we do with our students." – Dr. Lilia Nañez, Associate Superintendent of @ectorcountyisd.
Dr. Nañez emphasizes how investing in teachers leads to greater success for students. She shares how Ector County ISD prioritizes teacher retention through leadership opportunities, coaching, and personalized support.
💫 When we empower educators, we empower students.
Learn more from Dr. Náñez and how Ector County ISD is Unlocking the Power of Aligned Learning in the latest episode of the Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast.
What impact does real-world learning have on young people? Katie Martin reflects on a powerful TEDx Talk a colleague recommended to her featuring a student from one of our partners, Laguna Beach Unified School District. Read all about it in this week`s Bright Spots (link in story).
What impact does real-world learning have on young people? Katie Martin reflects on a powerful TEDx Talk a colleague recommended to her featuring a student from one of our partners, Laguna Beach Unified School District. Read all about it in this week`s Bright Spots (link in story).
We are counting down the days to our first in-person gathering of the year with our 2024/25 Connections Leadership Cohort!
Eight district teams from CA, KY, and TX began their journey earlier this month by identifying a specific "Problem of Practice" they would like to solve during the year. And, clarifying what changes they want to see that would be meaningful markers of success.
When we gather in-person next week, they will be keeping that "Problem of Practice" front and center as they explore the learner-centered structures and practices in action at @encinitas_usd and STEM Aviation Academy.
By collaborating with their Connections peers, the local learning community at Encinitas (including students!), industry professionals at STEM Aviation Academy, and the LCC team, they will step into the final three months of the year with a clear focus on where to expend their energy and resources within their local districts.
We are counting down the days to our first in-person gathering of the year with our 2024/25 Connections Leadership Cohort!
Eight district teams from CA, KY, and TX began their journey earlier this month by identifying a specific "Problem of Practice" they would like to solve during the year. And, clarifying what changes they want to see that would be meaningful markers of success.
When we gather in-person next week, they will be keeping that "Problem of Practice" front and center as they explore the learner-centered structures and practices in action at @encinitas_usd and STEM Aviation Academy.
By collaborating with their Connections peers, the local learning community at Encinitas (including students!), industry professionals at STEM Aviation Academy, and the LCC team, they will step into the final three months of the year with a clear focus on where to expend their energy and resources within their local districts.
Understanding the distinction between product-based and competency-based rubrics is crucial for educators implementing competency-based assessment.
In a competency-based learning environment, the focus of feedback and assessment is on the outcomes themselves—the standards, competencies, or skills the community has decided are most critical for young people to demonstrate. Therefore, the competency-based rubric, aligned to the outcome and used across assignments or evidence opportunities, becomes the tool that anchors all of the work of learners and educators.
This shift does not eliminate the role of product-based rubrics entirely.
Educators can create success criteria, preferably in a checklist or single-point rubric format, to define a successful product. These product-based rubrics serve as scaffolds, supporting learners in developing their work. However, the product itself is not the primary focus of assessment.
Instead, whether the student has shown compelling evidence of the desired outcomes takes center stage. In cases where the product itself is central to the competency being assessed, such as a skill focused on creating beautiful art, the competency-based rubric would naturally emphasize the qualities of the product, blurring the line between product-based and competency-based assessment.
The product or the assignment is the vehicle for which learners will demonstrate the desired outcomes—the knowledge, skills, and dispositions defined in the standards or competencies. Ultimately, it is these outcomes that are assessed using the competency-based rubric.
Learn more about how you can integrate competency-based rubrics into your practice in our latest blog post!
Understanding the distinction between product-based and competency-based rubrics is crucial for educators implementing competency-based assessment.
In a competency-based learning environment, the focus of feedback and assessment is on the outcomes themselves—the standards, competencies, or skills the community has decided are most critical for young people to demonstrate. Therefore, the competency-based rubric, aligned to the outcome and used across assignments or evidence opportunities, becomes the tool that anchors all of the work of learners and educators.
This shift does not eliminate the role of product-based rubrics entirely.
Educators can create success criteria, preferably in a checklist or single-point rubric format, to define a successful product. These product-based rubrics serve as scaffolds, supporting learners in developing their work. However, the product itself is not the primary focus of assessment.
Instead, whether the student has shown compelling evidence of the desired outcomes takes center stage. In cases where the product itself is central to the competency being assessed, such as a skill focused on creating beautiful art, the competency-based rubric would naturally emphasize the qualities of the product, blurring the line between product-based and competency-based assessment.
The product or the assignment is the vehicle for which learners will demonstrate the desired outcomes—the knowledge, skills, and dispositions defined in the standards or competencies. Ultimately, it is these outcomes that are assessed using the competency-based rubric.
Learn more about how you can integrate competency-based rubrics into your practice in our latest blog post!
Last week, our inaugural cohort of LC Innovators kicked off with a bang!
This group of 11 learner-centered educators will come together each month to share bright spots, ideas, and wonderings around various learner-centered practices.
Represented in this cohort are @compasscs, @embarkeducation, @eusd_learns, Hampton Township School District, Muhlenberg County Public Schools, and @santaanausd.
Beyond our monthly gatherings, these educators will be sharing their expertise in blog posts, on our strategy pages, within our online courses, and more!
This is already a stellar group, and we can`t wait to form deeper connections throughout the year!
Learn more about each participant on our team page (About > Team > LC Innovators).
Last week, our inaugural cohort of LC Innovators kicked off with a bang!
This group of 11 learner-centered educators will come together each month to share bright spots, ideas, and wonderings around various learner-centered practices.
Represented in this cohort are @compasscs, @embarkeducation, @eusd_learns, Hampton Township School District, Muhlenberg County Public Schools, and @santaanausd.
Beyond our monthly gatherings, these educators will be sharing their expertise in blog posts, on our strategy pages, within our online courses, and more!
This is already a stellar group, and we can`t wait to form deeper connections throughout the year!
Learn more about each participant on our team page (About > Team > LC Innovators).
Nurturing a meaningful and engaging learning community, cultivating a sense of #belonging, and partnering with learners are all foundational for #inclusion. Eager to learn more? Take a Course! Check out our entire Equitable & Inclusive Learning Pathway by going to our website. #LCCourses #LearnerCentered
Nurturing a meaningful and engaging learning community, cultivating a sense of #belonging, and partnering with learners are all foundational for #inclusion. Eager to learn more? Take a Course! Check out our entire Equitable & Inclusive Learning Pathway by going to our website. #LCCourses #LearnerCentered
With fall on our doorstep, we kept the heat up with our learner-centered partners this week!
South San Francisco Unified School District launched their 2024-2025 Guiding Coalition this week. We focused on building relationships, deepening our understanding of the strategic plan, specifically the Portrait of a Graduate and Instructional Vision, and giving input and elevating voices from the SSFUSD community!
SSFUSD wasn`t done though. Principals met and deepened their understanding of a learner-centered approach. Among various experiences, the team read and used the Golden Line protocol to discuss the blog "Why Mindset Matters in Cultivating Learner Centered Change."
We hosted a trifecta of school visits to @encinitas_usd`s Farm Lab, @eusd_learns` Hidden Valley Middle School (to see their microschool), and Casita STEM Center in @vistaunified to showcase regional innovation.
We spent two days in @lindsayunified with new teacher residents and their mentors launching our yearlong Learner-Centered Innovation Cohort. Together, we got grounded in learner-centered practices to drive their goals and choose strategies to impact learners. We can’t wait to see what they do and learn over the next month!
It was an exciting Thursday in @acpsk12 where CAO Dr. Pierette Finney shared the K-8 Redesign Analysis with the Board. The presentation went very well and the board members responses give us confidence that this project will spark positive changes.
In addition, we visited the new Minnie Howard campus which opened this fall as part of the Connected High School and it was fantastic! The multi-site "academy" concept has amazing promise.
What a week it was! Thank you to all our learner-centered partners doing the work to realize their learner-centered visions.
With fall on our doorstep, we kept the heat up with our learner-centered partners this week!
South San Francisco Unified School District launched their 2024-2025 Guiding Coalition this week. We focused on building relationships, deepening our understanding of the strategic plan, specifically the Portrait of a Graduate and Instructional Vision, and giving input and elevating voices from the SSFUSD community!
SSFUSD wasn`t done though. Principals met and deepened their understanding of a learner-centered approach. Among various experiences, the team read and used the Golden Line protocol to discuss the blog "Why Mindset Matters in Cultivating Learner Centered Change."
We hosted a trifecta of school visits to @encinitas_usd`s Farm Lab, @eusd_learns` Hidden Valley Middle School (to see their microschool), and Casita STEM Center in @vistaunified to showcase regional innovation.
We spent two days in @lindsayunified with new teacher residents and their mentors launching our yearlong Learner-Centered Innovation Cohort. Together, we got grounded in learner-centered practices to drive their goals and choose strategies to impact learners. We can’t wait to see what they do and learn over the next month!
It was an exciting Thursday in @acpsk12 where CAO Dr. Pierette Finney shared the K-8 Redesign Analysis with the Board. The presentation went very well and the board members responses give us confidence that this project will spark positive changes.
In addition, we visited the new Minnie Howard campus which opened this fall as part of the Connected High School and it was fantastic! The multi-site "academy" concept has amazing promise.
What a week it was! Thank you to all our learner-centered partners doing the work to realize their learner-centered visions.
