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.
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).
🔗 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).
🔗 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!
Communities of Practice (CoPs) intentionally designed to align with learner-centered principles allow adults to experience the same learning outcomes they hope to achieve with their young students.
✅ CoPs that allow educators to focus on their specific needs and interests make the learning journey PERSONALIZED.
✅ CoPs that address real classroom challenges in real time make the learning AUTHENTIC.
✅ CoPs that support ongoing skill development and proficiency make the learning COMPETENCY-BASED.
✅ CoPs that bring together diverse perspectives and experiences make the learning INCLUSIVE.
✅ CoPs that provide equal opportunities for all members to contribute and learn make the learning EQUITABLE.
Learn more about how to bring Communities of Practice to your learning environment on our blog: http://bit.ly/YES2COP
Communities of Practice (CoPs) intentionally designed to align with learner-centered principles allow adults to experience the same learning outcomes they hope to achieve with their young students.
✅ CoPs that allow educators to focus on their specific needs and interests make the learning journey PERSONALIZED.
✅ CoPs that address real classroom challenges in real time make the learning AUTHENTIC.
✅ CoPs that support ongoing skill development and proficiency make the learning COMPETENCY-BASED.
✅ CoPs that bring together diverse perspectives and experiences make the learning INCLUSIVE.
✅ CoPs that provide equal opportunities for all members to contribute and learn make the learning EQUITABLE.
Learn more about how to bring Communities of Practice to your learning environment on our blog: http://bit.ly/YES2COP
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!
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!
