Blog
Debunking the Math Myth: How Learner-Centered Classrooms Deepen Understanding
In a learner-centered classroom, math is about more than numbers and formulas—it’s about curiosity, exploration, and making sense of the world. Picture this: It’s 10:00am in Ms. Kim’s 3rd grade classroom and students are gathered on the rug around a chart. Two students have just finished sharing their strategies with the whole class on…
Blog
Designing for What Matters Most: How Unit Design PD Brings Our Learner Profile to Life
By Chad Mabery, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services at Laguna Beach Unified School District “Have you ever taught a unit of study that students just don’t seem to enjoy? Do you have a unit of study that you dread teaching every year? We’ll pay you to redesign it!” That’s the sales pitch through…
Big Moves
Coaching and Mentoring Programs
Overview: Transforming schools into learner-centered environments begins with investing in the people closest to students– teachers. Coaching and mentoring are not just supports– they are catalysts for lasting change. When educators are supported to reflect, take risks and grow in community with one another, they develop the confidence and skill to design experiences where…
Big Moves
Communication Plan
Overview: Finding ways to communicate the Framework for the Future (or Portrait of a Learner and Strategic Plan) after the initial launch is crucial for ongoing success. This includes ongoing transparent communication, storytelling that highlights the bright spots and feedback loops that center the voices of learners and continue to build relational trust amongst…
Webinars & Podcasts
Episode 44: Rethinking High School with AI and Human Connection (with Lexi and Reese)
Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple Podcasts Episode Summary: In this episode of The Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast, host Katie Martin speaks with high school seniors Lexi and Reese from Avonworth High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Katie first met the students during a school visit and was so inspired by their research on AI and human…
Webinars & Podcasts
Episode 43: The Case for Learner-Centered, Universally Designed Classrooms (with Katie Novak)
By loading this video, you agree to the privacy policy of Youtube.Always load Youtube videos on this site.Load VideoListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsWatch on YouTube Episode Summary: In this episode of the Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast, host Dr. Katie Martin is joined by Dr. Katie Novak, founder and CEO of Novak Educational Consulting and…
Blog
The Impact of Innovation Cohorts: A Research-Based Perspective on Educator Growth
Written by Anna Yinqi Zhang, Ph.D. Candidate at Pennsylvania State University. Through the inaugural Learner-Centered Assessment Fellowship, Digital Promise and Learner-Centered Collaborative brought together early-career scholars, education partners, and mentors to explore the potential of collaboration and culturally responsive approaches to educational assessment. As a final reflection and celebration of their work, each of…
Big Moves
Professional Learning Plan
Overview A truly learner-centered school models the same principles for all learners, including educators. Developing a professional learning calendar and plan aligned with the Learning Model ensures that educators experience the agency, collaboration and authentic application they are fostering in their classrooms. By incorporating educator voice, practice-based professional learning and ongoing cycles of reflection,…
Big Moves
Redesign Educator Growth Plans & Evaluations
Once a system has clarity and coherence on leader and educator roles in service of their learner-centered vision, other structures require rethinking. Evaluation models in a school-centered paradigm focus on compliance and accountability. As we shift our focus to empowering learners, we must also empower educators and leaders by focusing on feedback and development. …
Blog
Building Relational Trust: Our Journey with Lamont Elementary School District
Contributions from Catina Hancock, Learner-Centered Collaborative and Dr. Lori González, Lamont Elementary School District In California’s Central Valley, Lamont Elementary School District is redefining what’s possible in education. Serving over 3,000 students, many from low-income backgrounds and a high percentage of English Language Learners, Lamont faced unique challenges. But under Superintendent Dr. Lori Gonzalez’s…
Blog
Homegrown Talent: The Strategic Importance of Internal Growth Pipelines in Education
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…
Webinars & Podcasts
Episode 32: Bridging Technology and Curriculum: Unlocking the Power of Aligned Learning Throughout a District with Dr. Lilia Náñez
By loading this video, you agree to the privacy policy of Youtube.Always load Youtube videos on this site.Load VideoListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsWatch on YouTubeEpisode Summary: Dr. Lilia Náñez, Associate Superintendent of Ector County ISD in Odessa, Texas, shares her passion for equity and learner-centered leadership, drawing from her personal experience growing up…
Big Moves
Design Competency-Based Professional Learning Structures
Overview 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…
Blog
5 Powerful Practices to Develop Learner-Centered School Leaders
On a sunny January “winter” day in Santa Ana, California, a group of Assistant Principals huddle around a case study that chronicles a common scenario in their (and many) school districts: a new teacher is struggling with reading instruction and classroom management, and her students report feeling bored and disengaged. The school leaders collaborate…
BlogWebinars & Podcasts
Webinar Recording: Personalized Professional Development with Lamont Elementary School District
Explore personalized professional development with Lamont Elementary School District in our latest webinar. LCC Partner Catina Hancock and Superintendent Lori Gonzalez share strategies for implementing personalized PD initiatives. Learn about: Lamont ESD’s three-tiered approach to personalized PD Increasing educator self-reflection by 30% in 4 months Combining quality resources with collaboration time Impact of leadership…
Blog
Leadership Coaching: A Mechanism for Supporting Organizational Culture and Enabling Conditions
As a school or district leader, your calendar is likely packed with meetings, decisions to make, and fires to put out. With so many demands on your time, it’s easy to push personal development to the back burner. However, making time for leadership coaching isn’t just another task on your to-do list—it’s a critical…
Blog
Reflect, Rest, and Rejuvenate This Summer
Image taken at Duquesne City School District The end of the school year is an exciting time filled with ceremonies, field trips, field days, exhibitions, plays, and performances celebrating the hard work of every educator and learner. However, it can also be a stressful and emotional period. Grades are due, everyone is tired from…
Blog
Bringing Student Wonders to Life: An Interview from an Innovation Cohort
Learner-Centered Collaborative has partnered with South Allegheny and Duquesne City School Districts in Pennsylvania to host an Innovation Cohort in 2023-2024. Each cohort evolves with the needs and interests of the participants, but typically includes: Self-paced, online courses that forward and strengthen learner-centered practices Virtual Communities of Practice sessions In-person sessions to discuss learnings,…