Blog
From the Classroom to the Cosmos: Passion Projects as a Tool for Real-World Learning
“My favorite part of my passion project was when astronaut Kevin explained that Mars rocks are in the Arctic ice. It was so cool to know that we can learn a lot about Mars here on Earth instead of going to Mars,” said Owen, a space-obsessed fifth grader. My son, Owen, didn’t just complete…
Big Moves
Physical Space Design
Overview Physical spaces, when designed with intention, can enable the Learning Model to be fully embraced by a school, shaping the learning environment to align with the Portrait of a Learner. The guiding principle is that form drives function and that both influence and reflect a school’s culture. Thoughtful care for physical space demonstrates…
Big Moves
Capstone Projects
Overview A capstone project is a culminating project, usually done in a learner’s final year at a school or in a program, that allows them to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve gained throughout a course, program, or educational experience. Typically, it is comprehensive, often interdisciplinary, and requires learners to engage in critical thinking,…
Big Moves
Master Schedule Redesign
Overview School-centered schedules often focus on compliance and efficiency over learning. Students move through the instructional day, most often dictated by bells, learning content in isolation. In a learner-centered system, time is prioritized to ensure that a school day provides opportunities for learners to engage deeply in meaningful work that supports their progress toward…
Big Moves
Developing Community Partnerships for Internships, Mentorships and Community Projects
Overview Developing a community partnership strategy for internships, mentorships, and community projects is a valuable initiative for schools and districts, as it lays the groundwork for meaningful authentic learning experiences that support learners in developing their school or district’s key outcomes as outlined in their Portrait of a Learner. Through these community-connected experiences, learners…
Podcasts
Episode 41: Reimagining Learning Through Co-Design and Agency with Allie Wong
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: Allie Wong, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Learner-Centered Collaborative, shares her journey from being a student in a project-based learning environment to becoming a teacher, school leader,…
Podcasts
Episode 40: The Power of Joy in Learning with Dr. George Philhower
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. George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana, shares his journey as an educator and leader dedicated to creating school environments where students wake up…
Podcasts
Episode 39: Innovative Paths: Redefining School and Community Collaboration with Dr. Justin Terry
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. Justin Terry, Superintendent of Forney ISD, joins Katie Martin to discuss the power of learner-centered education, innovative leadership, and the transformation of public schools into community-driven…
Tools
Community Asset Map Tool
The Community Asset Map is a tool that helps educators identify and leverage local resources, skills, and networks to enhance their teaching practice. By mapping out community assets – from businesses to cultural organizations – educators can create more meaningful learning experiences that connect classroom content with the real-world. Through a step-by-step process, this…
Blog
Building Community Partnerships: A Strategy for Sustaining Learner-Centered Education
Written by Danielle Delrosario Danielle DelRosario is a Community Schools/MTSS Specialist in Escondido Union School District and member of our inaugural LC Innovator cohort, where learner-centered educators come together to share bright spots and ideas around innovative practices The current research on community partnerships in education indicates tremendous benefits for students, namely: enhanced…
Podcasts
Episode 36: Clark Street Community School Student Panel with Ruby & Everest
Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsEpisode Summary: In this live-recorded episode at the Aurora Institute Symposium 2024, Katie Martin hosts two inspiring students from Clark Street Community School, Ruby and Everest. Together, they share their unique experiences in a learner-centered environment that emphasizes real-world learning experiences and community connections. Ruby and Everest reflect on…
Blog
Beyond the Classroom: Cultivating Local Partnerships to Generate Real-World Learning Opportunities
In our pursuit to create learner-centered educational ecosystems, out-of-school partnerships play a crucial role. Collaborations across various sectors not only break down barriers to access and opportunity but also infuse real-world learning into the everyday learning model. By fostering diverse partnerships, schools and districts can significantly enrich the learning landscape, offering students relevant and…