October 2, 2025

Dear Educator,

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Escondido Union School District, where they've been operationalizing their learner-centered vision since 2021. During my visit, Superintendent Luis Ibarra shared the district's emphasis on “staying the course,” a message that resonated deeply with all of us as we witnessed the real impact of that approach.

In this week's Bright Spot, I want to share the powerful results I saw when it came to their district-wide coherence and sustained commitment.

With Gratitude,

Celebrating Sustained Commitment in Escondido

One of the most inspiring parts of my visit was observing the learner-centered practices at Hidden Valley Microschool, a unique model that’s reimagining how to use time to create a sense of belonging, shared and individual purpose, and authentic learning experiences. Students spoke openly about how this new learning environment makes them feel less stressed, more connected to their teachers, and excited about hands-on projects. There was a clear sense of ownership and joy in their learning.

Teachers shared how this model has reinvigorated their practice, giving them the space to experiment, collaborate, and bring creativity into the classroom. Their passion was palpable, and their belief in what’s possible was contagious.

It was a window into what’s possible when systems align around a shared vision and give educators the conditions to innovate. Escondido’s journey is a reminder that transformation doesn’t come from chasing the next big idea, but from coherence, trust, and time.

Are you committed to sustainable learner-centered change? At Learner-Centered Collaborative, we partner with schools and districts that are ready to prioritize long-term impact over short-term tweaks. That's why we take an ecosystem approach that centers on whole-learner outcomes, reimagines the learning model, supports purposeful school redesign, and helps establish sustainable enabling conditions and cultural artifacts. If you're ready to lead this kind of holistic shift in your learning community, connect with us here to see how we can help.

At Learner-Centered Collaborative, we believe AI holds promise as a tool that can support the creation of education ecosystems where learners know who they are, thrive in community, and actively engage in the world as their best selves. This publication explores specific, successful, learner-centered uses of AI in K-12 education that can be utilized as a model for schools as we enter a new era of technology. Read these inspiring stories.

Resources to advance your learner-centered practice

📖 Building Brighter Futures Together: Connecting Researchers With Education Practitioners. "A fresh model of collaboration is emerging in Southern California; one that unites K–12 education, higher education institutions, and local communities with a shared focus on supporting the whole learner." Explore this amazing partnership.

🎙️ Future-Ready Learning in the Age of AI. "In this episode of The Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast, Dr. Babak Mostaghimi reflects on his upbringing as the son of Iranian refugees, his transformative experience as a Teach for America teacher in rural Mississippi, and how those moments led him to think bigger about educational systems. His philosophy of leadership is shaped by seeing himself as a “gardener”—planting seeds, nurturing growth, and recognizing when to let go of practices that no longer serve learners." Tune-in to the full episode

🎨 Use Art to Get to Know Learners."Research consistently shows that when students have supportive relationships and feel known at school, learning accelerates. Making consistent, strategic efforts to deeply see and know your students will provide a powerful foundation for learning. Art is a great way to allow students to get to know themselves, express themselves and get to know others." Learn some fun ways to use art here.