In conversations across the country, I hear a growing mix of excitement and apprehension about the role of artificial intelligence in education. Many see the potential, yet most also sense a disconnect between what today’s AI tools produce and the kinds of learning experiences we want for young people. This tension is not incidental—it reflects a deeper issue in how AI currently “understands” teaching and learning.
This month, I want to explore this issue, the opportunities available to us, and real-world examples of how AI can be a tool for supporting the implementation of meaningful learner-centered practices.
At Learner-Centered Collaborative, we are steadfast in our commitment to redesigning K-12 public education in partnership with schools and districts across the country. Our Learner-Centered Ecosystem Framework guides everything we do and acknowledges the complexity of this redesign work. What isn't complex is the impact we have had the privilege to witness time and time again. Namely, the joy that beams from young people, educators, families, and community members when learners and learning are centered by design.
From left to right, top to bottom: Educators from our third Western PA Innovation Cohort, School Redesign Team at West Campus in Colorado Springs District 11, members of South San Francisco’s Guiding Coalition, and educators from Alamogordo Publc Schools' Leadership Academy
As we settle into the holiday season and count down the days to a well-deserved winter break, I invite you consider what is sparking joy in your learning community and, perhaps most importantly, why? What are the enabling conditions that make that joy come to life?
We see it come to life with our Innovation Cohorts, where educators get dedicated time to collaborate and iterate on their learner-centered instructional practices. We see it come to life with our School Redesign teams that are generating clear identities for their learning communities. We see it come to life with our Guiding Coalitions reimagining district visions, missions, values, and learning models. And, we see it come to life within our Learner-Centered Leadership Academies, where school and district leaders are developing practical strategies and actionable plans to implement meaningful change in their educational communities.
"The Del Mar Assessment Team shared prototypes aligned with their new Assessment Guidance draft—iterating on student goal setting practices, writing growth-oriented report card comments, and incorporating more student voice. The team is full of energy and inspiration as they learn from each other and iterate their prototypes." ~Meg Parry
"The school redesign team at West Campus in Colorado Springs District 11 gathered to refine their 5-year Big Move plan based on recent visits to inspirational schools in the region. During the session, the team also identified ways to pilot early versions of a multi-aged advisory and "Habits of a West Learner." ~Jesse Ross
"Four districts from across the Pittsburgh region came together to launch our third Western PA Innovation Cohort. Teachers from Baldwin Whitehall, Elizabeth Forward, Hampton Township, and Deer Lakes will collaborate throughout the school year to design and implement learner-centered strategies to bring their Portraits of a Learner to life with students." ~Brittany Griffin
Celebrating learner-centered leaders doing transformational work
This month, we celebrate Sunanna Chand, Executive Director of the Reinvention Lab at Teach For America, as our Catalyzer of the Month! In her role, she leads TFA’s future-of-learning “R&D engine,” creating innovative offerings that equip educators and communities to design learning experiences that are relevant, equitable, and responsive. Her work pushes beyond incremental improvements. She leads a bold reexamination of what school can be, developing new models and sharing what her team has learned to benefit the broader field.
.png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=CATALYST%20(1).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=250&upscale=true&name=Graphics%20for%20Networks%20Section%20(1).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=320&upscale=true&name=Catalyzer%20of%20the%20Month%20Headshot%20(1).png)
