CATALYST

Igniting a Learner-Centered Paradigm

Dear Esteemed Colleague,

In Learner-Centered Leadership, I shared the origin story of the Framework of the Future–a holistic guide to support a learning community’s decisions, experiences, and resources toward a learner-centered future. In that book, I emphasized that “the most desirable approach is to co-construct one in a way that helps a community have collective ownership” because we discover the significance of coherence and alignment.

By focusing on coherence and alignment, we pave the way for transformative benefits for learning communities and learners.

In a rapidly changing world, the need for education systems that are both adaptable and aligned with the future has never been more critical. The Framework for the Future is a commitment to not just navigating these changes but leading the charge in creating learning environments that are equitable, inclusive, and forward-thinking.

Our vision for the future of education is ambitious AND within our reach. Through the collective efforts of our communities—guided by empathy, innovation, and a shared commitment to our learners—we are seeing these locally-developed frameworks come to life. Through listening deeply, engaging broadly, and acting boldly we are seeing school systems create the coherence and alignment our learners deserve.

Together, we can create an education system that not only meets the needs of today's learners but also anticipates the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

Let us unite in this purposeful journey towards an education system where coherence and alignment light the way to a brighter, more equitable future for all learners.

With anticipation for our shared journey,

RESOURCES

LEADERSHIP COHORTS

CO-DESIGN WITH LEARNER-CENTERED CONNECTIONS

Applications are open for 2024-25 cohorts

WHAT I'M READING

ARTICLES I'VE BEEN SHARING WITH MY TEAM

Research on Portraits of a Graduate

What Standardized Tests Actually Measure

Taking the Risk Out of Failure

SELF-PACED COURSE

ESTABLISHING THE ENABLING CONDITIONS FOR LEARNER-CENTERED TRANSFORMATION

Discover the 10 enabling conditions needed for learner-centered transformation with examples from schools and districts that are leveraging this condition to enact change. View course

UPCOMING EVENTS

LEARNER-CENTERED CATALYZER

March's Learner-Centered Catalyzer 

We are thrilled to spotlight Dr. Paul Gothold, Superintendent of the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), as our Catalyzer of the Month. Under Dr. Gothold’s visionary leadership, SDCOE has embraced a bold and transformative North Star: reducing poverty through the power of public education.

Recognizing that approximately half of all students in San Diego County are living in conditions that qualify them for free or reduced lunch, SDCOE has set an ambitious goal to decrease this figure from 51% in the 2022-23 school year to 35% by the end of the 2029-30 school year. This initiative is not just a number; it's a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of education to change lives.

Dr. Gothold’s commitment to transformational teaching and learning, community schools, and a strong emphasis on equity and student wellness is paving the way for a future without boundaries for all students. His work exemplifies what it means to be a Catalyzer in education–someone who ignites significant change and inspires others to join in the journey toward a more equitable and prosperous future.

Thank you Dr. Gothold for your dedication to creating a more inclusive and innovative educational landscape. To learn more about the work happening at SDCOE, follow @SanDiegoCOE.

Each month in Catalyst we celebrate a learner-centered catalyzer—an individual or team putting learners at the center getting us closer to our vision for education ecosystems that empower all learners to know who they are, thrive in community, and can actively engage in the world as their best selves. Have someone to nominate? Tell us about them here.

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