CATALYST

Igniting a Learner-Centered Paradigm

December 2023

Dear Esteemed Colleague,

In my book "Learner-Centered Leadership," I recount a pivotal moment from my professional journey, a time when I stood at the crossroads of innovation and tradition. The proposal to transform Washington Middle School into a hub centered around design thinking was on my desk, and admittedly, I was on the verge of saying no. It was a radical shift, a move away from conventional educational models, venturing into largely uncharted territories of educational methodology. However, what tipped the scales towards a resounding 'yes' was not just the potential of the idea, but the foundation of strong relational trust that had been developed through collaboration and shared experiences. Ultimately, I believe it was my trust in the team that gave me the confidence to embark on a transformative journey to design our way to a design-thinking school centered around learners.

Fast forward a decade, and the impact of that decision has profoundly shaped my perspective on education. Washington Middle School became Vista Innovation and Design Academy (VIDA) and it has become a model of excellence and innovation. This experience, along with many others, has led me to become a fervent advocate for inclusive, human-centered, and learner-centered design in educational settings.

Design continues to be foundational and transformative to our work at Learner-Centered Collaborative as we envision education ecosystems where all learners know who they are, thrive in community, and actively engage in the world as their best selves and I am excited to share our new tagline: Centering Learners By Design.

This phrase encapsulates our mission and vision, signaling a future where educational experiences are crafted not just for learners, but with them at the very heart of every decision, every innovation, and every stride we make in the realm of education.

Discover What It Means to Center Learners By Design on a systems level all the way through to how we interact with learners in our classrooms, schools, and districts. 

And when you’re ready to add designer to your educator title, be sure to browse our free resources, check out a self-paced course, or get in touch and we’ll co-design a plan that works for you. I look forward to what’s possible together.

Yours in learner-centered collaboration, 

Devin

RESOURCES

💌 SPECIAL DELIVERY

COUNTDOWN TO WINTER BREAK - DAY 5 

Our celebratory Countdown to Winter Break is on and I am honored to share my top 3 reads for today’s “surprise.”

📕 READ

CENTERING LEARNERS BY DESIGN

What does learner-centered have to do with design? A lot, actually. Explore this inextricable link in our latest blog post, What It Means to Center Learners By Design.

DESIGN: AN INTEGRAL PART OF VIDA'S TURNAROUND STORY

We turn to design to create new and better ways and in this process there are inherently going to be unknowns. Working with trusted partners can mitigate risks when navigating the unfamiliar. This is my personal experience embracing design-thinking to improve learning (hint: it started with trepidation).

🔊 LISTEN

BREATHING LIFE BACK INTO LEARNING

If you haven't heard it yet, I recommend listening to Eric Chagala on the Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast where he shares about transforming a public middle school from a place learners hoped to be bused away from to a learning community with a wait list of over 700 children and families.

💡 LEARN

FEATURED COURSE: LEARNER-CENTERED DESIGN THINKING

Differentiate the elements of liberatory design thinking and how it is an important learner-centered strategy. Empathize with learners and define their needs. Brainstorm and imagine new possibilities with learners. Create a prototype solution for your design challenge. View course

UPCOMING EVENTS

👥 LEARNER-CENTERED LEADERSHIP FORUM

IGNITING LIMITLESS POTENTIAL FOR ALL LEARNERS

With Encinitas Union School District

THIS Friday, Dec 7, 1 pm PT / 4 pm ET (virtual)

Encinitas Union School District has a vibrant approach to communicating the district’s common vision and inspiring the community to bring their Framework for the Future to life. Superintendent Andrée Grey will share how educators play an important role in how the stories of all learners unfold.

LEARNER-CENTERED CATALYZER

Each month in Catalyst we’ll 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.

December’s Learner-Centered Catalyzer

Eric Chagala, the founding principal of Vista Innovation and Design Academy (VIDA), is a learner-centered leader, demonstrating a profound commitment to the educational landscape through his innovative and transformative approach. 

At the heart of his leadership style is a deep-seated dedication to fostering strong, meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff, creating a community grounded in mutual respect and collaboration. 

Eric's unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking has been instrumental in integrating design-thinking into the core of VIDA's curriculum, catalyzing a significant transformation in the school's educational environment. This approach has not only enhanced the learning experiences, but has also empowered students to become proactive, critical thinkers.

Thank you, Eric, for your ability to lead with vision, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to placing learners at the center by design, exemplifying what it means to be a learner-centered leader.

You can follow Eric @drchagala and continue to follow VIDA's journey @VIDASHARKS.

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