As we work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive education system, it's important to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We need to embrace an expansive view that acknowledges the complexities and nuances of the educational landscape.
This month's newsletter focuses on the theme of "both/and"—the idea that we need to embrace multiple perspectives and approaches in order to improve education for all students. We need to recognize the following as both critical to future success:
psychology and sociology,
personalization and authentic learning,
organizational coherence and flexibility,
state agencies and school districts,
students and teachers,
teachers and administrators,
high expectations and flexible pathways,
individual agency and social impact,
academic and social development, and
artificial intelligence and human connectedness
From a systems level, we need industrial-era educational efficiencies and the creativity of entrepreneurial microschools to create successful and accessible learning opportunities for all.
By building on our strengths and assets, and working together towards a common goal, we can create a more robust and inclusive education system that meets the needs of every learner. In this month's newsletter, we will explore some of the ways in which different perspectives and approaches can be combined to create more impactful learning experiences.
We hope that the stories and insights we share this month will inspire you to embrace a more expansive view of education and to continue to push for change in your own work.
Together, we can create a better future for all learners.
Yours in learner-centered collaboration, Devin
Now booking 2023-24 partnerships! Connect with our team to design a plan tailored to your goals.
Best of both worlds: Change Grade Levels and Courses to Microschools
If we want to scale new models that stand a chance to level the playing field, we need to find ways to incorporate the best features of our industrial model with the creative potential of new models. It can’t be either/or and it must be both/and if we are going to achieve our vision of a brighter future for ALL learners. In this blog post I offer what this might look like throughout the K12 years. Read now
IMPACT STORY
Mesa Union School District
See how a small, tight-knit school district steeped in tradition dating back to its inception in 1939, is building upon its roots to realize a more learner-centered experience for all. Explore their framework process, the final product, and how it is coming to life throughout the district. Access story
BLOG POST
4 Ways to Increase Inclusion and Engagement When Allocating Resources
The resource allocation process is one of many “business of school” tasks that can and should be unleashed beyond the district office walls and into a conversation influenced by key stakeholder groups, and most importantly, learners. Explore why and how this can and should be the norm. Read now
EVENTS
WEBINAR: Revealing our Secrets: Professional learning that makes an impact
May 15, 1 pm PT
Uncover the principles behind impactful, fun, learner-centered professional learning! You'll leave this webinar being able to more fully articulate a vision for leadership and educator learning in your school or district and will be introduced to a variety of offerings for when the time is right.
All registrants will receive the webinar recording
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.
Bianca Barquin
Dr. Sonia Llamas
May’s Learner-Centered Catalyzers
This month please join me in celebrating a dynamic duo from Santa Ana Unified: Bianca Barquin, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, and Dr. Sonia Llamas, Assistant Superintendent of School Performance and Culture.
Bianca and Sonia have been instrumental leaders in the ambitious work the district is doing as they shift to a more learner-centered experience for all. Starting with an asset-framing approach, they’re building upon existing Bright Spots with input from stakeholders, especially learners, as their guide.
Thank you Bianca and Sonia for relentlessly keeping students at the center of your work to create a positive, learner-centered culture serving over 40K learners. To learn more check out Santa Ana Unified’s Impact Story and follow this month’s catalyzers on social at @biancabarquin and @DrSoniaLlamas
